I'' take the lead here:

1. How did it get started?
About 12 years ago, shorty after my last cervical surgery in 2000.
NS believes that between all of my spinal surgeries, the cervical area having multiple fusions and the amount of scar tissue in the lumbar area, that all the stress was placed on the thoracic area and finally it started to herniated and tear. This has been going on now on a regular basis.

2. How long have you been dealing with in?
12 years

3. What treatments are you currently under? Do any help?
I spent 13 months in Physical Therapy along with Aqua Therapy. They discharged me because I was showing no signs of improvement. There were no standard PT actions that could be used to help work on my situation.

4. Has Surgery been considered?
Mentioned, but not really considered. My spinal situation with 7 previous surgeries does not make me a good candidate, plus the thoracic surgical procedure is pretty intense and there are zero guarantees that I would get any relief.

5. Have you tried Deep Tissue Massage (The "Real" thing )
For the past 14 months I have been going for weekly Deep Tissue Massage therapy from an expert trained in the "Thai" style of aggressive Deep Tissue Massage. As painful as this has been its been the ONLY treatment that has offered any relief

6. What causes it to flare up more?
Computer work, sitting at a desk seems to be the major factor to cause flare ups. Working outside with power equipment (Leaf blower, Chain saw, Weed Wacker, etc) - the vibrations seem to send my T-discs flying.

7. When you have flareups what do you do about them?
Heat, heat, use of a half and full roll to lay on and to extend and open
up the thoracic area. Lay on tennis balls to hit the sorest spots. Not much else, just
grin and bear it until it starts to calm down

8. Can you continue to work with this condition?
I do, I am a software engineer and because of that I create more problems and flareups for my thoracic and at times cervical discs. I am coming to a major life decision to continue to work and inflict more damage on my spine or retire and find other work to do

9. Has it been getting worse or staying the same?
It stays the same IF I dont do anything to cause it to flare up. But I've noticed that with each flare up, the intensity and length of the flare up is longer.
Right now, I am going into my 4th week with the current Thoracic flare up and I am back to not sleeping, being miserable and cranky, discouraged and in constant pain.

10. How are you dealing with it all?
The best I can

I would really like to here more from people who are suffering from Thoracic disc problems. At some point, I would like to see it get its on major forum name, since I believe the problem is out there and it is growing faster and faster. It is one of the most underrated , mis-understood spinal disc condition that I have had to deal with.

One of my good friends was 35 years old, in her own medical practice and doing so well. She developed Thoracic disc problems and had to retire from her practice and now is basically sitting at home for the past 18 years not being able to do much. She has not slept in a normal bed in over 10 years.

Please add your posts and situations to this topic.

Yep, thoracic disc bulg/herniations are suppose to be rare and should not cause pain! That I believe is older school books of reference.

I had a follow up with my pain management doctor yesterday. For the past month or so, my thoracic has been flaring up, much more the past 2 weeks. My average pain levels and discomfort are up considerably from where they were a couple of months ago.
I told my doctor:

Doctor, I feel that I have plateaued and that this is what it is and it just aint going to get any better. I know that certain things cause flare ups and that they sort of make my other treatments counter productive, but the things I am doing to cause flareups are basic things or parts of live that I have to do"

She basically agreed from a medical point of view that there really isnt much more that can be done to correct my thoracic disc problems. Surgery is out of the question and the only thing that we need to do is continue actions that will slow down or hopefully stop the continued detoriation of my thoracic discs. She was honest in saying that today I have 2 discs that are severe in degrees of herniation, 2 that are mild and that there will probably be more.

One of the major problems I have right now is total muscle tightness. There are so many exercises that I can not do because my upper back/arms/shoulders have zero movement to them. That is the major reason why I have the numbness and tingling in my arms and hands at night. She tried a few things on me, simple one like to bring both hands together over my hand with my arms straight. I cant do that, half way up my shoulders and arms just lock up. That stems from the rhomboid muscle. Thats the one that my Deep tissue massage guy has been working on.

So for now, I just gotta find more ways to relax, reduce some stress in my body and try ways to get my muscles to become more flexible. As long as that does not happen, I can pretty much predict how I will be feeling.

For me, its finding those ways to do this

1.Well a little drunk girl ran a red light
2.over a decade or so
3. no treatments,workmens comp says nothing is wrong
4.No
5.Yes,AAAHHHHH!
6.Pretty much any position agrivates,sitting ,standing,laying down,
7.nothing,nothing helps
8.its in the way all the time.so i just go
9. worse every week
10.life dont stop

Ok here's my 2 bobs worth (aussie saying) lol

1. How did it get started?
I can't actually remember anything significant triggering it. But being a horse rider and having 2 good "get offs" and a car crash that gave me whip lash may have had something to do with it ??

2. How long have you been dealing with it?
8 odd years but definitely much more in the last 3.

3. What treatments are you currently under? Do any help?
I'm doing hydro for my L spine (recent L5S1 ALIF) and have tried accupuncture also. Doesn't help. Am having facet blocks tomorrow to determine if they are the culprit or whether its disc related too. Bone scan has also been booked

4. Has Surgery been considered?
Surgeon is currently doing tests to determin which area is causing the pain and if it can be treated surgically then will go down that path I guess.

5. Have you tried Deep Tissue Massage (The "Real" thing )
Too sore to let anyone do that. Its bone pain ie touch my spiney bits and I could hurt you lol, but muscle tension doesn't help either...vicious circle.

6. What causes it to flare up more?
putting my arms above my head, putting my shoulder blades back, arching my upper back - stretching etc

7. When you have flareups what do you do about them?
Take my over the counter analgesics, lie down...or normally just try to keep going and ignore it.

8. Can you continue to work with this condition?
Yes, but it's a destraction as it feels like someone has punched you in the back and that burning stinging pain just never goes away. Then its also feels like someone is continually pushing down on your chest so you feel you can't get a deep breath....weird feeling.

9. Has it been getting worse or staying the same?
Bit of both, I was hoping after my fusion this issue would go away but the surgeon said, sorry, not likely lol. Whe I came off the Oxycontin etc the pain returned. Some days are not so bad, others you really know that you have an issue. But since December last year it has definitely gotten alot worse.

10. How are you dealing with it all?
I know that I am finally getting it seen to by the surgeon so there is some light, but having just had a fusion, I'm not really wanting to run back to the theatre just yet. I can still function, albeit, I get a bit "short" with people if its really pinging me off, so will see what all these tests reveal and what my options are and take it from there. I've been in pain for so long now, you learn how to "live" with it I guess, but I would love a day without it. It does get wearing, but I have two young children 7 & 9 and a husband and we have our small business & our farm, so have to keep plugging along. No point whinging as that just gets them down.

Cheers
Sue

1. How did it get started?
Fell off a ten yard dumpster closing the lid, could only think tuck and roll ( I wasn't on fire!) Didn't want to break my arms so I pulled them to my chest and landed flat on my back. Smooth move!
2. How long have you been dealing with in?
Feb. 2003
3. What treatments are you currently under? Do any help?
I walk twice a day(hour each), take 30min. rests on my Tempredic bed four times a day. Perc when needed. Quit smoking trying to lose 40#'s. (The 40 not so much) I love to cook and I'm real good at it.
4. Has Surgery been considered?
Yes had my neck done, turned out great!!! , My NS won't do the thoracic one till I lose my bowel or bladder for good. Now my NS said if I was screaming in ER he would think about it. He know my high tolerence to pain. The Cleveland Clinic sa no too.
5. Have you tried Deep Tissue Massage (The "Real" thing )
Yes and it hurt big time. Can't afford treatment now will do it I'm screaming again.
6. What causes it to flare up more?
Standing to long cooking. Pulling weeds in the yard. Some sex positions (do them anyway)
7. When you have flareups what do you do about them?
Robaxin and Percs in the bed I go! Sometimes up to two weeks. Hate that!
8. Can you continue to work with this condition?
No way! WC almost over!!! SS on it's way. Real sick of that process!
9. Has it been getting worse or staying the same?
Worse I think, the pain is more often.
10. How are you dealing with it all?
I walk, I live and I love! oh and drugs!

1. How did it get started?2. How long have you been dealing with in?
I began having spine problems in my teens but mostly in the lumbar area with sciatica. In 1999 I fell forward on some steps and later in 2000 had to have a cervical fusion for C-5-6,6-7 due to a myelopathy. In 2003 my thoracic spine became very painful and I was found to have Spinal Cord Atrophy and a medial rupture of T8-9 that again progressed to a Myelopathy that required surgery in 2005 to remove the disc. I had to have a thorocotomy. It was quite traumatic and took a very long time to get over. I also have a rupture at L4-5 but no surgery. I now have been told that T7-8 has rupture medially and I should have the surgery on the other side. I am in progress of looking for my options. There are also several other bulging discs in the thoracic spine.

3. What treatments are you currently under? Do any help? Currently I am on a Fentanyl patch and make myself walk daily. I also have massages as I can.

4. Has Surgery been considered?

5. Have you tried Deep Tissue Massage (The "Real" thing ) No and I have extremely tender tissue and am not sure I would be willing to.
6. What causes it to flare up more? It is worst if I lay around. Best if I keep moving but activity or laying around cause increased pain, and numbness.
7. When you have flareups what do you do about them?
I just get through it since I cannot afford to do anything else.
8. Can you continue to work with this condition?
I have not worked for 5 years.
9. Has it been getting worse or staying the same?
It is getting much worse in the past 7 mo.
10. How are you dealing with it all? The best I can but am finding it more difficult each day. I have been in denial since I heard the news but things are progressing and I am lost about what to do because I do not want to do anything. I am in Ok and have a very poor medical care situation here. I had my surgery at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester and am trying to see what I need to do to get back there.

1. How did it get started?
Don't really remember anything specific. Being and orthopedic/neuro surgical nurse doesn't help, I'm sure. I did injur my low back lifting a patient(with help) a couple of years ago, but was already having mild t-spine pain.
2. How long have you been dealing with in?
Several years, at least 2 to stop and make me notice- been getting much worse over the last year.
3. What treatments are you currently under? Do any help?
So far, just anti-inflammatories and muscle relaxer prescribed by my PCP (of course it doesn't help) Going to see the neurosurgeon for the 1st visit on Monday! Been looking forward to this one!
4. Has Surgery been considered?
Good Lord I hope not at this point.
5. Have you tried Deep Tissue Massage (The "Real" thing )
Not yet. Does it help?
6. What causes it to flare up more?
Working. Lifing, pulling, tugging patients (I try not to as much as possible), sitting too long, sitting in any type of desk chair or anything that doesn't have alot of cushion.
7. When you have flareups what do you do about them?
Take what I have prescribed, and wait it out when it doesn't work.
8. Can you continue to work with this condition?
Yes, but it's not pleasant. At work is when I have my worst pain.
9. Has it been getting worse or staying the same?
Definitely getting worse.
10. How are you dealing with it all?
So far, ok I think. I've pretty much resigned myself the the fact that this is as good as it's going to get. My main goal is preventing it from getting worse if possible. I am wayyy to young to be getting started with this already. In fact, every imaging study I have done has the same phrase, "unusual for a patient of this age."

1. I fell when a handrail broke at work offshore. Then rehurt when trying to pull a piston cap away from fellow workers foot.

2. Hurting since 2004
3. I do chiro, yoga, facet/ep. inj., prolotherapy, massage, tens, posture pump, inversion, etc.

4. Yes, surgury has been considered and advised by Pain
doc. but not ortho. Dr. Regan looked at mri and said
he saw calcification at herniation and would do surgury to correct. Also talking to alpha klinik about micro thorasic surgury.

5. Yes i love deep tissue, thai (modified)

6. stress,sitting, any phy. act. causes flare ups

7. I combat the flare ups with meds, swimming, hot tub, yoga, ice

8. I may be able to work an hour here or there but nothing without breaking to lay down and ice back. Definitly no work I used to do.

9. My pain has gotten a little better since quiting manual labor job but still causes me very much pain and low satisfaction with life.

10 I deal with it all in my own way, not the best or worse way ,but the only way i can to live through it. I have my godchild who I am a father to so I could never leave her. I do not accept i will be like this forever or it would be much harder to go on. I go to school also to retrain and get my mind off it. Its tough with thorasic for me beacuse sometimes you feel crazy for hurting so bad for something docs say shouldn't. It is just feeling like you are a good person who could have contributed to the world and you are wasting away in chronic pain. But we all go on.

" Never to late to be what you might have been"

Bone mapping found pathologic absorbance (I still have to look for what is the meaning of that) CT done recently found some problems D7-D11
Mainly bone changes: osteophytes & facet joints

1. How did it get started?
I don't know. But very strong pains started about 7 months after my neck surgery.

2. How long have you been dealing with 1t?
4 months.

3. What treatments are you currently under?
PT for bulging & herniated lumbar disks.

Do any help?
Not yet.

4. Has Surgery been considered?
Not yet.
5. Have you tried Deep Tissue Massage (The "Real" thing )
Several treatments some 15 years ago.

6. What causes it to flare up more?
Lying on my back. Lifting.

7. When you have flareups what do you do about them?
Take pain killers and vent...
8. Can you continue to work with this condition?
I do. Should I continue work or retire? Don't know.

9. Has it been getting worse or staying the same?
My T pains are somewhat easier to what I had 2 months ago.

10. How are you dealing with it all?
Too ad. Find it hard to sit in front of my computer and read or write.
I also vent a lot. I am lucky I am surrounded with good "ears".

1. How did it get started?
Girl ran through stop sign, I hit her 40mph

2. How long have you been dealing with in?
Two Years

3. What treatments are you currently under? Do any help?
Chiropractor - sometimes - not lately

4. Has Surgery been considered?
Chiropractor says surgery - considered yes - no money or insurance

5. Have you tried Deep Tissue Massage (The "Real" thing )
Doctor's say no massage - no pressure allowed on back due to possibility of paralisis

6. What causes it to flare up more?
When I work - graphic designer - clean - grocery shop - life

7. When you have flareups what do you do about them?
Lay down - take medications - ice - heat - shower

8. Can you continue to work with this condition?
Sometimes - depending if I can walk or not

9. Has it been getting worse or staying the same?
Getting worse

10. How are you dealing with it all?
Not so well - getting depressed b/c now I can't take showers alone, laundry alone, or put my shoes on alone - the list goes on

__________________________________________________________
Back in November of 2006, I was in a pretty bad car accident. I was driving my fiances 97 Cadillac on a highway at 40mph when a girl in a Hyundai Tiburon ran a stop sign, and I plowed right into her. Both cars were totaled, and I was taken to the hospital with a headache and bruises and cuts due to the airbags. Because of Florida No Fault, I am responsible for my own medical bills. Now, my insurance has paid it's due, but I have reached my PIP. I have no health insurance, no money, just graduated from college, and don't know what to do. I have been through 5 jobs because of my back, not able to keep them or they fire me right after I give them my limitation notes. No doctor will see me without insurance or unless I have the money straight up front. I am currently on an LOP with my local Chiropractor, but he can only do so much for me. When I was in the accident, I had several MRIs and X-rays. I have a severe disk herniated in my T7 Vertebrae, protruding into my spinal cavity/canal and putting pressure on my sciatica. I also now have scoliocis, 2 bulging disks on T6 and T5. I have 2 messed up ribs, and reverse curvature of the neck. I have had shots in my back, but those didn't help. I have tried to see a pain management doctor, but I had to pay up front and I just didn't have it. My chiro says that I will need surgery or I won't be able to have kids. These past two weeks however my back seems to have gone down hill. I have having numbness and tingling in my legs, sharp severe pains in the buttox and legs, sharp lower and mid back pain, muslce spasms in the neck, back, and legs. I have been in the most excruciating pain these last 3 days then ever before. I can no longer bathe myself, put my sneakers on, pretty much do anything without being in moderate to severe pain. I cannot even stand up straight because it feels like my bones are smashing my nerves up in a mortar. I am so depressed, have no money, and just do not know what to do. Everyone tells me to try to look into programs or experimental surgeries so I can get it done for free, but this is my back we are talking about. My life. I don't just want anyone to touch it. I can't even see another doctor to get other opinions. Anyone have any ideas? I am on hydrocodone and naproxen, and I barely take it because it knocks me out and I get stomach problems afterwards. Someone help me. I am so young....oh, and the girl that pulled out, she has no money but is driving around a new Nissan Extera....what gives? My fiance STILL has no car....thanks Florida No Fault!

1.How did it get started?
Working as a CNA, Vol EMT. I fell in 04 and a person landed on my right side. I injured the left side of the rib cage.

2.How long have you been dealing with it?
Since 2003

3.What treatments are you currently under? Do any help?
Nothing works at the moment.

4. Has surgery been considered?
Yes in 06 when I fell down the stairs. Ortho said I need it now. Neuro said they are were not bad enough. So who do you believe??? Great drs mind you.
Surgery will probably be a option again since it is effecting my motor skills in my legs. I will look into the option of inavasive thoracic surgery which is done about a hour away from us. This is where they go through the side..

5. Have you tried deep tissue massage, (real thing)?
I cannot have anyone touch my back. Its so very sensitive I cringe at the touch of it. This started back when the orginal injury started.

6.What causes it to flare up more?
They are getting so bad that it does not matter how I do things. Whether I am just sitting, laying down etc.

7.When you have flareups what do you do about them?
At the present time heat, ice, stretching nothing is working.

8. Can you continue working with this condition?
No not at the present time

9.Has it been getting worse or staying the same?
I can say definatly worse. This is the worse I have ever been since the orginal injury. It is affecting my legs walking,I have pain that starts in both hips and shoots down each leg into the ankle. I have to pause put my feet up (somewhere) and they have tingling&numbness. Then I can resume for about 3-4 minutes and it starts again!!
also just sitting & breathing is becoming very painful.

10.How are you dealing with it all?
Well number 1 you have no choice. I have a great support system at home and I think that is a huge step.
I will be getting the MRI results back this week. My appt is July 29th. To find out my fate. Right now I am only on ultram and soma. May cave in today or tomorrow & go to the family dr for something a bit stronger when I cannot take it anymore for the day.

HANG IN THERE ALL!! We are here to support each other

Hello

I just stumbled across your forum and I am so happily overwhelmed . I was starting to feel like no one else knew how I was feeling. Thank you for starting this forum. I just read the other posts and everything about the pain is exactly what I have been experiencing for 2 and a half years. Now I think I will show my Dr. so he knows there are others like me. My Ortho surgeon basically told me there really is nothing to do to my wedged T9, so learn to live with it. I was, but WCB finally admitted my work injury and now they are certain they can fix it. No need to mention that I have had a flare up from all their help.

Can't wait to hear from others.

For a Spine-Health Site introduction, Click on :

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________________________________________________________________________________
With a member name like that you have to be a great person!
(Ok, I am a hockey fanatic)

We are glad you found this site and especially this forum thread. Thoracic problems has been the one spinal problem that was not fully understood or diagnosed in the past. I remember when I first started with Tdisc problems, my doctors all told me that IT COULDNT Be, and IF it was IT COULD NOT BE PAINFUL... Well so much has changed.
Still, treatment for Thoracic problems is no where near the levels for Lumbar and Cervical problems. That includes surgical procedures. Thoracic surgeries are still very complicated but they have been and are still improving.

Good luck and keep us posted to your progress.

1. How did it get started?
Retail Christmas season 2005 - I was waiting for a co-worker to pass an empty box down to me from storage. He backed into a stack of (supposedly) empty boxes and they came raining down on me. One was not empty. It had a radio in it and the corner came down and struck me square in the back. As it was Christmas I had to keep working, then 2 weeks later I was on a ladder getting a stereo down from a shelf and twisted to far and I really did a number on myself. I couldn't take the pain this time.
2. How long have you been dealing with in?
2.7 years
3. What treatments are you currently under? Do any help?
Lately I was put back into Physio, exercise therapy and functional. As long as it was light and I didn't overextend the right side I was ok. Once I raised that right side to far (uder weight) I was back in emergency.

4. Has Surgery been considered?
No. Ortho said there was nothing to be done.
5. Have you tried Deep Tissue Massage (The "Real" thing )
Not yet
6. What causes it to flare up more?
Any over head extensions, driving too long, twisting of the upper body, (like when you need to shoulder check or back up when you drive), sweeping, vaccuuming, raking, reaching up, sleeping (causes numbness)
7. When you have flareups what do you do about them?
Heat, ibuprofren, and when its really bad tramacet. I have recently had 2 accupuncture sessions. They have been fantastic, and allow me te sleep better. While I have not totally eliminated the numbness at night I can at least sleep better with it.
8. Can you continue to work with this condition?
I have been working, though not full time. I could never do what I did before, and I am limited to how long I can stand or sit at a desk.
9. Has it been getting worse or staying the same?
Its staying about the same, but that all depends on what I need to do in a day. IE: work, grocery shop, clean my kitchen. I really need to pace myself, When I have over done it, the pain will wrap around the ribs and settle in the sternum. Sometimes its like the whole upper rib cage has fallen.

10. How are you dealing with it all?
I have to pace myself, I don't like the effects the drugs have on my head, so I have to go slower. I Start every day with heat, and make no sudden movements.

I would Love to hear from others and how they are coping. Tomorrow I go to a new therapist, and I am hopeful for an exercise program that will help the rest of the back compensate for the injury. This is the first person in 2.7 years to tell me that the T8 and T9 are the worst parts of the spine for healing properly because they get the least amount of circulation. A new perspective might go a long way in dealing with this.

Has anyone tried myofascial release treatment for chronic pain? I was wondering if there is benefit to the treatment or not. One physio therapist tried it one me, just one session, and I think he bruised my kidney. the pain lasted a week. Maybe I should try a different therapist, but was hoping for feedback if anyone else has tried it.

About 8 years ago, I had one of the physical therapists I was seeing perform myofasical treatments. It was one of the better treatments I had for my thoracic pain.
It was much better than the 'standard' physical therapy treatments but not as effective as Deep Tissue Massage therapy.

1 How did it get started? about 10 months ago.I was climbing a pole at work and lifted a heavy wire. 2 How long have you been dealing with it? 10 months. 3 What treatments are you under? Does any help? At therapy they used ultrasound only minimum releif. 4 Has surgery been considered? Possibly but it is a risky one. 5 Have you tried deep tissue massage? Not yet. 6 What causes it to flare up more? Using both arms together picking items up. Sitting too long. Ligthly twisting side to side. Reaching out. 7 When you have flareups what do you do about them? Stop doing what I am doing,relax,and take pain meds. 8 Can you continue to work in this condition? NO! 9 Has it been getting worse or staying the same? It is getting alittle worse. 10 How are you dealing with it? I do light stretching several times a day. When I do situps my thoracic area cracks alot. This gives me minimal relief. Awaiting thoracic injections because mine is a WC case..................Hoot

1)How long: Began burning after a whiplash injury in 2001 (rearended) surgeon assured me this would go away after ACDIF but never did. I had a previous L5S1 fusion 1988.

2.I've been dealing since 2001, but its worsening with age and from several falls. I too wonder if my fusions on both ends caused my center spine to absorb too much stress.

3)TX: I've used Tramadol for last 8 years, successfully, for my postop low back and neck pain til the last 1 1/2 yrs where I've been forced to discontinue due to a complications of a brain injury. I've now fallen twice, and fear reinjury.

4)Surgery to thoracic spine: I'm already fused C5-6 and L5-s1 so I wouldn't like to think of being fused in the middle. wouldn;t mind getting some nerves burned though as this pain going around my ribs is a killer.

5: I tried a massage once but its very expensive and my insurance made me choose between chiro and massage.

6)What flares it: Its just there..I know riding in the car mmakes it bad...spine seems unstable now. Knocking myself out with Valium at night seems my only relief.

7)What helps? Haven't had a lot of luck consistently; just had my initial pain consult so hoping for more info soon. I stay upright, Lay flat on back several times a day to rest, try to avoid the computer for long periods. I do some gentle stretches. the chiro showed me a rib stretch that sometimes helps, sometimes does not. I'm waiting to get some MRI's soon. Valium at night.

8. Can't work...March 07 I fainted, landed on my head, had a seizure, and survived a brain injury. Prior to this I continued to work part time as a RN for 20 years in spite of pain from my back and neck injuries; my pain was controlled by Tramadol then.

How do I deal. Not well. Now is the worst its been. I'm depressed and despondent at times. I slipped down an icy stairway in Feb and twisted and grabbed rails as I fell..don't know what I did to my spine. Needed arth repair of my R knee,(which I had done first March 08 ) Now I'm addressing my spine. L hip/groin is hurting too...may be related to my back I know. Maybe L4-5 right above my fusion... I've had 2 falls in the past 1 1/2 yrs so we'll see.

Valium, Lunesta, Lyrica usually gets me to sleep in 5 hour increments unless I'm really wound up about something...LOL! Warm baths, heating pads help. sometmes ice other times. Xanax prn. Arthritis Tylenol 1-2xday in fear for liver.

Thanks for this wonderful forum. I am learning more every time I come here. Great to talk with others who understand.

Hugs, Deb (Mattsmom)

I have found a therapist who actually seems to understand the thoracic area. I have gone 3 times so far, today being the latest visit. I actually feel pretty good, I have mobility and no real pain. This therapist is concentrating on specific stretches for the upper back, nothing drastic yet, but she explains how to get the muscles loosened up to improve the blood circulation in the thoracic area. In 2.8 years not one therapist or doctor explained that this is the worst part of the spine for circulation and thus experiences poor healing.

I thought I would also mention that I take Tramacet (one in the morning) when I know I will have a heavy day at work. It definitely helps limit the onset of the pain. Doesn't make it go away entirely, but makes it manageable

How long?
4 year's ..I fell off a cat walk broke my 7th rib and hernia T7-8.One year later open back side T8-9 thoracic Discetomy removed whole disc/no fusion..I've been in ongoing daily pain since the day of my surgery 3 years ago..

How do I deal?
Worn-out..Learning to deal is a daily challage..

Treatments?
2 Rounds of physical therapy..Three week Back rehab program..personnel trainer..Injections..nerve blocks..pain meds..Chiroprator..Massage..Daily stretching & very low inpack exercises..Counseling.

Surgery?
I'm not looking for surgery..but have been told surgery is too high of a risk...no doctor would take the risk ever but I should of been fused..

Massage?
To painful to be touched or have my back pressed on.

Flare up's?
Any upper body movement..Lifting..Sitting..Standing.Twisting
Laying down flat on my back..Pushing & pulling..The breathing pain is a nightmare..Bone grinding pain when moving...Shifting body weight.Coughing..pulling shoulders back..Ect.Any perssure placed on my back or rib cage.

What to I do to help myself?
Heat,Cold..lay down on my right side to rest..Stand with body wieght on my right side..Push thru pain to exercise so I can stay moving the best I can.Nothing helps the breathing pain.I just have to ride it out..Swimming is a slice of heaven..untill I get out of the pool..Work with my doctors..

My pain ?
Some days are better than other..It depends on my activity.

Work?
Worked in a lumber mill for 9 years..6 months ago I became disabled from the job I fought so hard to keep doing..Now I trying to rebuild my life..

I take on day at a time..and hope some day there is hope for 50% relieve of pain..I see a counselor to help me deal with the life style changes and the lost of my ability's..Sleeping is a major problem..Yup..I deal with depression now..I hope someday there will be more that can be done for folks with Thoracic spine issue..I fight for hope and the quality of my life..I'm 38 years old.

Hi PBarton Sorry to hear of all you have been living with. The not sleeping properly really adds to the pain issue. I finally tried accupuncture this summer, reluctantly, I wasn't excited about the thought of needles being jabbed into me, but am I ever glad I did. Give it a shot but make sure it is a therapist that is really trained in chinese accupunture. My old physio therapist heard that I had gone for treatment and wanted me to try their accupunturist. There was no comparison, I definitely felt like pin cushion when she was done. The genuine art of accupuncture, from someone accredited from chinese medicine may help give you some relief to sleep, and then things will look a little better. Nothing is a cure but it helps take the edge off.

1. How did it get started?
Through years of neglect in my youth / early twenties (too much drinking, partying & experimenting) malnutrition I also suspect had a lot to do wit hit as well as not being physically fit. Although, I always had a slouch to my posture and (now) wish It would have been addressed while I was still growing. Maybe it wouldn't have been this bad now? Who knows?

2. How long have you been dealing with it?
Since about 18 I noticed upper back problems, getting the feeling of being constrained and constricted - I tried bending backwards over the arm of a couch and rolling sideways to "pop" it into place. I had a friend that was a foot taller than me and he would lift me up with my arms crossed over my chest and it would sound like a string of fireworks going off! LOL
THAT ALWAYS FELT SO GOOD!!!

3. What treatments are you currently under? Do any help?
Was in PT after my L5-S1 lami & Fusion but in my third session I hurt my back below the surgery (which still hasn't been addressed by anyone) and I was told that would be it for now...
I do very light stretching and exercise at home as well as light cleaning and laundry - I end up pushing myself too much to go to the Grocery store and when doing laundry, so I end up in bed for two to three days recovering. Not good. I know...

4. Has Surgery been considered?
L5-S1 Lami & Fusion on 05/05/08

5. Have you tried Deep Tissue Massage (The "Real" thing)
Yes, before surgery once, I liked the results but cannot afford it regularly.

6. What causes it to flare up more?
After strenuous activities like Grocery Shopping, Laundry or even sitting, standing, driving, laying in one place more than twenty minutes at a time. Stress will cause it to flare and I have Anxiety to add to the fire and it really gets bad when I have a Panic Attack. O_o

7. When you have flareups what do you do about them?
I have tried breathing exercises, stretching, and light aerobics - they only make my anxiety worse which in turn... blah blah blah I end up taking Robaxin and Percocet which help but only temporary but they sometimes allow me to move those vertebrae more freely to loosen them up a little and it feels good! Until the next morning when you feel horrible and bruised in those areas.

8. Can you continue to work with this condition?
No freaking way, I ca barely tolerate living like this!!!

9. Has it been getting worse or staying the same?
Definitely getting worse!

10. How are you dealing with it all?
I'm not, I don't know how to and my doctors are no help! None at all! I just fired my last set of doctors and found a new PCP to take care of me and we are working on things one at a time. We first got my Fibromyalgia taken care of, I see them in a couple of weeks and am bringing up the T-spine and Tailbone pain from PT! I hope he will order x-rays since my Neuro wont. He's probably afraid of the results!!! LOL And he should be too!

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One of the most difficult tasks that people suffering from thoracic pain is to work with a doctor that understands the situation and will work with you on treatments. For the longest time, I listened to my doctors saying that it is so difficult to get herniated thoracic discs or that if you do have problems, it should not be painful. I wish now, that I could go back to those same doctors to let them know just how painful it can be. I am glad you came onto this site, we do everything we can to make people feel comfortable and set up an environment that you will find rewarding.

Take care

1. I fell about 10' and landed on my tailbone with my legs extended in front of me. t9crushed

2. Over 13 years now.

3. Basically no treatments now, pain killers, muscle relaxant, tens unit, my own stretching,breathing and yoga exercises.

4. Many doctors have said surgery is too dangerous and not likely to help.

5. Have not tried deep tissue massage, but I can not stand to have the area of injury touched....will pay for it later.

6. Sitting, driving, bending, cold, almost anything...I have been literally standing all day long for about 5 years,even for meals...my feet are tired,,,I am tired.

7. suffer

8. I have not worked for almost 5 years, approved for Disability about a year ago.

9. Getting worse

10. Not dealing with it very well right now, nothing helps, no future, still hanging on.

t9

1. How did it get started?
I fell when I was 9 years old and hit my back, right underneath my shoulder blades, on the edge of a big stone step.

2. How long have you been dealing with it?
20 years, since it really started to bother me when I was in my 20s.

3. What treatments are you currently under? Do any help?
Co-dydramol for pain, helps a bit, but not a lot. My doc prescribed Tylex but it makes my head feel too fuzzy to get on with my day. Diclofenac for inflammation (ranitidine for my stomach to counter-balance the adverse effects of the diclofenac), and diazepam as a muscle relaxant to help with spasms. This does help.

4. Has Surgery been considered?
My doc says it's not an option.

5. Have you tried Deep Tissue Massage (The "Real" thing )
Nope.

6. What causes it to flare up more?
Sitting at a desk/computer (I am using a laptop here); standing for more than a few moments; standing at the hob, cooking; cleaning the bath; vacuuming; driving; doing jigsaws (which I love); grocery shopping; walking round the shops;

7. When you have flareups what do you do about them?
Once I can move again, I eat meds, sleep with a pillow under my back (when I can manage to get to sleep), heat, rest, stretching (where is that rack when you need it?)

8. Can you continue to work with this condition?
Well, this is the million dollar question. I am currently being assessed at work (I sit at a pc all day)for my fitness to do my job. I may end up being re-deployed or retired early due to ill health, so it's all up in the air at the mo. I can't continue in my current job, as I am damaging my spine more as time goes on.

9. Has it been getting worse or staying the same?
Much worse in the last 7 months, with severe flare ups and excruciating spasms and 2 periods of sick leave.

10. How are you dealing with it all?
Best I can. What can you do? I stay as mobile and active as I can. Just keep taking the painkillers.

This is more of a venting session, as I've been receiving no help despite having 'amazing health care'. I'm in the Army as an Airborne Infantryman (please, it is just a job) and the physical toll of the job mounted up. I also just turned 24. The problem is I'm having 'back pain', which is something people come up with to get out of doing physically demanding work for a couple of weeks. My trump card however is I've been trying to come back from an injury for a year that I could have been med boarded out of the Army for (completely non-back related, but it did weaken my abdominals considerably).

1. How did it get started? No real event. However 110-130lbs of equipment carrid on shoulders for 6 hours a day for roughly 240 days straight. In addition major stomach surgery, and ruck running countless times with 50-80lb ruck.

2. How long have you been dealing with in? 1 year.
3. What treatments are you currently under? Do any help? I've done Physical Therapy which offered several hours of relief and Chiropractor which offered about an hour of relief.
4. Has Surgery been considered? It has not. They haven't even done an X-Ray or any other imaging study.
5. Have you tried Deep Tissue Massage (The "Real" thing ) I have not. I'm not sure if my 'excellent medical coverage', would cover, considering they flip bananas when you miss even an hour of work.
6. What causes it to flare up more? Running, rucking, wearing IBA (body armor). Carrying things on my shoulders or in front of my body. However, lifting weights usually does not cause any additional pain.
7. When you have flareups what do you do about them? Shake my head, swear, and complain to whoever is next to me that we are being Bravo'd and are 'in the suck'.
8. Can you continue to work with this condition? It is very painful, but I do work, unfortunately. And working a very physically demanding job.
9. Has it been getting worse or staying the same? Progressively getting worse over the last year.
10. How are you dealing with it all? Waiting 3 weeks for an appointment with a man whose appointment schedule book is empty (I've seen it). Telling him to fix me or med board me.