Your spine is made up of vertebra, which are bone cushioned by discs that are in-between. Your spine has three sections: the lumbar or lower back spine, the cervical or neck spine and the thoracic or middle back spine. When the discs between the vertebra rupture in this middle area, you have a herniated thoracic disc. Treatment for this problem ranges from reduced activity to physical therapy to medications. In some cases, surgery is required to fix the problem.
Sciatica
The Mayo Clinic reports sciatica as one of the most common symptoms of a herniated thoracic disc. It entails pain that is radiating, and may include numbing and tingling. It typically begins in the buttocks, then radiates along the length of your leg on one side or in the rear. This generally only happens in one leg at a time.
Weakness
A herniated thoracic disc also may induce other problems in your leg or in your arm, chest, shoulder and neck. You may, for example, experience a sensation of weakness in any of those areas, particularly in your shoulder, arm or leg. This can make it difficult to walk or do normal things with your arms. Along with or separate from this weakness, you also may experience a numbness in any of the body areas mentioned. Pain also may occur in these body parts. The Mayo Clinic recommends seeing your physician if weakness or numbness develops in either or both legs.
Specific Pain
If you have a herniated thoracic disc, the typical pain may increase if you do certain things. For example, if you sit down, the pain in your leg or lower back may worsen. Pain in these areas also may sharpen if you sneeze or cough, the Mayo Clinic reports.
Lost Body Control
Any herniated disc in the thoracic region of your spine is serious, requiring medical help. In most cases, this can begin through a visit to your doctor. However, if you lose control of bodily functions, medical aid is more urgent. A herniated disc may, for example, cause you to lose control of your bowels or bladder.
