Signs & Symptoms of Herniated Disc T4

The bones (vertebrae) of the spinal column are separated from one another by discs of cartilage, which, like the bones, surround the spinal column. The spinal column is the main bundle of nerves connecting the brain with the rest of the body. Any injury to the spinal column is both painful and debilitating, even life-threatening. When a thoracic, or T, disc herniates, it protrudes from between the vertebrae and may pinch or block nerves in the spine or coming from the spine. Some cases can be treated with physical therapy, while others may require surgery.

Pain

• If any of the 12 thoracic discs in the spine become herniated, they may pinch nerves and cause back pain. Often, the pain is localized to the back, but pain that radiates down the back into the legs or to the front of the chest is not uncommon. Because the T4 disc is higher up on the thoracic section of the spine, chest pain may be the only symptoms felt. Any and all chest pain should be referred to a physician as it may be a signal of a more serious condition.

Numbness

• Some nerves transmit pain signals while others only transmit sensory signals (like touch, heat, or cold). If the herniated disc pinches or blocks non-pain nerves, the person may feel numbness in the area which the nerves usually serve. Any feeling of tingling or numbness of the limbs is a symptom of compromised nerves. The location of the T4 disc leads to numbness around the ribcage. A herniated disc lower than T6 would lead to symptoms in the abdominal muscles and lower areas.

No Pain

• Interestingly, most people with herniated discs are not diagnosed with the condition because of pain or any other symptoms. Often, they are diagnosed because of radiologic (x-ray or MRI scans) findings related to another condition. It is still recommended that asymptomatic herniated discs be treated.