How do I Treat a Thoracic Herniated Disc?

A thoracic herniated disc is a painful condition that is often caused by a series of repetitive movements, such as driving a car, typing on a computer, or performing another similar activity. While this condition is treatable, it often requires high amounts of work by both the physician as well as the patient suffering from the condition. Typically, patients with thoracic herniated discs start by taking pain medications and injections. If this doesn't work, physical therapy may be suggested. Finally, patients who still have not found relief from the pain associated with a herniated disc may require surgery.

In order to be properly treated for a thoracic herniated disc, it is first important to talk to a doctor who has experience dealing with this kind of disorder. He or she will be able to provide the individual suffering from the condition information about the severity of the diagnosis, as well as recommendations for various forms of treatment. In order to provide the best treatments for this condition, an MRI typically is done on. This will allow the doctor to obtain a greater amount of information about the specifics of the condition.

Once a thoracic herniated disc has been positively diagnosed, the treatment for this condition can begin. Often, one of the first forms of treatment for a herniated disc involves medications and injections that decrease the pain and swelling associated with the condition. Often, patients will start by taking aspirin, ibuprofen, or other similar over-the-counter medications. If this technique does not provide any improvement, a prescription pain medication or steroid injection will often be provided. In addition, doctors often encourage patients suffering from thoracic herniated discs to use several ice packs on the affected area over the course of the day in order to decrease swelling and pain.

Often, physicians recommend that those suffering form a herniated disc undergo physical therapy. In therapy, patients are assisted through various stretches and exercises that can decrease pressure, swelling, and pain. While physical therapy alone will not cure a thoracic herniated disc, it can help alleviate the pain.

Finally, those who have not received relief through the methods described above often undergo surgery to treat the condition. Such surgeries have become less and less invasive and more and more successful. Nevertheless it is still important to weigh the risks and benefits in order to choose whether or not surgery is a good option.