T7-T8 Herniated Disc Symptoms
Friday, March 07, 2025

T7-T8 Herniated Disc Symptoms
A T7-T8 herniated disc can cause significant pain, affecting the mid-back, chest, and, in some cases, the lower extremities.
This guide explores the symptoms associated with T7-T8 herniated discs, including annulitis, radiculopathy, and myelopathy. It also explains the different classifications of herniated discs and discusses contributing factors such as aging, injury, and repetitive strain.
Finally, we look at diagnostic methods and compare traditional surgical interventions with Deuk Laser Disc Repair, an innovative treatment option.
T7-T8 Thoracic Herniated Disc Symptoms
While thoracic herniated discs are less common than those in the cervical or lumbar spine, their impact can be serious. Understanding key symptoms is important, as they are used to determine the best course of treatment.
Annulitis
Annulitis refers to the inflammation of the annulus fibrosus, the outer ring-like structure of an intervertebral disc. This condition can result from disc degeneration or trauma
For those asking what does a herniated disc feel like, a herniated disc exhibits localized pain in the affected spinal region. For instance, inflammation at the T7-T8 level may cause mid-back discomfort that intensifies with movement.
The inflammatory process can compromise the structural integrity of the disc, exacerbating a herniation. This degeneration can, in some instances, apply pressure on adjacent nerves or the spinal cord, which we will discuss next.
Radiculopathy
Radiculopathy occurs when a nerve root is compressed or irritated, leading to pain, numbness, and tingling along the affected nerve pathway.
At the T7-T8 level, thoracic radiculopathy may manifest as a sharp, radiating pain wrapping around the chest or abdomen. Patients may also experience sensory changes, like numbness or tingling in the torso, and in rare cases, muscle weakness.
Since the thoracic spine has less mobility compared to the cervical and lumbar regions, nerve root compression is less common but still possible.
Myelopathy
Myelopathy refers to spinal cord dysfunction caused by compression, often due to a herniated disc pulposus pressing against the cord.
Symptoms may include difficulty walking, loss of balance, and coordination issues that can progressively worsen over time. In more advanced cases, thoracic myelopathy can lead to bowel or bladder dysfunction, and even partial paralysis if left untreated.
Classes Of T7-T8 Thoracic Herniated Discs
The classification of thoracic herniated discs helps determine the diagnosis and treatment. Here are definitions of each type.
Protruded Disc
A protruded disc occurs when the outer layer of the disc, the annulus fibrosus, remains intact but extends beyond its normal boundaries. While a protruded disc may not always produce severe symptoms, its presence can indicate early-stage disc degeneration.
Extruded Disc
An extruded disc occurs when the annulus fibrosus ruptures, allowing the inner nucleus pulposus to escape into the spinal canal. It is more severe than a protruded disc but less worrisome than a sequestered disc.
Sequestered Disc
A sequestered disc occurs when a fragment of the nucleus pulposus migrates within the spinal canal. This free-floating fragment can compress the spinal cord or nerve roots, leading to multiple symptoms.
Risk Factors Of T7-T8 Thoracic Herniated Discs
Several factors increase the risk of developing a herniated disc at the T7-T8 level. Understanding these risk factors can help you prepare for prevention or early intervention.
Aging
Our findings show that intervertebral discs lose hydration and elasticity with age, making them more susceptible to degeneration and herniation.
The thoracic spine is naturally more stable than the cervical and lumbar regions, but age-related changes can still weaken discs, increasing the likelihood of a T7-T8 herniation.
Injury
High-impact trauma, like falls, motor vehicle accidents, or sports injuries, can lead to thoracic disc herniation. In fact, it is the most common cause of t7-t8 herniation.
Repetitive Strain
Chronic poor posture, repetitive bending, and twisting, or prolonged heavy lifting can place ongoing stress on the thoracic spine, contributing to gradual disc degeneration and potential herniation.
Occupations or activities involving excessive spinal strain, like construction work or gymnastics, may increase the likelihood of a thoracic disc herniation.
What Causes Symptoms Of T7-T8 Herniated Discs?
Trauma is one of the leading causes of thoracic disc herniation at the T7-T8 level and beyond. High-impact injuries can exert excessive force on the thoracic spine, causing damage to the disc.
The symptomatic pain is caused by inflammation. This immune response is stimulated by an annular tear, a small rip in the outer ring of the intervertebral disc, known as the annulus fibrosus.
Once an annular tear develops, the inner disc material (nucleus pulposus) is displaced into the tear, forming a T7-T8 herniation. Once degeneration has progressed to this degree, treatment is required to allow the tear to heal on its own.
Not all treatments achieve this. Keep this in mind when reading about the treatments for herniated discs, whether you’re experiencing C6-C7 disc herniation symptoms or L4-L5 disc herniation symptoms.
How Are T7-T8 Herniated Discs Diagnosed?
Diagnosing a T7-T8 herniated disc requires a combination of clinical evaluation and imaging tests. A proper diagnosis is essential to differentiate a thoracic herniation from other conditions, such as musculoskeletal pain, rib fractures, or organ-related issues.
The Deuk Spine physical exam is a comprehensive assessment designed to identify the root cause of thoracic spine pain. During the evaluation, a spine specialist will examine posture, range of motion, and neurological function, checking for muscle weakness, sensory changes, and reflex abnormalities.
At Deuk Spine Institute, patients can take advantage of a Free MRI review, which allows specialists to analyze your spinal anatomy remotely and provide expert recommendations. In fact, we will diagnose the source of your back pain with 99% accuracy.
Treatments For T7-T8 Herniated Discs
Thoracic Discectomy
A thoracic discectomy is a surgical procedure that involves removing the herniated portion of the disc to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerves.
While commonly recommended, a thoracic discectomy comes with high risk. Some include spinal cord injury, cerebrospinal fluid leaks, and post-surgical complications.
Due to the anatomical proximity to the lungs, thoracic discectomy can also lead to pulmonary complications, including breathing difficulties during recovery.
Thoracic Fusion
Based on our observations, thoracic spinal fusion is another surgical option that involves fusing two or more vertebrae together to stabilize the spine and eliminate movement at the affected disc space.
However, this procedure does not always address the underlying source of pain.
One of the major downsides of spinal fusion is the increased risk of adjacent segment disease (ASD), where the vertebrae above or below the fused section experience accelerated degeneration as a result of increased mechanical stress.
Additionally, patients undergoing thoracic fusion often experience reduced spinal flexibility and prolonged recovery periods.
Given the risks associated with traditional discectomy and fusion, many patients seek minimally invasive alternatives that provide permanent pain relief without the complications of open surgery.
Laser Disc Repair
Deuk Laser Disc Repair is a minimally invasive, laser-assisted procedure developed by Dr. Ara Deukmedjian. Unlike traditional surgeries, this technique does not require cutting muscle, bone, or ligaments, making it a safer and more effective alternative for treating T7-T8 herniated discs.
During this procedure, a small incision is made and a laser is used to precisely remove the nucleus material from the tear. This is achieved without damaging surrounding tissue.
Our research indicates that Deuk Laser Disc Repair has a 95% success rate, with no reported complications in over 1,300 patients treated over 15 years.
Unlike fusion surgery, this approach eliminates the risk of adjacent segment disease and allows for a faster recovery. Since this procedure is outpatient-based, patients avoid lengthy hospital stays, prolonged rehabilitation, and the risks associated with general anesthesia.
Conclusion
A T7-T8 herniated disc can have dire effects. While traditional surgeries come with considerable risks, long recovery times, and variable success rates, Deuk Laser Disc Repair provides a safer, minimally invasive alternative
Living with a T7-T8 herniated disc doesn’t mean living in pain. The specialists at Deuk Spine Institute offer expert diagnosis and pioneering treatment options to help patients regain quality of life.
Would you like to learn more? Explore DeukSpine.com or schedule a free MRI review today.
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