Thoracic disc herniations. They
are not very ordinary. They’re not discussed
much. But thoracic disc herniations do exist. The C7/T1 disc herniations are
even more unusual and are reported in the spine literature
more due to their unusualness. Executive Chiropractic of Iowa embraces
unusual! Unusual merits care and attention.
Executive Chiropractic of Iowa cares for unusual presentations like thoracic
disc herniations, specifically those at the C7/T1 spinal
level which is also known as the cervicothoracic
junction where the neck connects with the upper back.
Unusual Disc Herniation
C7/T1 disc herniations are unusual
from their adjacent segments, cervical disc herniations (neck) and
thoracic disc herniations (mid-back). Why? They have a habit of herniating laterally (out to the side) instead of centrally. What makes that unusual? The C7/T1 disc level doesn’t typically have Luschka joints. These joints hold
the intervertebral discs in place and decrease the risk of
herniation. They permit flexion and extension and control
the amount of lateral flexion in the neck. There is a report of a rare occurrence
of a central C7/T1 disc herniation that caused
lower extremity numbness and weakness as well as
gait disturbance though in a patient who had no or very little hand-related
symptoms that would
otherwise be expected. (1) Know that your
West Des Moines chiropractor will do a careful examination and
discern the root cause
of your pain with knowledge of unusual incidences
like this.
Symptoms of C8 Disc Herniation
C7/T1 disc herniations account
for 3.5% to 4% of all herniated cervical discs. (2,3) They are likely to be misdiagnosed due to their unusual
neurological findings. C7/T1 disc herniations (aka herniations of the C8 disc) instigate
weakness in hand muscles. The C8 nerve
roots exit between the C7 and
T1 vertebrae. (4) They lie
above the C8 disc making it unusual for a disc herniation to press on
the C8 nerve. (5) But when it does, a C7/T1 disc
herniation usually fires pain down the arm into the ring and
pinky fingers (which may be confusing as pain
here is also indicative of ulnar neuropathy). (3,4)
It will not confuse your
West Des Moines chiropractor though! Executive Chiropractic of Iowa is ready with
the tests to do and questions to ask to determine the diagnosis.
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Listen to a podcast about neck pain helped with Cox Technic.
"This information and website content is not intended to diagnose, guarantee results, or recommend specific treatment or activity. It is designed to educate and inform only. Please consult your physician for a thorough examination leading to a diagnosis and well-planned treatment strategy. See more details on the
DISCLAIMER page. Content is reviewed by
Dr. James M. Cox I."