Thoracic Disc Herniation

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• A thoracic disc, or intervertebral disc, is a sac filled with a gel-like material found between your vertebrae. Your vertebrae are the bones in your back that are linked together to form your spine. Your thoracic discs and vertebrae are found at the base of your neck down to just below your ribs. Your vertebrae and discs help your spine and body support your weight. Your spine surrounds your spinal cord that contains your nerves. Thoracic disc herniation occurs when the gel-like material bulges or leaks out from between your vertebrae. A weak disc, injury, cracked vertebrae, or scar tissue may cause your disc to herniate. The herniated disc may press on your nerves or spinal cord. A herniated thoracic disc may be painful and decrease your movement.
  
  
• You may feel pain in your back, shoulders, chest, or pelvic area. Your legs may be numb, or they may have a burning or tingling feeling. You may leak urine or stool (bowel movements). You may have trouble walking or moving your legs. You caregiver may check your spine and feel for areas that cause you pain. Imaging tests such as a computed tomography (CT) scan, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and a myelogram may be needed. Treatment may include medicines, injections, physical therapy, and surgery. Having your thoracic disc herniation treated may decrease your pain. You may be able to move and function in your daily life better. Treatment may also prevent your nerves or spinal cord from being permanently damaged.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Take your medicine as directed.

Call your primary healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell him if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.

• Muscle relaxers: This medicine helps relax your muscles. It is also given to decrease pain and muscle spasms.
  
  
• Pain medicine: You may need medicine to take away or decrease pain.
  
  
  • Learn how to take your medicine. Ask what medicine and how much you should take. Be sure you know how, when, and how often to take it.
    
    
  • Do not wait until the pain is severe before you take your medicine. Tell caregivers if your pain does not decrease.
    
    
  • Pain medicine can make you dizzy or sleepy. Prevent falls by calling someone when you get out of bed or if you need help.
  
  
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicine: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicine (NSAIDs) may help decrease pain and inflammation (swelling). This medicine can be bought with or without a doctor's order. This medicine can cause stomach bleeding or kidney problems in certain people. Always read the medicine label and follow the directions on it before using this medicine.
  
  
• Steroids: Steroid medicine may be given to decrease inflammation, which is pain and swelling.

Follow-up visits:

You may need a follow-up visit so your caregiver can check your wound if you had surgery. You may also need follow-up visits for back injections to decrease your pain. Ask your caregiver when to return for a follow-up visit. Keep all appointments. Write down any questions you may have. This way you will remember to ask these questions during your next visit.

Back brace:

Your caregiver may give you a back brace to wear for support and to decrease pain.

Physical therapy:

A physical therapist works with you to make your back muscles stronger and decrease your pain. A physical therapist may teach you exercises and stretches that help your back. They may also use massage and other treatments to improve your functioning. With physical therapy, your muscles may be better able to support your spine.

Walking aid:

You may need a walking aid if you have decreased movement in one or both legs. Talk to your caregiver about what walking aid may be right for you.

Quit smoking:

It is never too late to quit smoking. Caregivers believe smoking may increase your risk for back pain. Smoking also harms your heart, lungs, and blood. You are more likely to have a heart attack, lung disease, and cancer if you smoke. You will help yourself and those around you by not smoking. Ask your caregiver for more information about how to stop smoking if you are having trouble quitting.

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• You have a fever (high body temperature).
  
  
• You have nausea that does not go away.
  
  
• Your pain gets worse even after taking your medicine.

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

• You are unable to move one or both of your legs.
  
  
• You have severe (very bad) headaches when you hold your head in certain positions.
  
  
• You have new and sudden chest pain.
  
  
• You suddenly have trouble breathing.

Learn more about Thoracic Disc Herniation (Aftercare Instructions)