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Physical Therapy Exercises for Bulging Slipped Thoracic Disc

Once a patient is diagnosed with a bulging or herniated thoracic disc in the spine, physical therapy can help maintain strength and range of motion within the affected vertebrae. But the patient and therapist must take great care during the treatment process due to the possibility of major health complications associated with spinal injuries.

  1. Initial Therapy Exercises

    • According to Spine-Health.com, when a patient is experiencing pain from a bulging disc, it's usually because of a pinched nerve near the affected site. As a result, physical therapy exercises must focus on minimal irritation of the nerve while helping increase blood flow in an effort to promote proper healing. During the onset of therapy, patients will typically be introduced to manual and mechanical stretching of the vertebrae, otherwise known as traction. If the patient is experiencing weakness or numbness within a limb, therapists may also recommend various strengthening exercises in the affected areas to increase blood flow and muscle build. Because of the location of the thoracic vertebrae, some patients may be prescribed a back brace similar to a hardened vest to further protect the injury.

    Mid-Therapy Exercises

    • Physical therapists will continue introducing strengthening exercises and weight-bearing activities to continue blood-flow activation in all limbs. According to The Spinal Columns, manual therapy and massaging techniques may be introduced to further promote proper circulation around the thoracic spine. Stretching exercises to increase range of motion are critical for the thoracic vertebrae to maintain many body movements, including inspiration and expiration during breathing. Pain regulation exercises for home use will also be introduced by the therapist if necessary; these often utilize ice and heat.

    End Therapy and Discharge

    • At the time of therapy discharge, patients should typically regain full range of motion within the thoracic spine while experiencing minimal discomfort or limb numbness. Final diagnostic testing, such as an MRI or CAT scan, may be recommended to view the extent of healing within the spine. Therapists will typically introduce a home exercise program to the patient at time of discharge and encourage further stretching techniques to prevent a reoccurrence of vertebrae injury.

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