Thoracic disc herniations. They
are not very common. They’re not talked about
much. But thoracic disc herniations do exist. The C7/T1 disc herniations are
even more unusual and are reported in the spine literature
more because of their unusualness. Arctic Chiropractic, Sitka welcomes
unusual! Unusual calls for care and attention.
Arctic Chiropractic, Sitka cares for unusual presentations like thoracic
disc herniations, especially those at the C7/T1 spinal
level which is also known as the cervicothoracic
junction where the neck joins with the upper back.
Unusual Disc Herniation
C7/T1 disc herniations are unusual
from their neighbors, cervical disc herniations (neck) and
thoracic disc herniations (mid-back). Why? They are inclined
to herniate laterally (out to the side) rather
than 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 reduce the risk of
herniation. They allow flexion and extension and restrain
the extent of lateral flexion in the cervical spine. There is a report of a rare episode
of a central C7/T1 disc herniation that produced
lower extremity numbness and weakness in addition to
gait disturbance though in a patient who tells of no or very little hand pain or numbness that would
otherwise be expected. (1) Know that your
Sitka chiropractor will do a careful examination and
work out the source
of your pain with awareness 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 tend to be misdiagnosed owing to their unusual
neurological findings. C7/T1 disc herniations (aka herniations of the C8 disc) cause
weakness in hand muscles. The C8 nerve
roots extend outward between the C7 and
T1 vertebrae. (4) These nerves are positioned
above the C8 disc making it unusual for a disc herniation to press on
the C8 nerve. (5) Nevertheless when it does, a C7/T1 disc
herniation usually shoots pain down the arm into the ring and
pinky fingers (which sometimes confuses the case as pain
here is also indicative of ulnar neuropathy). (3,4)
It will not be confusing to your
Sitka chiropractor though! Arctic Chiropractic, Sitka knows
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."