Herniated Disc

A herniated disc occurs when the annulus or outer fibers of the disc is damaged and the soft material inside the disc ruptures out of its normal space. If the annulus tears near the spinal canal, the soft material inside the disc can push into the spinal canal.

A herniated disc in the thoracic spine can be very serious. There is very little extra space around the spinal cord in the thoracic area so when a herniated disc occurs in the mid back, the pressure on the spinal cord can cause paralysis below the waist. Fortunately, herniated discs are much more common in the lumbar spine where they are not as serious.