A thoracic disc bulge is when one of the cushion-like discs between the bones in your mid-back (thoracic spine) pushes outward from its normal position. This bulge can irritate nearby nerves, joints, or even the spinal cord, leading to pain, stiffness, or strange sensations in the back or chest. Thoracic disc bulges are less common than neck or lower back disc injuries but can still cause significant discomfort.

An analogy…

Think of a spinal disc like a jam doughnut between two building blocks (your vertebrae). If you squish the blocks unevenly or too hard, the jam inside pushes out. A disc bulge is like the jam pushing out to the side, if it touches a nerve, it causes pain or other symptoms.

What are other names that a thoracic disc bulge can be referred to?

Thoracic Disc Herniation, Slipped Disc, Prolapsed Disc, Bulging Disc, Herniated Disc, Intervertebral Disc Injury, Sprained Disc

What causes a thoracic disc bulge?

Each disc in your spine has a tough outer layer and a soft, jelly-like centre. When pressure builds up, from repetitive stress, poor posture, injury, or ageing, the outer layer can weaken or crack. This allows the centre to bulge outward, sometimes pressing on spinal nerves or the spinal cord. In the thoracic spine (your mid-back), this often happens between T7 and T12, where there’s more movement and load compared to the upper thoracic spine.

What are the signs and symptoms of a thoracic disc bulge?

• Dull or sharp mid-back pain
• Stiffness in the thoracic spine
• Pain that wraps around the ribs or chest
• Pain made worse by sitting, twisting, or lifting
• Tingling, numbness, or burning in the chest or back
• In severe cases, difficulty breathing, weakness, or signs of spinal cord compression (rare)

What tests are used to diagnose a thoracic disc bulge?

Thoracic Nerve Root Tension Tests: These are physical tests a practitioner may use to check if a thoracic nerve is irritated or compressed. The tests involve moving the spine or limbs in specific ways to stretch or tension the nerve roots. If this reproduces pain, tingling, or numbness, it suggests the nerve may be affected by a disc bulge or inflammation.

How long does a thoracic disc bulge take to heal?

With proper treatment, mild to moderate thoracic disc bulges usually improve within 2–6 weeks, though healing may take longer if the bulge is large or compressing a nerve. A gradual return to full activity is important to prevent flare-ups or further injury.

How does a thoracic disc bulge happen?

• Poor posture (especially slouching at a desk or driving)
• Repetitive bending, lifting, or twisting
• Weak core and postural muscles
• Trauma or injury 
• Age-related disc degeneration
• Sports with rotational movements

What treatment can help a thoracic disc bulge?

• Manual therapy and joint mobilisation
• Postural correction and ergonomic advice
• Pain relief (ice, heat, medication as needed)
• Stretching tight muscles and strengthening weak ones
• Gentle thoracic mobility exercises
• Core stability and Clinical Pilates

What exercises or stretches can I do for a thoracic disc bulge?

• Thoracic extensions over a foam roller
• Wall angels
• Child’s pose and cat-cow stretch
• Rib cage breathing
• Core activation and glute bridges

What products can help with a thoracic disc bulge?

• Wheatbag
• Trigger Ball
• KT Pilates Band Pack