Thoracic Disc Herniation

Slipped Disc in Mid-Back

Herniation of a thoracic intervertebral disc: rare (1% of all disc herniations, vs 90% lumbar, 9% cervical). Most at T8-T12 (lower thoracic, where mobility increases). Can present with radicular symptoms (thoracic radiculopathy: dermatomal band pain) or myelopathy (if central herniation compresses cord). Often incidental on MRI (37% of asymptomatic people have thoracic disc abnormalities).

Open this lesson interactively →