C8 Disc Herniations Respond to Severna Park Chiropractic

Thoracic disc herniations. They are not very common. They are 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 due to their unusualness. Back And Neck Care Center embraces unusual! Unusual merits care and attention. Back And Neck Care Center cares for unusual presentations like thoracic disc herniations, especially those at the C7/T1 level of the spine 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 neighbors, cervical disc herniations (neck) and thoracic disc herniations (mid-back). Why? They have a habit of herniating laterally (out to the side) rather than centrally. What makes that unusual? The C7/T1 disc level does not normally have Luschka joints. These joints hold the intervertebral discs in place and reduce the risk of herniation. They permit flexion and extension and limit the extent of lateral flexion in the cervical spine. One medical report documents a rare episode of a central C7/T1 disc herniation that triggered lower extremity numbness and weakness as well as 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 Severna Park chiropractor will perform a careful examination and discern the source 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 tend 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 vertebra and the T1 vertebra. (4) These nerves lie 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 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 won’t be confusing to your Severna Park chiropractor though! Back And Neck Care Center knows the tests to do and questions to ask to determine the diagnosis.

Make An Appointment 

Listen to a podcast about neck pain helped with Cox Technic.  

Then, schedule a Severna Park chiropractic appointment today. Bring your painful neck and tingling fingers and weak hands to Back And Neck Care Center to discover the source and the Severna Park chiropractic treatment plan likely incorporating gentle Cox Technic treatment to drop intradiscal pressures and open the canal space for relief.
 
 
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"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."