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What Is DDD of the Thoracic Spine?

DDD or degenerative disc disease is a condition in which the gel-like substance within one of the discs between the vertebrae pushes through the bony casing of the disc. Thoracic DDD affects the area of the spine at chest level that consists of 12 vertebrae.

  1. Significance

    • Because the thoracic region of the spine does not need to flex or bend as much as the top or bottom of the spine, thoracic DDD is an uncommon condition.

    Causes

    • DDD is usually caused by the degenerative effects of aging that lead to wear and tear along the spine. In some cases, severe trauma, such as a car accident, is responsible for DDD.

    Symptoms

    • In most cases, thoracic DDD causes only minor symptoms of pain in the midregion of the back.

    Diagnosis

    • DDD is typically diagnosed through X-rays.

    Considerations

    • In some cases, doctors diagnose thoracic DDD after exhausting any other possible causes for back pain, cautions Herniated-Disc-Pain.org. If you receive a thoracic DDD diagnosis, you may wish to obtain a second opinion before undergoing treatment.

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