What causes thoracic disc bulge?
Bulging discs are primarily caused by degeneration, or age-related wear and tear, that breaks down the walls of the disc, repetitive bending and twisting motions that weaken the outer fibrous rings of the disc, and sudden falls or trauma, such as motor vehicle accidents.
Can disc protrusion be cured?
Although medicine doesn’t cure a herniated disc, it may reduce inflammation and pain and allow you to begin an exercise program that can strengthen your stomach and back muscles.
How do you fix a disc protrusion?
Nonsurgical treatment may include:
- Rest. One to 2 days of bed rest will usually help relieve back and leg pain.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs). Medications such as ibuprofen or naproxen can help relieve pain.
- Physical therapy.
- Epidural steroid injection.
Is disc protrusion degenerative?
Smith: As we age, our discs deteriorate and bulge downward, so bulging discs are usually caused by age-related degeneration. Because it is considered degenerative, there is usually a progressive, gradual onset of symptoms. It can cause pain in the buttocks, legs, or back. It can also affect your ability to walk.
Is thoracic bulging disc common?
Thoracic disc herniation is rare and usually asymptomatic. Often found incidentally with MRI. Herniation of the intervertebral disc in the thoracic region makes up: 0.5% to 4.5% of all disc ruptures.
How do you treat a thoracic bulging disc naturally?
Treating a Bulging Disc Avoid activities like bending, twisting, prolonged sitting, and lifting. Anti-inflammatory drugs and pain medications. Apply ice to the thoracic spine to help reduce pain and associated muscle spasm. Apply ice right away and then at intervals for about 20 minutes at a time.
What does it mean to have a disc protrusion?
The nucleus presses against the annulus, causing the disc to bulge or prolapse outward. The bulged disc material is still contained within the annulus. But in some cases, the nucleus pushes completely through the annulus and squeezes out of the disc. This is called a disc herniation or protrusion.
What are the surgical treatments for thoracic disc?
Pressure on the spinal cord from a herniated thoracic disc can also be effectively treated using a surgical procedure called costotransversectomy. The surgeon makes an incision through the back of the spine. The ends of one or more nearby ribs are removed where they join the spine.
What is a ruptured thoracic disc?
Ruptured Thoracic Disc. A ruptured thoracic disc, also called a herniated disc or slipped disc, describes a condition when a disc slips out from between two vertebrae in the thoracic spine (middle of the back), tears, and protrudes outside of its normal location, putting pressure on the other structures in the area.
What causes disc protrusion?
Disc protrusion is often associated with a herniated disc and bulging disc, because they are both forms of protruding discs. Disc protrusion is most often caused by the natural degeneration process of the spine.
Is there a difference between disc bulge and disc protrusion?
Disc bulge is distinguished from a disc protrusion in that it involves more than 25% of the circumference. A disc extrusion is distinguished from a disc protrusion in that the base of the protruded disc material is narrower than its ‘dome’. Furthermore this material may extend above or below the disc level.
