C8 Disc Herniations Respond to Murfreesboro Chiropractic

August 01, 2017

Thoracic disc herniations. They are not very common. They’re not mentioned much. But thoracic disc herniations do exist. The C7/T1 disc herniations are even more unusual and are shared in the spine literature more due to their unusualness. Most Chiropractic Clinic embraces unusual! Unusual warrants care and attention. Most Chiropractic Clinic tends to unusual presentations like thoracic disc herniations, especially those at the C7/T1 level of the spine aka the cervicothoracic junction where the neck joins 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) rather than centrally. What makes that unusual? The C7/T1 disc level doesn’t typically have Luschka joints. These joints secure the intervertebral discs in place and lessen the risk of herniation. They allow flexion and extension and restrain the extent of lateral flexion in the neck. One medical report documents a rare episode of a central C7/T1 disc herniation that instigated lower extremity numbness and weakness in addition to gait disturbance though in a patient who had no or very little hand-related symptoms that would otherwise be anticipated. (1) Know that your Murfreesboro chiropractor will perform 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 make up 3.5% to 4% of all herniated cervical discs. (2,3) They are inclined to be misdiagnosed owing to their unusual neurological findings. C7/T1 disc herniations (aka herniations of the C8 disc) produce weakness in hand muscles. The C8 nerve roots extend outward between the C7 vertebra and the T1 vertebra. (4) They sit 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 may be confusing as pain here is also indicative of ulnar neuropathy). (3,4) It will not confuse your Murfreesboro chiropractor though! Most Chiropractic Clinic is ready with the tests to do and questions to ask to make the diagnosis.

Make An Appointment

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

Then, schedule a Murfreesboro chiropractic appointment today. Bring your painful neck and tingling fingers and weak hands to Most Chiropractic Clinic to find the cause and the Murfreesboro chiropractic treatment plan probably including gentle Cox Technic treatment to reduce intradiscal pressures and widen the canal space for relief.

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