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Upper Back Pain, Thoracic
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5 replies [Last post]
June 17, 2009 - 5:39pm
Anonymous
Chronic upper back pain

Would an MRI or an X-ray be helpful for my upper back? I injured myself boxing over two years ago. It was diagnosed as a thoracic sprain, though it has never healed properly. The pain and minor numbness/tingling occurs in the muscle between my shoulder blades and well as in the muscle below the shoulder blades. I cannot get an accurate diagnosis. My doctor thinks its muscular and my physical therapist thought it may have been a disc problem, but now thinks it may be Tendinosis. I realize asking via a website will not lead to a accurate diagnosis, but I still would like to ask and perhaps explore other avenues of treatment. Does my weight of 380 lbs play a significant role in the pain or recovery?

Thanks,
James

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June 17, 2009 - 6:10pm
#1
tonya42
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Welcome James

I would think that an MRI would be appropriate given the discrepencies between the physical therapist and your primary doctor. Or is it your primary doctor? Have you seen any specialists? That's where I would go next. Try getting in to see an orthopaedic specialist if you haven't already. That type of pain can be unbearable at times from what I've been told so I really do feel for you.

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June 17, 2009 - 9:13pm
#2
JIP15@aol.com (not verified)
I appreciate the info.

I appreciate the info. Thanks

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June 17, 2009 - 9:18pm
#3
tcr1130
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i would think an xray

i would think an xray wouldnt show them what you are looking for, i would guess a ct scan or mri.

all doctors will start with our weights, saying that plays a part in it. i remember during the beginning of my problems it was the one thing they couldnt keep getting me on, cause i was actually underweight, so yes they will go there. but pain is pain, and ive never had xrays give them enough details - i think it may be what insurance says they have to start with - but if inconclusive they should go right to a ct/scan or mri.

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* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
permanent stim put in 12/2009
2 level XLIF l3-4, l4-5 - 3/2009
Total Colectomy 12/2008 (diagnosed with motility disorder)
severe gastroparesis diagnosed 2008
C5-6 Fusion - 2006
Physical Therapy 04/07 - 12/07
DDD
To many to count steroid shots
Rhizotomy
bone scan
2 myelograms
Discogram - 2 Full Length annular tears L3-4 L4-5 - protrusion at both levels
Congenital fusion at L5-S1.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

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July 28, 2009 - 2:43pm
#4
ConnieB (not verified)
I would think an xray and/or

I would think an xray and/or MRI is more than neeed after two years of unresolved pain!

I'll tell you how I think your doctors are thinking.....they are dismissing your complaints and blaming your problem on your size. 380 pounds isn't helping the problem but probably not the cause of it. Get assertive and tell them what you want and that it is not getting better. Two years is long enough!

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