Thoracic disc herniations. They’re not very common. They are 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. Palmer Chiropractic Center embraces
unusual! Unusual merits care and attention.
Palmer Chiropractic Center tends to unusual presentations like thoracic
disc herniations, specifically those at the C7/T1 spinal
level aka the cervicothoracic
junction where the neck links 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 does
not normally have Luschka joints. These joints secure
the intervertebral discs in place and reduce the risk of
herniation. They allow flexion and extension and limit
the amount of lateral flexion in the cervical spine. One
medical report documents a rare occurrence
of a central C7/T1 disc herniation that triggered
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 anticipated. (1) Be confident that your
Lynchburg chiropractor will do a careful examination and
uncover the root cause
of your pain with awareness of unusual occurrences
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
inclined 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 sit
above the C8 disc making it unusual for a disc herniation to compress
the C8 nerve. (5) Nevertheless when it does, a C7/T1 disc
herniation usually sends pain down the arm into the ring and
pinky fingers (which sometimes confuses the case as pain
here also suggests of ulnar neuropathy). (3,4)
It will not be confusing to your
Lynchburg chiropractor though! Palmer Chiropractic Center knows
the tests to do and questions to ask to make 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."