What Are the Symptoms of a Thoracic Disc Herniation?

Question: What are the symptoms of a thoracic disc herniation?

Answer: Symptoms vary depending on the location of the herniation and whether there is spinal cord or nerve compression:

• Persistent or recurrent back pain
  • Pain radiating to the lower back or rib cage/chest wall
  • Burning, stabbing, or cramp-like pain
  • Pain that increases with coughing, sneezing, or straining
  • Numbness, tingling, or sensory loss in the legs
  • Cramping and tightness in the legs after short walking distances

Urgent evaluation is required if the following are present:
• Urinary incontinence or inability to urinate
• Sudden leg weakness
• Gait disturbance

In spinal cord compression cases, intervention within the first 24–48 hours has been reported to be critical for neurological recovery.