Spine
Thoracic Disc Degeneration
The thoracic spine is the area of your spine below your neck connected to your ribs. It is made up of 12 vertebral bodies with discs between each. The discs act like cushions and allows for flexibility in your spine. The disc can wear over time and as it wears, the space between the vertebral bodies is reduced.
Symptoms
Symptoms include upper or mid back pain. If discs are severely degenerated, bone spurs can form and may cause narrowing of the spinal canal. If the compression on the spinal cord is severe, it can cause numbness and tingling.
Treatment
In most patients, thoracic disc degeneration is treated non-surgically. Walking, bicycling, back and core strengthening are typically recommended under guidance of a physical therapist. Surgery may be necessary if you are experiencing numbness, tingling and weakness in the legs.