Treatment of Thoracic Disc Herniation

Question: How is a thoracic disc herniation treated?

Answer: Treatment is stepwise, and except for emergencies, surgery is not the first option.

First step — Conservative treatment

• Rest (in a proper bed — not on a couch)
  • Medication (for the physician-recommended duration)
  • Short-term bracing (usually less than 3 months)
  • Weight control

“In approximately 70–80% of thoracic disc herniations, recovery or marked relief can be achieved without surgery.”

Second step — Physical therapy

• On average 20 sessions / about 4 weeks
  • Protection from cold exposure
  • Making prescribed exercises a long-term habit

Third step — Surgical treatment

Surgery is considered when:
• There is progressive neurological deficit
• There is spinal cord compression
• Pain does not improve despite conservative treatment