What causes thoracic disc herniation?
• Cracked vertebrae: Cracks or changes in the shape of your vertebrae may increase your risk for disc herniation. The gel-like material inside your disc may leak out of the cracks. The whole disc may also begin to bulge out of the cracks in your vertebrae. • Disc weakening: Disc weakening occurs if the gel-like material inside decreases. The disc loses its cushion and may bulge out from between your vertebrae. Your discs often begin to weaken as you age. • Injury: Your discs cushion the forces that occur when you fall, twist, or strain your back. A disc may herniate if these forces are very strong, or if your discs are weakened. • Scar tissue: Scar tissue may build up between your disc and the covering of your spinal cord. When this occurs the scar tissue may add pressure to your discs and cause a herniation. What are the signs and symptoms of thoracic disc herniation? Mild thoracic disc herniation may not cause any signs and symptoms. You may have signs and symptoms if your herniated
