Upper Back Pain, Thoracic

MRI Results

iamhere — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 19:59:33 -0800

I am not new to back and neck pain, as I had an ACDF of C5/6 last year in my cervical spine.

I have had back pain in one specific spot for about 6 years now. It finally radiated around to the front, on the bottom of my rib cage and top of stomach. So the pain management doc finally ordered an MRI of the T spine, and here are the results:

1) Small midline T4-T5 disc herniation without cord impingement.

2) Small left T6-T7 disc herniation abutting the left ventral lateral cord and minimally flattening it.

Does this mean surgery? Or pain for the rest of my life?

Thoracic Sine Surgery 2 inch incision

renee swanzy — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 09:16:31 -0800

There has been alot of interest about my T 8-9 disc surgery, so I thought I would update my post to anyone who is interested in my surgery 4 months ago with a 2 inch incision and no rib removal. My recovery has been tough but I am over the surgical pain. It was 3 months before I could move around or drive but I am much better now with just alot of nerve pain that I was told to expect that for quite some time.

I know how hard it is to find Surgeons that will do surgery on the thoracic spine so if you want to know more you can write me a pm anytime.

thorasic disc

johnnyk2112 — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 23:57:49 -0800

This is my first time in this chat room. I have been dealing with a thorqsic injury for the past 5 years. I had a traumatic hyperflexion injury which herniated my t6 disc and created compression fx. then 1 month ago i was involved in a motorcycle injury in which i broke 7 ribs, my clavicle and completely ruptured the t6 dics on the right side. the pain and discomfort has returned with such an intensity that is brutally painful. has anyone suffered this kind of injury and had anything done about it., Please help

T7-T8 Foraminotomy

marcy — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 17:34:12 -0800

Does anyone know anything about this? I have several disc problems in my thoracic spine with T7-8 being one of the more problematic. I have had severe pain radiating from my back around my right side for several years. I have even had my gallbladder removed in hopes of ending the pain (not knowing it was a back problem). My neuro now thinks it's the T7-8 and wants to do a foraminotomy. I can't find anything about this procedure being done on the thoracic. Any help would be greatly appreciated, thanks.

Marcy

Thoracic disc protrusionsT-7 to T-11

iammstuck — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 12:14:54 -0800

I found out in 1999 that I had herniated discs T7-T8 and T10-T11 this was found when they were running other tests on my lower back, I had no symptoms from these discs.

After having chest pain this summer and ruling out the heart they did MRI and CT scans that showed
T3-T4 tiny right parasagittal disc protrusion
T5-T6 tiny left Parasagittal protrusion

T7-T8 prominent central disc protrusion impinging on cord anterior aspect
T8-T9 right paracentral small disc protrusion with out cord impingment

Thoracic/Sternum pain

WackyBack — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 12:59:05 -0800

Hello

Surgury stories found on other sites

anelsen15 — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 19:51:30 -0800

Since there is a lack of stories on thorasic surgury I wanted to say that braintalk if you type in thoraisc surgury some links come up and click on thorasic spine surgury. Quite a few stories some good some bad ,but surguries otherwise. Something not many here have had. Take a look.

like i need any more pain!!!!!

straker — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:58:32 -0800

i just cant get away from pain ...i am having such a massive flare up of my TOS at the moment .its in my left arm this time .sometimes its will go and then its back with a vengeance as i don't suffer with it all the time i had forgotten just how nasty that pain is.i have tried swimming {that made it ten times worse!} i have tried the TENS and various sprays but nothing is touching it ,any suggestions??
a very p1553d off
STRAKER

My thoracic surgery

renee swanzy — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 16:39:00 -0800

I have been writing about my T8-9 Surgery done minamally

Sever pain between shoulder blades except when laying down

dolphinaca — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 22:42:20 -0800

I injured myself at work moving some furniture about 2 months ago. I have been diagnosed with a bulging disc in my lower back, which has been causing me plenty of problems but isn't actually my main complaint since the injury. I have had sever pain in my upper back, between my shoulder blades, that occurs whenever I sit or stand for more than an hour.

Left arm pain

Ranchhand — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 07:28:50 -0800

Ya... It hurts just like sciatica down the back of my left arm, no... Doctor says "its fine"(add whiney high pitched voice here) but nooooooooooooooooooo... nothing is wrong with da neck, its just your too fat, too bad postured, too lazy, too this, to that...
bummer.
carry on

Stomach muscle spasms?

candle99 — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 05:50:14 -0800

I believe that I have thoractic problems, but haven't had any MRI or xrays. I had C5/6 fused in June and then C4/5/6 in August. Since then my upper back between the shoulder blade and just down from them has been aching like I've been stabbed. Worse in the morning when I wake up. Yesterday around noon, I started coughing hard and my stomach muscle cramped up. It took me some time to keep arching my back and stretching back to get them to stop. I'm already taking Zanaflex as a muscle relaxer. I'm also aching in my ribs.

popping of facets

baffled — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 14:14:08 -0700

has anyone ever had a pt "pop" their facets along the thoracic spine back into place. My pt told me - because you'd actually hear a pop noise, that it was the facet passing a tendon that was making that noise.

i can tell you with all honesty, that has been the only thing that would give me a window of relief....but it has been over 2 years since i saw that pt. She would have me laying flat on the table, breath in and then she would pop my facets. I have mild scolisis in the T area with rotation. I cannot belief how painful it is to touch that area of my spine.

My Back Pain

mrbadback — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 17:37:33 -0700

1. How did it get started?
Trampoline accident 34 years ago

2. How long have you been dealing with in?
Last 10 years have been worse

3. What treatments are you currently under? Do any help?Travel retard. 50mg 100mg 150mg Norflex. Brufens, back brace when needed

4. Has Surgery been considered?
Yes. Not an option at present

5. Have you tried Deep Tissue Massage (The "Real" thing )
No

6. What causes it to flare up more?
Any activity for a period of time

7. When you have flareups what do you do about them?

Horrible Thoracic Spine pain, MRI had only "few abnormalities" any help??

ZombiePandaBear — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 13:02:39 -0700

I have a slipped disc between L-4 and L-5 and a chipped disc in my neck that is pinching a nerve that controls my right arm. I have also been diagnosed with RSD (although the pain management doc was not convinced even though a neurologist diagnosed me)but I have burning down both legs that is unbearable which causes me to take neurontin. Even with all of this what keeps me awake all night and hurts throughout the day is pain in between my shoulders...I had an MRI (no contrast) this is what it read:

Help with post-op mri

renee swanzy — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 19:55:34 -0700

Having severe pain post-op fusion t8-9 3 months ago and my MRI says spinal cord edema and slight cord enlargement but not the size of a shrinx 2mmx2.2cm. I had none of this before the fusion and pain is way more now than before the surgery. they had to put me on pain patches and oxycodone to keep me more comfortable. Doctor thinks it's just post=op pain, but he always says that and come back in 2 months. I'm very worried it could be spinal cord trauma because when I look up edema and cord enlargement it always comes up spinal cord trauma and emergency steroid IV to get the swelling down.

Chronic Upper Back Pain

dsd474 — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 21:56:50 -0700

Ive had upper back pain for years in one form or another, it started mostly between the shoulder blades. I would say that it came and went, mostly came, for the last 10-15 years but has gotten worse recently. I had a clean MRI in 2003 or 04, doc wasnt concerned.

Update:

Jennyfoo — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 03:14:16 -0700

Ok, it's a little over 3 months now since my injury. I am amazed! I am doing incredibly well and have tapered down my pain meds to 1/3 what I was on 1 month ago. I had been on oxycontin for over 6 months due to arthritis pain, then this injury, but right before the injury, I'd ben approved for a higher dose of Humira- taken ever week instead of every other week. It was amazing. I would have had a much more mightmarish experience with the thoracic herniation if I had still been suffering from extreme hip and SI joint pain.

OK, so my gi doc says

yasmina — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 19:50:58 -0700

That the pain I have in my upper right back isn't b/c of my gallbladder. He wants my PCP to order a CT scan to see if something is wrong with the spine/nerves in the thoracic area.

When I turn my head in a certain way, I feel pain to my elbow. For no apparent reason, I feel tingling in my hand and fingers.

Does this sound like thoracic issues to you?

Trapezius pain for 4 years now .... :(

Mrathbun — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 23:58:08 -0700

I've been in pain for four years straight now. I'd love for anyone to read this if they have a moment and help me in anyway possible. The pain and tension is taking up space and time in my brain.

My sister has the same problem! Augh!

Jennyfoo — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 06:30:22 -0700

I just got a cell from her. She hurt her back about 2 weeks ago. She just got MRI results: T10-11 small bulge, T12-L1 bulge. Augh! Sky poor sis is only 26 with 2 kids under age 2. Her family also depends on her income. I'm so glad she qualifies for disabiity.

Does anyone know what this is?

loricarp — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 22:41:10 -0700

Hi Everyone,

I was doing some research on back pain and was pleased to find this website. And was wondering if someone might be able to help me.

Spine health write up

anelsen15 — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 22:43:26 -0700

I just finished reading the write up on thorasic problems on spine health hp. I just am discouraged by what it says. It still states that thorasic herniations and problems will almost always resolve on there own. Now I have been to alot of dr. office, PT, chiro , chat rooms talked to lots of people and I myself have never talked to a person with thorasic herniation problems that resolved with cons. treatment long term.

Finally had Epidural Steroid Injection

Jennyfoo — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 01:11:52 -0700

I FINALLY got my ESI done in the CORRECT location, 6 weeks after the screwed up one. OMG, it hurt like HE(double hockey sticks). Well, it's as close as they can get to the T12-L1 problem. It was done at L1-L2. The Pain Dr.said my back is so tied up in knots surrounding the disc, no wonder I'm in so much pain. He gave me a trigger point injection into the muscles on either side of the disc. I guess the inflammtion and muscle knots were why it's been feeling like I'm laying on top of a big beanbag under my back.

MRI Normal, Pain in thoracic, between lower part of shoulderblades

JSpencer — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 15:32:09 -0700

I have read similar topics to my own. Feels like a sad story for me. I have severe pain in between my shoulder blades on my thoracic region of my back. This pain sometimes radiates to my neck and lower back region also. I have had this pain nearly 7 months now but it has became unbearable in the last 2 months. The first time I had the pain I was physically moving something in a pushing manner and felt what could be described as a water balloon filled with warm water exploding in my upper back between lower shoulder blade area. At the time it was not that terrible of a pain.

Thoracic pain

jlrfrye — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 15:04:45 -0700

I am just curious and have no issues with my thoracic spine but does a herniated disc in the thoracic area feel the same as cervical and lumbar? What symptoms does it cause. I have a co-worker that thinks she has herniated a thoracic disk but she does not have insurance through our employer so she cant get an MRI.
Any info would be great .
Thanks, Susan

Vats surgury

anelsen15 — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 07:13:19 -0700

Post From VATS surgury patient ( 2 level fusion of thorasic T3-4, T6-7)

I think I've overdone it...

Jennyfoo — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 13:21:01 -0700

Hi everyone! I went to Lake Tahoe over the weekend for 2 nights with my family. I did take it easy, even foregoing to the beach with the kids, but I did swim a lot and walked more than I have in 2 months.

Right Shoulderblade Hurts When I Turn My Head

Ratsnav — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 09:38:03 -0700

Hi all,

I've come here to ask about some symptoms I'm having lately. I'll describe them then give a brief history of what's going on.

Woke up 2 weeks ago unable to get out of bed.

When I look up, I get a terrible pain in my right shoulder blade, sometimes under my armpit. When laying down it feels like I'm laying on a rock under my right shoulderblade almost in the middle of my back. If I try to lay on my left side I get a "stretchy" electic cramping pain in my right shoulder.

Insurance nightmare

Jennyfoo — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 13:26:31 -0700

I'm stuck in an insurance nightmare over getting a 2nd opinion on my back. I'm now on my 2nd kidney infection in a month, due to the nerve impingement causing bladder retention. All the neurosurgeons in my current network are networked together into one practice, so it's a conflict of interest for another to see me. So they're trying to go out of network. One other network already declined:they won't treat patients in my network, period.

Vats surgury

anelsen15 — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 13:29:07 -0700

As some of you know I was scheduled for thorasic fusion T5-T7 using the Video Assisted thorasic surgury techniue with dr. Regan. But of course insurance issues postponed that. I got a call and there was another guy from my state (LA) that just had it done. I am getting his contact info, he already said he would talk to me and I will let this site know. He is already posting on global patients network on their ispine forum. I am sorry he had to go through it but i am super excited to follow his progress and hope it works as i am going to have it when ins.clears up. Will post any info.

Memory Foam mattreses are no good for back pain!

oldbedsrbetter — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 06:17:25 -0700

For me they aren't! No support! I just got one less than a week ago and I haven't had this much back pain in four years. That's when I had a whiplash accident. Now the pain is back! I'm also getting some sciatica. O' boy! I just bought a Sealy trueform 'cool springs' twin mattress less than a week ago from a place called "EDITED". It's terrible! My old 19 year old bed was better. Even though it had lumps, it didn't cause any back pain. The memory foam doesn't keep my back and spine straight. It bows from the least amount of weight. This is unacceptable!

T5-T7 ...

Deeg — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 10:17:36 -0700

For five years now. Has anyone gone down this path. Interested desperately in people who have this or similar positional injuries. Fractured Rib Heads, Nerve damage, hairline rib fractures after five years perm. nerve damage.
Love to hear from someone.

So happy I found this site...

Deeg — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 07:48:50 -0700

As rare as we all know Thoracic Radicular Chronic Pain is it was so very nice to hear that I'm not suffering this extreme pain alone. So many I read about here suffer in the same way I do. This is what I was looking for, and am so happy I found this. My story began five yrs ago when I was assaulted and nearly killed by an X-boyfriend, he broke three of my rib heads T5-T7 along my spine and two hairline fracture on two of those ribs. I started with three years worth of Chiropractic treatment, messages etc. trying to avoid the Medical medication avenue.

T7 Compression Fracture from Accident

ChrisS — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 14:44:35 -0700

Hello all! On Aug 6th, 2009, I had a severe ATV accident where I went off a 82 foot sand dune. I was careflighted to the nearest hospital and had the following injuries: Right lower leg laceration(required surgery), a broken C2 and T7 compression fracture. The docs were amazed that I survived and that I didnt have any sort of paralysis. I am very grateful for that!

8 weeks since injury. No improvement...

Jennyfoo — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 20:12:49 -0700

I herniated my T12-L1 8 weeks ago now. It took 4 weeks due to my dr. Not including my MRI with my referral to the neuro, to get in and find out what exactly the prroblem was. Before that, I had an ESI in the wrong location which only aggrevated my back and nerves that were damaged in my surgery last year. My neuro told me to go home, lie flat on my back for 4 weeks, only getting up to use the bathroom and shower. He told me he'd call my pain mgmt dr. the next day, after he reviewed my films, and instruct them where to do an ESI.

Guessing Game

BackProblems — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 07:39:42 -0700

Hey, I just joined this forum because I'm in a situation where I need some help. First of all, I'm 19 years old and I don't have health insurance (can't afford it). So that poses a problem with going to the doctor.

For the past 4 or so days, my back has been feeling really tense. When I cracked my back, I recorded videos of myself doing it because it was just an intense cracking...except I never really felt better after doing it. A couple days later, my back started feeling a bit worse, but now it's towards the middle of my spinal area.

Started with lumbar

l4pita — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 16:54:01 -0700

I hope someone out there has had this combo happen. Please discuss if you have. If it is similar, please let me know. I hope that someone has insight on this.

My radiology tells that I have central canal narrowing due to an annular bulge on at least L4/L5. When I sought treatment a year ago, the main problem was a very dull and constant lumbar pain. Sitting down and having a massaging + heating pad do some work was good, but just the moment I get up from the chair it came back. Very mild thoracic pain at that point and I did not really notice it.

Sensitive topic: sexual dysfunction with back injury

Jennyfoo — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 05:24:58 -0700

Ok, I know this one's a sensitive subject, but I'm hoping someone has some input for me.

Post L5-S1 discectomy, I had severe nerve damage which also affected the right side of my genitals. Perhaps I'm lucky that I was always hypersexual and could easily have multiple orgasms. It didn't effect me too much, and after a year, I barely noticed it. However, I did have problems up until a few months ago, that when I had orgasm, I would lose bladder control. Ugh. Thankfully hubby was very understanding. I was grossed out more(embarrassed) about it than him. Thankfully that had gotten better.

Herniations T3-T6

Cherie — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 18:39:00 -0700

Hello all, my name is Cherie and I had a fall on January 1st of this year, in which I herniated discs in my thoracic spine, with cord impingement at T5/T6. I currently have horrible burning spasms along my bra line and pain that wraps around my rib cage that hurts with breathing. I have been through PT and have just underwent my first epidural steroid injection (still wondering about that as the injection was at the T10 level).

Still suffering

hisbeauty4ashes — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 18:07:43 -0700

Hi friends

It has been awhile since posting.Several months ago I ended up in the Hospital with severe back pain that radiated through the chest, and I thought I was having a heart attack. I found out it was a disc that herniated in the mid to upper back that caused my vertebra to protrude my lung.

Well I keep having massive chest pain and back pain not to the degree it was but close. It is hard to find a doc as mine retired and I am moving to Oregon.

any ideas of pain relief. Do any of you live in the Roseburg area that know a good nero surgeon?

Thanks
Jeanie

T2-T3 Herniation

boosa1 — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 11:09:33 -0700

I have recently been dignosed w/ a Herniated Disc at T2-T3. The pain has been ongoing for about 3mths. I had several different test's done before finally having an MRI on my thoracic spine. The Doctor told me Herniation's never happen at that level. The MRI showed that the Herniated Disc Displacement is Mild, but the pain has been awful. I Have pain in my shoulder blades, that wraps underneath my arms and around to my chest. I have pain when I press on the bone between my breast's. The pain will also radiate down my arms. I find it impossible to sit at a desk all day or in a car.

Alternative to back surgery

groyal — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 08:56:07 -0700

I know I'm new to the forum, but I'm tired of being in pain. I had been experiencing back pain for years, only to find out that I have scoliosis and 4 bulging disc in my thoracic spine. I have recently had steroid injection twice over the past 3 months, with no relief. Is there any other alternative to back surgery?

thoracic spine surgery

renee swanzy — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 20:26:21 -0700

I have been reviewing some of the comments on thoracic surgery and wanted to let you know their is a less invasive surgery out there that I had four weeks ago.I am still in some pain from the ribs being stretched so they could get to the t8-9 disc and fuse it. It only took 4 hrs and they did have to collapse a lung but filled it right back up before I awoke. I only have a 1 inch scar under my left arm where they went in minimally invasive and no taking out ribs or cracking open the chest.

Topomax for Nerve Pain?

rftallent — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 17:17:41 -0700

Has anyone ever been prescribed Topomax for nerve pain? I don't like the side effects of Lyrica and Neurontin.

Rusty

Gallbladder....or back issue

tabbiephillips — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 16:50:49 -0700

Just curious how an upper back spasm feels to be honest. I called my dr. last week because of an intense pain before bed in my upper back/right shoulder blade area. My chest hurt my neck hurt. It was VERY painful (I've had two children and worse than any contraction I've ever had) I didn't want to take a deep breath it was that bad. It would build and then go away for a couple seconds and lasted about an hour.

Then the next morning I woke up to the pain again, lasted about an hour with me almost calling an ambulance. I'm 33, no heart problems etc.

Thoracic & bent over

jasro — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 20:09:59 -0700

I've got thoracic pain - but have a further question regarding it. (No mri money.)

If I stand/walk for 45 minutes, the middle of my back (just below bra strap area) truly starts hurting (deep). Yet, if I bend (slouch, hunch over) then I seem to be good to go ....for about as long as needed to complete whatever task I'm doing. It makes the pain VERY tolerable....though slouching like this really wrecks havoc on my cervical problems.

Is anyone experienced enough with thoracic symptoms to recognize what this type of pain behavior may possibly be?

Complications 18 yrs after surgery

dayztee12 — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 09:26:48 -0700

Hi my daughter was diagnoised with scoliosis at the age of 12 she had surgery to correct a 45 degree curvature the doctor used cotrel-dubousse instrumentation. My daughter's surgery was 18 years ago, she is almost 30. She is now experiencing some upper back and neck pain. I was wondering if anyone else has had these symptoms. I have read alot of people who had harrington rods have back pain, but none the had the cotrel-dubousse instrumentation.

Thoracic pain......or something else

yasmina — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 13:19:34 -0700

Just to preface, I have an appt. with my pcp tomorrow PM.

About 2 weeks ago, I started to have spasms in the muscles behind my right shoulder blade. As time went on, it travelled to my right rib cage, central abdominal pain, then to my left rib cage. It hurts tremendously, like I have broken ribs.

To my recollection, I've done nothing to cause this.

When I take a deep breath, it hurts.

About 2 hours ago, I slipped on a 4 ft. hill, right on my backside and scraped my foot. No biggie on the scrape, but am concerned about my back.

Thoracic pain

jorsburn — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 05:12:45 -0700

Please help

I have had 6 injections into the T1-T4 in the past 48 months. This does give some relief for a short period of time but unfortunately doesnt last and is very expensive. In the past I have been able to keep my pain level at an acceptable 6 through medication and exercise. My right shoulder has become much lower than my left in the past year (it has always been somewhat lower) and the pain has now increased to an unmanageable 8. I am only 41 and still have a lot of living to do. PLEASE HELP I no longer know how to control the pain.

thoracic mri

wdwgranny — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 21:43:59 -0700

DR. Nero wants to do an mri on this area before putting in my SCS when he put the trial in he had a very hard time of , said my thoracic area was very tight compressed so he wants to see what is going on in there before he attempts to put in perm scs, now i am scared i have cancer or something cause every where i read this area doesnt get damaged.. looking for possitive answrs scared.i do have pain between my shoulder blades an is sensitive to touch but not all time i never really gave it to much thought as it is my low back and legs that pain me
thank you

I had some xrays today

JulieA — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 16:27:59 -0700

I went to see my MD today but I couldn't get in so I saw an associate. He tested my arm strenght and ordered xrays. The xrays are being sent out to a Radioligst because he has never seen anything like mine.....

He says I basically have no disc space in my Thoracic spine. Since I have a follow up with my NS for my PLIF (almost a year now) he wants me to take my xrays along and he gave me another referal.

He also gave me a steroid pack and pain meds.

Chronic Back Pain

farmgirl62 — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 04:55:20 -0700

I was in an accident 5 years ago and fractured my 7th and 8th vertebras. Rods and hooks were placed on both sides of my spine from the 4th to the 12th. I have lived with pain ever since. Last September I fell in the bathtub and hit right on the 7th and 8th where the fusion was and I have been in severe pain ever since. Xrays, CT scans and MRI's have been done nothing has been found except inflammation and I have had 3 trigger point injections that only last f

Bone Growth Stimulator

rftallent — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 12:54:42 -0700

Today, I got a bone growth stimulator. Could anyone share their experience/success with such a unit? I thought it odd that I'm instructed to wear it 24/7 (except for bath).

Rusty

New, with new pain, new med

rftallent — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 07:41:35 -0700

I had an ALIF at S5/S1 6 weeks ago, and I'm healing fine. But, now I have a burning pain at T3. It feels like a bad sunburn, and I can't stand for clothing to touch it. I pointed it out to my surgeon yesterday, but he thinks that it's related to my surgery and wants me to "give things time to settle down". Why would it start up 6 weeks later. Also, he changed my Rx from hydrocodone (wasn't helping), to darvocet. It also doesn't help. Isn't darvocet weaker than hydrocodone?

Does T11 compression fracture cause bilateral leg calf & feet pain?

Lois Tacy — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 18:57:39 -0700

I have a T11 compression fracture with wedging confirmed only by exrays and neuro. I am scheduled for MRI. I have severe lower back, hips, legs and feet pain. I was unaware that a T11 problem could cause my symptoms. Has anyone ever had these symptoms with a T11 problem? Thanks for any help given.

myofascial therapy trigger point release techniques

jsambo123 — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 04:29:17 -0700

I have had upper thoracic pain post surgery for ten years and have been receiving myofascial release therapy for the last year. My massage therapist uses her elbow to release the knots but also does what she calls "deep" release by putting her hands on my back and lightly massaging. I get relief by the elbow technique but have no confidence in the "deep" therapy. I have not allowed her to do the highly suspicious cranio-sacral therapy but cannot stop this expensive laying on of hands.
WHat experiences do others have with trying to get effective myofascial therapy?

Trigger Points?

rftallent — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 14:10:13 -0700

I'd like to know if anyone is familiar with the type of pain that I'm having. I had an ALIF on the L5/S1 on the 10th of June, and am healing nicely. Now, out of the blue, I have developed a burning pain in my upper back. It started out about 3 inches below the base of my neck and one inch to the left. I called my dr. and he said that it could be a trigger point. The burning has since spread to the other side of my spine and up my neck. I don't see my doctor again until this Thursday, but I feel like I have a colony of fire ants on my back. I've never heard of trigger points.

Kadian

tweetybird716 — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 14:01:59 -0700

Has anyone ever heard of kadian or used it if so please let me know what to expect, I was given it today to start next week, was on the opana but the cost was why we changed it. I am going Monday to find out when they will do the next fusion on my back in the L3 4 5 areas . Had L5 and S1 done feb of last year no pain for three whole months, and now this. oh well i am sure it could be worse. Thanks for listening and let me know soon. Tweetybird

Feels like sweat bees

rftallent — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 09:15:41 -0700

I had an L5/S1 fusion on June 10th. Just recently I have noticed a burning sensation at C5 (more or less). It started on the left side of my spine, and when I called my doctor he said that it might be a "trigger point". Since then it has crept over to the right side of my spine and is moving up my neck. It feels like a swarm of sweat bees the size of a tennis ball. Has anyone experienced anything like this? I see my doctor again this Thursday, but I'd like to hear personal experiences.

Thanks in advance.

Thoracic hernia

wlb06 — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 13:41:14 -0700

If you respond to this, please only positive remarks, no negative comments are welcome.

Ok, Ive been dealing with back pain for a little over a year now, and finally after an X-ray, Physical Therapy, and an MRI, I found out I have...

small paracentral anterior herniation in T7-T8 region. the rest of my thoracic spine was "unremarkable" according to the dr.

Im trying to stay positive, but I feel my dreams slipping away from me. I am going to see a thoracic spine specialist in a couple days, as my orthopedic dr. referred me to him.

Thorasic Arachnoid Cyst

shelleys43 — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 10:13:56 -0700

Has anyone been diagnosed with a Thorasic Arachnoid cyst ? I had 2 spinal decompression surgeries with associated laminectomies (T-2 - T12). Just curious how common these are and what your experiences have been.

_______________________________________________________

Meds: Duralgesic Patch 50mcg every 48 hours. Norco and Lunesta.

SHARP awful pain between T3-T7ish???

ConnieB — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 20:55:11 -0700

Hello I am new to this forum and hope some of you can help me to understand what has happened to me all of a sudden. Just a little history....I had a C4,5,6, fusion almost three years ago, Fibromyalgia and frequent migraine headaches.

Do you get dizzy/vertigo?

adie1 — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 21:40:24 -0700

I was just wondering if anyone out there who has t-spine issues, and suffers from muscle spasms, ever had balance issues?

I have the "bonus" if you can call it that, of also have a herniated c5/c6.

yay! I found something that helped me! :O)

DarkAlley70 — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 02:58:04 -0700

I have been suffering from upper back pain for 2-3 years after too much computer work. I went to see a masseur once a week, but he couldn't stay at my house *lol* !!

BUT he recommended me a mat with spikes (The Fakirmat). I thought he was joking, but this is supposed to be the best selling healthproduct in Sweden. Did I try it? Yup I did!!!

It hurted in the beginning, but wow!! It helped me! It waa sooo relaxing and I got kinda warm. I sit at the computer doing some work, then after 2 hours I lay down on the mat for about 15 mintes, then I can work again!

Anyone able to help me ?

Blizzarduk — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 21:59:38 -0700

For the last couple of months I have been suffering from a strange thing with my back. I have a upper right hand side ache, under the shoulder blade and spreading to the middle of the spine. It is a tingling sort of soreness. It is much worse when my arms are out in front of me or if I am lifting anything.

Also, the worse thing is my walk, I often feel off kilter and as though I am a weeble. Also when I walk I feel like I walking over waves, sort of up and down, like walking over steps on the flat. My neck is also very stiff.

diagnosed with Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

Greg83 — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 21:55:59 -0700

I've been trying to get better for 2 years with conservative therapy. The condition has just gotten gradually worse. It went from simply chronic inflammation pain to much worse neurological symptoms such as muscle spasm, Electric shock, Blood vessel pinched numbness. I don't feel the pins and needles that much yet but it is beginning to happen as well.

For anyone who has gone through the hell of diagnosing this condition while trying every conservative therapy possible and all ending in failure. What did you do next?

stuck by an atv as I was standing at my boys ball game...

smtowngalwi — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 06:39:21 -0700

Hello,
New here, but really looking for some advice and support, and just the chance to talk to others that have some of the same issues.

middle back pain when sleeping

shaneshort — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 08:19:53 -0700

Hi everyone,

My name is Shane and I just joined this site today hoping for some answers...or at least the advice of others who share or have shared my pain. I am a 33 year old male who works out regularly and eats pretty well. My workouts range anywhere from lifting weights to running and I have been quite active for most of my life. I have never smoked and I drink alcohol moderately (maybe 2-3 times a month).

Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

ChronicPain1 — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 23:00:50 -0700

I may finally have an answer to my pain in TOS. I'm ecstatic because after 2 years of worsening pain and no answer, I'm getting closer now. My recent EMG/NCV test was normal and the doctor, Physical Therapist and my Chiropractor all mentioned this condition at different times!

Anyone else have a multi-level thorasic fusion?

saamsonite — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 17:53:00 -0700

I am 3 months post-op after having my second spinal fusion T2-T10. I am been having A LOT of pain recently. I am worried that this fusion is not going to be successful either. Is there anyone else that has had similar surgery that could offer any advice? What should I be feeling at this stage in the game? Any personal experience stories would be helpful... thanks.

Need help MRI results

jj530 — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 19:32:16 -0700

Hi im new here and i was hoping to get some answers about my pain in '02 i was in a really bad car accident we got ran over by a tractor trailer i had some mild back and neck pain and i got a mri done these are the results

2002- disc herniation at T11-12 and bulging disc a T12-11
Herniated disc at T8-9 extending nearly to the thoracic cord, Left sided spur and bulging disc at T5-6
mild reversal of cervical lordortic curvature at C4 and C5
mild uniform disc desiccation throughout the cervical discs and upper thoracic, shallow disc bulge at C4-5 C5-6 C6-7
mild posterior bulge at T1-2

really tight muscles

tammyc — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 19:40:21 -0700

i have a disc herniation in my thoracic spine and have been doing massages for it for eight months now.He said that my muscles won't relax even when he's doing the massage they just won't release.Is this normal for people with herniations in there rib area? Does everyone on here have tight muscles across there ribs?

Last resort

reginaldperrin — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 10:17:17 -0700

I am a 49 year old male. Since I was very small I have had pain in the chest stomach and around the back of my ribs.I had a bad car crash 30 years ago no broken bones but back and leg injurys. I have had acid feeling just behind my sternum, that can radiate left or right, and when I gat very tense, it feels like an electric shock in the middle of my spine. This almost makes me black out. The pain at the moment is unbearable, and i have difficulty breathing sometimes. It causeas cramps in my sides and legs, and tugs on the sciatic nerves.

Pain at upper spine between shoulder blades

nitzpar — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 22:20:18 -0700

I get 2 to 3 days of severe pain in my upper spine between the shoulder blades. I noticed this to happen every after I babysit for my grandkid and I had to carry him for a few times during the day. (I don't babysit everyday.) It also happens when I lift weights. Therefore, I am guessing it is strain. Actually, I can feel a bulge which is painful in my upper spines just where the shoulder blades are connected. If I don't lift or carry, I don't get the pain. Does anyone have this experience. Is there a cure?

anyone have this problem

tammyc — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 09:20:03 -0700

i had a three level fusion in my neck,six months after that i was in a car accident that is causing a lot of problems for me,my ribs have been hurting every since,i'm slouching all the time cause it hurts to sit straight and i have an awful pain going into my stomach right where the ribs go together. i feel like a big band is going around me from front to back squeezing my rib area. only had x-rays so far that didn't show anything,waiting to see my doc.

Chronic upper back pain

JIP15@aol.com — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 16:39:45 -0700

Would an MRI or an X-ray be helpful for my upper back?

how can this be

anelsen15 — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 14:35:31 -0700

I am curious about my condition, I have numerous tears, DDD, and a herniation in the levels from T-T8. I have severe pain there that gets much worse as day goes on. The pain ranges from stabbing, burning, aching and some others. But I do not have any limitations in my movements. I mean I can't lift things heavy or sit for long periods, but I can move in most ways i used to. My question is that if there is something causing this much pain why does it not limit my motion?

radiculopathy

Samsung — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 09:11:24 -0700

Is radiculopathy possible without cord impingement?

Can cervical herniations cause chronic stiff necks. I seem to get a stiff neck anytime that I really exert myself.

Can mild flattening of th cord cause radiculopathy? What types of test to diagnose this?

What is an annular tear?

Costo Transverse Approach

smpdsniper — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 23:49:23 -0700

Has anyone had a Thoracic discectomy through the costotransverse approach. I am supposed to have this surgery in a week and am curious on what to expect in the hospital and out. I am scheduled to have T6-7.T8-9 and T9-10

I have had C6-7 C7-T1 ACDF and Anterior/Posterior ACDF L4-5 L5-S1.

I want to know how the pain is going to be post op, scar size, and recovery length.

Thanks
Brian

Hello, new here * Help*

novaktwins — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 19:08:50 -0700

Hi, I am a 32 yr old mother of 7 year old twins and a three year old. 3 years ago I presented with weird neurological symptoms that they thought may have been a stroke and were thankfully not. But during the course of testing and my hospitialization we did find multiple herniations in my cervical and thoracic and even in my lumbar spine. They ended up diagnosing me at that time with hempilegic migraines though because of the left sided paralysis/weakness.

WHAAAATTSS UP! my backies!

Ranchhand — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 13:51:26 -0700

I got a heating pad on my thoracic area, and...
its BRILLIANT!
where b yours?

Thoracic Disc Disease-disc replacement options?

kelbel2424 — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 11:26:25 -0700

Hello! I'm new to the forums, but I've been impressed with the support and advice here. Hopefully, someone can help me out.

Do you feel "over radiated"??

adie1 — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 19:29:35 -0700

I know this may sound stupid....but I've been "thinking" about what next steps I want to take to find out "what" I've done to severely "re-irriate" one of my "T's"........

Since I had x-rays, bone scan, and CT scan, all within close proximity, then MRI...I get kinda worried about the "radioactive" tracings left in my body especially if you have to be "retested".

upper back pain and weird feeling, help?

KE — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 04:55:36 -0700

I thought I would try this forum, and hope for some good experiencial advice. I have already posted in the part of these forums for my lower back. . .different issue! But I have another problem and wonder if others have had it, and what course of treatment they followed.

Discectomy T-7-8 T8-9 and costo transvers approach

smpdsniper — Wed, 27 May 2009 19:59:55 -0700

Has anyone had a discectomy through the costo transvers approach. My doctor took my case to a group of spine surgeons who felt this approach was better for me long term than a 4 level fusion. I have already had ACDF C6-7 and ACDF C7-T-1 and Anterior/Posterior Fusion L4-L5 L5-S1.

Need Help.

hisbeauty4ashes — Sat, 16 May 2009 10:46:31 -0700

Hi my friends here.

So far Visited 17 doctors

ramana_forums — Fri, 15 May 2009 11:17:33 -0700

Hi,
I can't sit in chair in even 1 minit.
My case will be a interesting....
I am a computer programmer and i have sit in chair every day about 10-12 hours.
Since 3 years i am having Upper and lower back pain.
and i have herniated Disc at my lower back.
So far i had visited 17 doctors(include Chiropractors and Physical therapist)
No one can't tell why i am getting Upper back pain..?
If i touch my upper back to chair or car seat or sofa immediately i am getting too much pain...

Please can any one give me advise what are the treatment options for me.

Thanks in advance..

T6-T12 irritation

zerafian — Fri, 15 May 2009 05:39:19 -0700

Yesterday my back was slightly sore, nothing that prevented movement in any way. I could stretch normally, turn, and move things(meaning gym weights) just fine. About 40 minutes into my gym routine(shoulders specifically) I arched my back just a little to much and I got a twing, pinch, or sharp pain around my t7-t12 area. I quickly tossed the weights down and sloooowly got up. After that( meaning from 6pm until 10pm) my back slowly started to stiffen.

I don't need this at all

meydey321 — Wed, 13 May 2009 11:12:22 -0700

Hi everyone, I've been absent these last few days because I of severe upper back pain. It just hit me out of the blue,it felt like I was stuck with a knife between the shoulder blades and it took my breath away. It hurt so bad to move. Then the pain radiated to the ride side of my ribs, and I felt pressure like pain all across the area. At times it was uncomfortable to even speak. I have felt the pain go up to my shoulder and neck sometimes, and also have intermittent electric pain in my thumb, forefinger, and middle finger.

Fall Injury, Not Sure If It Is Serious

dmgr — Fri, 08 May 2009 08:41:15 -0700

As you may or may not have read from my introductino post, I have had Rheumatoid Arthritis for 20+ years. I am 32 years old now, and I have yet another setback to deal with.

Hi everyone,and Giff

hisbeauty4ashes — Thu, 07 May 2009 17:34:05 -0700

Hi I have been gone from this forums for awhile.

I have been dealing with TOS all the time until they gave me shoots in my neck and shoulders.The shoots last just a few weeks then I am off to having more shoots. I am so sad that this is my life right now and feel like i will never be free from this pain it is horrible.

Giff, I think of you how are you going? How did the surgery pan out? I pray you are doing well and healing quickly.

Hugs
Jeanie

Old Whiplash type injury?

Mac H — Fri, 01 May 2009 11:28:17 -0700

Hi Folks. I hope you are well.

anyone feel swollen

baffled — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 04:34:49 -0700

checking with all you Tspine people - do you feel swollen at the point of injury in your Thoracic?

I have a spot bw the shoulder blades that is so swollen (not that you can see, but can feel with your hand) - during the winter the hood of a jacket would hit it when i was driving the truck and it was very painful. I would have to move the hood up so as not to have that additional pressure right at that spot.

I survived

risingeagle — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 15:39:23 -0700

I went to the pain clinic for the first time today. He said my spine is really curved and thus the hump. This also could be causing my rib cage pain. I had an injection and i was sweating bullets. All in all it was not to bad.
I am going to have a bone scan friday morning but not sure what this is for.
He also changed my meds to vicodin and tizandine. Sure hope this helps but it sounds like there isnt much to be done for this problem.

T11-12 Herniated Disc - To operate or not?

Translators — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 06:11:34 -0700

Hello everyone,I'm writing on behalf of my partner. He is 38, had an L5/6 fusion/laminectomy 8 years ago which seems to be settling well. A year ago,(we think probably related to road running),he herniated T11/12. He had an MRI that showed the disc to be calcified & very small.We met with consultants who told us that he should try walking, swimming, painkillers etc and see how he got on.

massage, acupuncture after thoracic fusion?

saamsonite — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 23:23:43 -0700

Does anyone know how long one should wait before having massage after thoracic spinal fusion surgery? I am also interested in acupuncture; has anyone tried it?

I had surgery 3 1/2 weeks ago (April 1st), had T2-T10 fused, and am having pretty bad muscle spasms and shoulder pain. Meditation works wonders, but I was thinking massage might further help. I would like to try more holistic approaches and less pharmaceuticals. I can't find any info online and my doctor is quite unavailable...

Can someone help???

risingeagle — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 15:07:33 -0700

I have been having alot of pain in my upper back. Also alot of pain under my right rib cage. I can hardly stand the pain at work.....somedays in tears. The pain in my rib cage area mostly hurts when sitting down.
I am getting desperate here does anyone have any ideas for me??
Thanks in advance

neck/Back Pain, headaches & Chiari,

LAW — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 08:30:38 -0700

Hi my name is Lisa im 40 and this pain business all started in March of '09, well first let me just say ive had lower back pain for the last 21 yrs ever since my oldest son was born and they screwed up on a epidoral. But the upper back pain started in March I woke up one morning dizzy sick to my stomach with the inability to think straight speak properly (thought process was all screwed up). i have had tremors, light and sound sensativity. etc..

Thoracic Surgery

smpdsniper — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 22:30:33 -0700

Has anyone had a three level Thoracic Fusion. I am going to have a three level and possible four level thoracic fusion in the coming month. I have already had two cervical fusions, April 07, C6-7 and Feb 09 C7-T1. In October 07 I had full anterior posterior L4-L5, L5-S1.

I am a bit more scared to have the Thoracic. i have heard some great stories but alot of horror stories. I am only 34. I am very athletic and always determined not to be down and out for long after surgery. I usually am playing golf and softball two months post-op.

Does this sound like anyone else please??

summerlea — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 03:24:53 -0700

Hello all...

My name is summer and im 27 yrs old.
I wondered if anyone else had the same sort of mri results or symptoms reguarding the thoractic spine.Just had a recent mri scan on my thoractic spine that has revealed that i have servere darkened and narrowed discs from t6,t7,t8 and t9 and also significant loss of central height.Also they found i had 2 compression fractures at the t7.t9 level.

Help, rib pain related to thoracic?

Frankie — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 11:22:18 -0700

Hello,

My partner has, sicne December, been suffering from severe pain in her left rib, around her heart. She has had all manner of tests, MRI, CAT< Bone scan, x-rays, cardiovasular tests and pulmonary tests and they all come back clear. She went to one pulmonary specialist who indicated that the pain may be related to her spine and sent her for a CAT of the area, but nothing appeared.
She has had surgery on her lower back and on her neck and is prone to back problems anyway.
she is in constant pain, can't breathe deep, is exhausted all the time.

MRI RESULTS ANY HELP WELCOMED

laurie3413 — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 06:56:09 -0700

HELLO I AM new here and was hoping i can get info on my mri i just recieved here it goes i will give the cervical first
findings are;;;
c2-3 mild left unconvertaebral osteophytes
C3-4 LEFT UNCONVERTEBRAL OSTEOPHYTE & ASSOCIATED BULGING DISC RESULTING IN MILD LEFT FORAMINAL STENOSIS
C4-5MILD LEFT UNCONVERTEBRAL OSTEOPHYTE &DISC OSTEOPHYTE COMPLEX RESULTING IN MILS FORMANINAL STENOSIS
IMPRESSION ; MILD SPONDYLITIC CHANGE WITH UNCONVERTEBRAL DISC OSTEOPHYTE COMPLEX ON THE LEFT AT C2-3.C3-4 AND C4-5 HERE IS THE

IT FEELS HOPELESS

rb23nc — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 07:55:48 -0700

Hi all. Been reading here for a couple days and this seems like a wonderful place for the support I'm needing. I have been in pain for months now. I have no insurance so I sucked it up and went about my business, working two jobs and raising my 8 year old daughter. I'm 27 and a single mom. I have gone to the doctor's finally (last week) and he sent me for an ultrasound of my kidneys - thought i had stones or something. No stones. Prescribed me 21 hydrocodone 5/500 which are almost gone at this point. I suffer all day until I can get home and take one and have a little relief.

Three level Thoracic fusion coming up

smpdsniper — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 00:16:36 -0700

Well, its been determined, I am now facing a three level thoracic fusion. If you have read my previous posts, won't bore you. Here is the bio. 34 year old retired cop after on duty motorcycle crash. ACDF's C6-7 July 07, C7-8 Feb 09. Full 360 Ant/post L4-5 L5-S1. Legs gave out 1 week after last surgery last month fell on my stairs with my daugther. Found out two weeks ago I have severely herniated T-7-8, T-8-9, and T-9-10. My doctor has requested three level fusion and awaiting authorization. My pain is unGodly and by far the worst I have ever had, even my low back surgery.

advice on anterior Thoracic spinal fusion

Bonnie Louise — Sun, 12 Apr 2009 16:35:28 -0700

I have had spinal surgeries going back to 1967: L5-S1 disc removal; L4-5 disc removal two years later; fusion to alleviate weakness and pain from the disc surgeries, but instead of doing L4-5,L5-S1 the surgeons fused L3-4, L4-5, leaving L5-S1 unstable. The pedicles wore away over time and in 1989 an orthopedic surgeon at MGH fused me from T-10 to the sacrum, which was wonderfully successful.

related dermatomes?

adie1 — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 21:46:03 -0700

hi everyone,

I'm a newby here:)
So if I post a repeated question, I do apologize until I work my way around.

I was wondering if anyone else has, stomach problems, upset stomach (not medication related) that is probably "spasm" related from their disc pain?.......do you also get any bicep pain in a particular arm or both? Most nite sleeping is interupted by this "tearing" pain I used to get in the thoracic that has now travelled to my right bicep.

:( constant back pain i need advise please!

bellaserra88 — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 20:57:23 -0700

wasnt sure were to post it:

Hi! Im a 21 year old female.

I was told i have some very slight scoliosis, about 2 or 3 years ago by a doctor. Ive always had some back pain but in the recent months its gotten worse. My back is in almost constant pain and i feel the need to "crack" it all the time as well as my neck. The last 2 years have been kinda stressful for me and I know that can give you knots and stuff but is there a reason why my back always hurts and needs to be cracked beside my slight scoliosis..which couldnt have gotten that much worse in 2 years could it?

thanks all!

Please! I need advise

anonymoose — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 19:58:32 -0700

Hey Everyone,

I just joined the board. I'm hoping someone can answer some questions.

I've been having upper middle back pain for several months now, at least 6 months. It's been somewhat tolerable. I mean nothing to cry over. It's a constant pressure, and I constantly feel like I have to pop my back to relieve the pressure, it wakes me up several times a night where i have to adjust myself. Stand up, stretch and then get a few more hours of sleep.

Question re osteopenia and insufficiency fractures

alkareeme — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 21:51:54 -0700

Just wondering if anyone can provide information on this subject. I am 34 and after a CT scan have had the diagnosis of osteopenia and insufficiency fractures of the thoracic spine. The GP said he didnt know what that all meant and has referred me to a specialist who I dont see until June. I have had bloods taken to investigate why I have the osteopenia and will get results next week.

I am just wanting to know whether anyone has experience with such a diagnosis, and whether I need to do anything differently in the mean time. I ride horses, live on a farm etc. Thanks

Thoracic Surgery is imminent

smpdsniper — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 21:32:44 -0700

Well, I got the news today. I am sure everyone knows my history. 34 year old retired cop after on duty motorcycle crash. ACDF C6-7 ACDF C7-T1, Anterior Posterior L4-L5,L5-S1. My most recent surgery was ACDF C7-T-1 in FEB. One week after surgery, my legs went weak while walking my three year old down stairs at home. Slipped landed on my ass and holy shit it really hurt.

Severe thoracic pain negative MRI HELP

Lboogie0617 — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 18:11:59 -0700

I hurt my upper back almost 6years ago in the persian gulf by trying to swing my mobility bag up onto my back to carry it. It hurt like hell but i just let it go since I was in a war zone and i didn't want to complain about my back while people were getting blown up.

Thoracic pain

DegenerativeShelly — Sun, 05 Apr 2009 14:26:38 -0700

Hi everyone...Have recently undergone fusions of C4/5,5/6 and 6/7 and previoulsy a replacement at L4/5 and fusion and L5/S1..Im now having terrible pain across my shoulder blades and have just had scan and get outcome tomorrow..

Did anyone else find that their thoracic region became more painful after these surgerys???

looking for answers (help) mri pics

no sleep — Sat, 04 Apr 2009 04:16:53 -0700

i have had a mri and ct scan. basicly still in pain in both sides of back. chest feels like a constant cold or flue. if i extend my lower baqck i get a sharp pain in centre of low back that is worse then the usual lbp. my report was on my lumbar spine and not reported on the thoracic spine. i have lots of symptoms and as of yet no answers. i have urinary problems, feeling as though my feet are cold and wet at times, pain radiating across butt and down back of leg.

Horrific Shoulder, back and Neck Pain

smpdsniper — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 00:19:30 -0700

Post surgical changes are present with anterior
plate and screws at C7-T1, and interbody fusions at C6-7 and
C7-T1, better appreciated on plain films from 3/3/09. The
cervical vertebral body alignment appears anatomic. There is
mild reversal of the normal cervical lordosis in the upper
cervical spine of C3-4 which may be related to patient
positioning versus muscle spasm. The cranial cervical junction
and cervical spine cord are within normal limits.
Individual cervical levels are interrogated as follows:
C2-3: No central stenosis or foraminal narrowing.

5 weeks post thoracic surgery

sbsherbear — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 11:49:28 -0700

Hi My name is Sherryann. I'm 5 weeks post surgery on L1-T12. Pain is tolerable now and just need my oxycodone at bedtime for some reason laying down my feet still go numb and nerve pain, but it seems to be getting better. I can even sleep on my surgical side now. My bladder is getting better and hopefully will get even more. I know even though i've got thru 3 surgerys Laminectomy on L4/5 and fusion on L4/S1. This was for the worse as the had to remove a rib, go in from the side about 4 inches down from my armpit. It was bad, and had some complications after surgery. I'm doing good now.

T12 Compression Fracture

mwkent — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 09:38:53 -0700

Hey y'all! I am in need of any information on surgery for a compression fracture. I was involved in a car accident 11/15/05, and up until this point, have been dealing very well with a T12 compression fracture. Though the fracture is completely healed, I now have severe kyphosis (huntch back). I am now at a 106 degree angle and surgery is scheduled for May. Can anyone tell me anything related to surgery and recovery?

surgery

cla_gua — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 18:04:11 -0700

Why is it such an issue to get surgery in the thoracic region? Vital organs and cutting through the ribs and sternum?

Radiculopathy

prettyjuju — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 17:18:20 -0700

long involved story but the basics:

Thoracic Surgery upcoming possible

smpdsniper — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 23:23:47 -0700

Hello, I have posted before and have a couple of quick questions. I am 34 year old male, recently retired cop after an on duty motorcycle injury 4/07. ACDF C6-7 7/07. Anterior Posterior L4-L5, L5-S1 10/07. Most of 08 was okay except for constant low back pain. 2/09 woke up with severe pain in neck and arms went numb. MRI showed severe herniation C7-T1. ACDF C7-T1 on 2/18,

back pain right side just below the waist

baddeck09 — Sun, 22 Mar 2009 22:07:10 -0700

I've just joined this forum and was wondering is there anyone else out there who experiences what I seem to have.
I'm 53 and have been diagnosed with sciatica and osteoporosis. Vertebrea 4 and 5 have fused. For the past 6 months or so have had a lot of pain in my side, just above waist. Have checked out all internal organs and they say they're fine, so it must be connected to spinal nerve. Would be grateful to chat to anyone with similar problem

radiating pain hurts and can't breathe HELP

lipin3 — Sat, 21 Mar 2009 20:43:55 -0700

Hello,

Ok I have several small bulging discs from t7 - t10 as well as spondylosis from t6 - t10, and disc degeneration from t6 - t12. also I have a kyphosis curve of apox 48%

Thoracic Issues I need Advice

smpdsniper — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 23:39:25 -0700

Okay if anyone can read this and let me know if you think I need surgery please advise. I just recently had an ACDF C7-T1 on 2/20/09. Prior to that I had ACDF C6-7on 7/07 and Anterior Posterior L4-5 L5-S1 10/07. Right now I have severe pain in my neck shoulder blades, middle back, lower back, and numbness down my arms. It hurts when I take a piss or a crap, to push.

Here is todays MRI Findings
Thanks

Post surgical changes are present with anterior

T11-T12 Just diagnosed help

novembersea — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 18:06:40 -0700

I was just referred to a neurosurgeon because my neurologist said my MRI showed a 7mm left paracentral posterior disk protrustion/extrusion causing pressue over the anterior aspect of the thecal sac as well as mild pressure over the left side of the conus medullaris. I have no pain but L'hermettes and lots of tingling. He said no running etc, so now I am totally freaked out! My EMG test showed no damage yet. Any suggestions? Maybe I should go to Loma Linda or UCLA? I have an HMO so not sure if I should change in June or how fast to act or what not to do.

suggestions Please

lipin3 — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 18:35:56 -0700

Hi, First sorry this is so long but I am in need of suggestions. I am at the end of my rope. This year I have updated my MRIs on my neck, thoracic & lumbar.

Thoracic MRI shows spondilosis from t6-7 to t9-10. disc degeneration t7-8, t9-10 to t11-12. midline disc protrusion t7-8 the disc material comes in contact with the cord no impingement. t8-9 & t9-10 midline disc bulge the disc material is slightly eccentric to the right of midline. I have a 50% kyphosis curve.

herniated disc L4 and L5 with severe upper back pain

mlucord — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 16:50:13 -0700

My orthopedic surgeon wants to do a microdisectomy, but will that help the severe back pain in my upper back-Thorasic area?

New Member Here

Marg43 — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 09:35:33 -0700

Hi Everyone need Help dont Know where to go next.N.S deflated cyst located underneath T8 pedicle He hoped surgical resection of cyst would alleviate Pain but was not certain.Almost Two years later still have pain and now it seems to be radiating to my right side on the ribs under breast.

thoracic pain

dmoonchild — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 09:27:22 -0700

my MRI in brief says multilevel DDD most pronounced at T7-T8 with central disk extrusion and material extending to T7the disk extrusion measures 6mm AP x 7mm transverse x 11mm craniocaudal. I have no idea what any of this means but I know it hurts when I take a deep breath. Is this normal?

New Here

abercrombiedude — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 04:04:20 -0700

Maybe someone can help me here. Heres my story. I was fat once a few years ago lost alot of weight. With weights, diet, cardio, abdominals and posture(sitting up straight). Now I am fat, I bulked to gain strength the following years, with propper form though. My lower/upper back pain shifts. This morning it was upper/middle pain. I like sleeping on a firm mattress. My bed sux along with soft pillows I have. I haven't worked abs in a long time or done cardio consistantly.

my T10 operation story

msblonde — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 19:24:20 -0700

Hi everyone,

I am Helen, in the UK, near Stratford upon Avon. it is 2am, and i cant sleep, so guess what? Yup - I have joined another forum!

I think I only ever come on forums when I cant sleep, I never seem to be on them at a sensible hour ;o)

Anyway - my story:

Pain in Thoracic Spine Years After Fusion?

MonkeyLuv — Sun, 08 Mar 2009 22:14:04 -0700

I've had bruising and moderate to severe pain for the last year between my shoulder blades. It started a year ago after a fall down some stairs. The area is unreadable with CTs and MRIs due to too much scatter from my hardware. I'm fused T3-L4.

Has anyone else had an injury to their spine after spinal fusion surgery that has resulted in pain? I'm really hoping there is some other answer outside of surgery to remove the harrington rods.

Thinking about Thoracic Surgery

kroggen — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 08:12:23 -0800

Guys I need some advice and sorry if this is long. I got hurt in a car accident on 4-1-08. I was rear ended while going around 50 mph. As a result I have bulging disks in my neck and lumbar and 2 small herniations in t1-t3 and 1 moderate herniation in t7-t8. I also tore a ligament in my right shoulder and had surgery, which seems to have made the pain worse. Last summer and fall the pain was all over my back, down my legs and arms and I had terrible headaches. I had epidural injections in my neck, thoracic and lumbar. The ones in the neck and lumbar did not help.

UPPER BACK T3 TENDERNESS OUT OF THE BLUE!

tinner23 — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 20:35:09 -0800

New to this so here goes. Woke up one day and felt extremely sore between shoulders, and was tender to the touch on T3 vertebrae. That was 3 months ago now and no change in pain. I have seen chiro, physician, P.T. and massage people and nothing has helped. I've had x rays, ultrasound, meds, heat, ice, electro stim. and massage and still no solution. "Doc" said I had pulled my back muscle, which is exactly what I had mentioned in the first place, except for this was really painful!

TOS getting bad can not even lift my arms to do stuff..

hisbeauty4ashes — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 15:34:10 -0800

Hi my friends,

I can not begin to tell you how much pain I am in. I can hardly move my arms now and I know the weather outside is wet and cold that seems to increase the pain. Man I have a friend coming over just to help me with laundry and other things. I went to physical therapy today and they told me he can not start doing physical therapy on my neck because of the TOS. So now I will get more tests and see what we can do.

2 questions

baffled — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 11:32:42 -0800

Is there a difference between osteophyte and osteophyte complex? Or is this just different people using different words to decribe the same thing?

not sure what is wrong

trexxx8739 — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 22:33:51 -0800

I was wheel barreling dirt for 8 hours and almost dumped a full load. Strained to keep it from tipping and felt a muscle pull and pop. I had no pain for 2 weeks and then it began. This was 8 months ago. Went to doctor who perscribed PT. I went for 6 weeks and they said there was nothing more they could do for me once they loosened the muscles up. I was then refered to a back and spine pain management doctor. MRI shows nothing wrong. 2 steroid epidurals and no releif. I have pain in my upper left back.

Went and saw a specialist for TOS and bad news.

hisbeauty4ashes — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 19:11:02 -0800

Hi my friends.

I went and saw a specialist today in Berkley Cali. I received bad news about the TOS I have. it turns out I have a sever case of TOS, and I am so new to even understanding what it all means. I am going in next week for some shots and then I will be scheduled for an MRI so we can see which area the compression is taking place so surgery can take place.Yikes I am so scared and tired of dealing with all these issues I am so overwhelmed I am still healing from five surgeries in a fourteen month period and now boom something else.

Bone growth stimulater

sbsherbear — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 14:15:10 -0800

Can someone tell me what this is? I'm having surgery tomorrow on L1-T12 and got a call from my insurance saying it was approved? Thanks for your help, sher

any experience

baffled — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 16:38:00 -0800

your experience and feedback - had this posted in Scoliosis for almost a week - but didn't get any feedback - so here I am back to the thoracic - sorry for the double post

i usually post in the thoracic area, but i have a question on scoliosis. I have a mild case in my thoracic. My question is this, my facets in the thoracic, would get 'popped' into place by a PT back in 07 and this would give some temporary relief. is this common with scoliosis of the thoracic? Also, if the curve is in the thoracic, can this 'pull' on your rib cage giving pain to your sternum?

Thoracic Spine Surgery for Herniated Disc?

skye9 — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 14:29:43 -0800

Hi,

thoracic pain cuases

Rick PT — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 08:26:07 -0800

Thread was deleted after review by Spine-Health owners
I have contacted the submitter to explain other options

T12-L1 surgery and fusion

sbsherbear — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 07:58:08 -0800

Hi! I am looking for some info and this surgery, i'm due to go in the 25th for it. Less then a week. I just would like to know someones experience with it. I'm having a rib removed to get to the area and a fusion. I've had a fusion in the lumbar region and a laminectomy but heard this is a little worse. I'm having a hard time finding any info on the internet about it. Thanks Sher

Pleaseeeeee HELP (pinched nerve)

xocandyheartsxo — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 14:47:21 -0800

Okay I need some advice/opinions here on a major issue im having. It's really important. To make a long story short, i've had this weird back pain for awhile now (been going on for MONTHS) It started as a funny pain i've never felt before, in one area on my upper back on the left. It got worse & I went to see m Dr (A new Dr actually) to see what it could be.Basically I went for a few visits, she gave me licoderm patches (which suck) same thing, no help. Recently I went back again because all of a sudden it's like...ka POW. It seems to have gotten SO much worse. it's constant.

lumps/knots on the back

baffled — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 11:23:32 -0800

Just wondering if anyone else has multiple lumps (which i am assuming are muscle knots) in their back area. The ones I am able to reach (not the easiest place to get to...lol) add up to @ 8. They are very, very tender to the touch. I even have a couple right on the spine area. No one seems to think much more of them then as muscle knots. Just wondering if anyone else has this too.
pfm

Just wanted to say hi:)

sinatrafan44 — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 14:03:45 -0800

I just wanted to introduce myself and that I am thankful for such a forum..I gave a brief overview of my "stuff" under thoracic pain so I won't bore you with too many more details.

Newbie Thoracic Pain post MVA

sinatrafan44 — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 12:12:35 -0800

Hi everyone...I'm feeling very scared, depressed and in a lot of pain so I decided to come to a place where there are others. I had a serious side impact MVA in October and was diagnosed with Central cord syndrome c5 c6 and whiplash(Had MRI's CT and x rays).I was in the hospital for 3 days on high levels of methylprednosone..After that I was discharged with oxycodone, naproxen and a beautiful cervical collar that I wore for 8 weeks..I had neck massage therapy and that has greatly helped my range of motion.

Unique Approach to Back Pain

cmmd — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 12:07:00 -0800

Let me start by saying I have TRIED EVERYTHING. I am a retired tennis coach and have suffered from back pain/tension in my upper back, shoulders, neck, and even my wrists and elbows for years. I have been through acupuncture, to chiropractors, meds, you name it. Recently my physician suggested a type of pillow or home acupuncture pad and that has really been a consistent way for me to alleviate some of the strain. I personally use the product the Prickley Pad, but I know there are others on the market.

today is botox day

baffled — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 03:19:53 -0800

so the wait is over and finally today is the day for the botox injections for neck and back. i am a little nervous and hopeful. i hope that i can say what i need to say to my doc. let you all know after i get home.
patti

arm pai

tinker83 — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 12:29:16 -0800

Please can anybody help.I had a car accident nov 2008,i was the driver andwas hit in the passenger side.A first i pain in my neck as though i was tensing it,then i have had pain inmy forearm since.It has been on and off,I had physio and they said they thought it was nerve damage from my spine.I started swimming and it has got very much worse,keeping me awake at night and painful when i breathe under and around my rib cage when taking a deep breathe.i have had a mri done of my upper spine and a nerve test on my arm and they have come back clear.Anybody had anything similar?

Neck and Upper back pain

jlsports — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 16:06:41 -0800

I hurt my upper back a few months ago playing around with my friend. I quickly snapped my head forward and back and in that motion I felt a popping on my upper spine right 3-4 inches down from the base of my neck. The next week my neck was very stiff but it slowly went away. The pain has recently come back giving me a stiff neck. Whenever I look down to a certain point both the back of my neck and the the same area on my spine feels pain. Any ideas on what I should do? I'm guessing I should see a doctor but wanted to get the forums thoughts.

Muscle Freeze on Upper Back.

Ermestus Faltaix — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 09:03:04 -0800

Hello, first of all i dont know what the condition is called, since my native language is not English, but it is the same thing that happens on your neck at Summers when you're somewhat sweaty and you're positioned near an air conditioning unit and it results on not being able to tunr twist your neck on one or both sides. What is this called BTW?

Anyway i have this condition but on the upper right part of my Back.

Have you had thoracic surgery??

1Breath — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 09:22:56 -0800

I am going to see a second surgeon to set up for a minimally invasive thoracic surgery to remove the mass from my spine. Anybody know what this is?
Have you had it done?
They say that they would use like a tube to perform the surgery.

Please help me if you can as I am not too sure of this. The mass is on T7/T8.

Hope to hear back from you soon.

Thanks.

Thoracic Cyst?

griff — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 00:03:53 -0800

I just found out that I have a cyst on my thoracic spine. I don't have any specific details as I haven't heard from my surgeon yet (my nerologist got my MRI report and told me). I knew that I had pain in the thoracic but thought it was caused by my cervical problems.

Does anyone have any experience with thoracic cysts that could give me more information? I'd sure appreciate it.

Griff

I swear I am going to #$%$# scream

baffled — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 04:38:14 -0800

I feel like a ball in a pinball machine. I know that these doctor's time is precious - but gosh darn it - so is mine. I mean, do they think I just have $30.00 (co-pays) sitting around, a little extra fuel in my tank and some misc. money and I say to myself, Hey, Self, let's make a doctor's appt. so we can unload this burden of extra money and time!!!!! I mean I love donating my 30.00 and paying to park and driving 45 min to the downtown area, just to have you completely reverse what you said they previous week! I mean make a phone call and save us all from the hassles!!!!

upper severe back pain with lump

LumpyLady — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 04:05:34 -0800

Hello,

Newbie. What is wrong with me?

buster414 — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 15:54:38 -0800

Hi. About a year ago I hurt my upper/middle (opposite of my chest) back on the job. I first made it sore by leaning over all day and then I got a sharp intense pain while standing upright and lifting heavy objects off a truck. The vertical pressure caused it. Well after a few months it went away and occasionally caused small discomforts.

Well this past week I was bending over all day and I came home and had the following feelings in the same location:

Hurt to run!
Hurt to breath deep
Didnt really bother met to bend over
Hurt to turn in bed

Anyone have any ideas

kennelkeeper — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 16:32:00 -0800

Hi Everyone,I'm Susie and I would like an opinion from you all.I have been reading here for a while and it reassures me.I believe most of you have been or currently are in the "pain" trenches and have more knowledge than most docs.I was a very happy healthy 36 yr old 4 years ago(OK you do the math I am now 40) I had a head on collision.I had in the past had migraines but after the car crash I had almost dailey headaches from back spasms.2 doctors later I finally got my first MRI.Two bulging discs at C4-5 and 56.They made me wait a year for fusion as I was too young???So almost weekly treks to

Pain from the back to ribs

takentexaslady — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 07:55:08 -0800

I have been having this problem for about two years now, it starts in the middle of the back then radiates around the rib cage. It feel like that I have a vise around my chest and it makes it hard to take a breath. I cannot stand or sit up straight for any lenght of time because it feels like I have something weighting down on my rib cage.

I just found out that I may have some heirnated disks in my upper spine or thorax area.

Tight feel in thoracic spine &burning

KENTUCKYGIRL65 — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 16:16:54 -0800

Hi I was wondering if anyone has had a L1-2 Disc burn all the way up the back, I had a microdiscectomy at L2-3 and have a postercentral bulge that effaces the epidural and a tear at L-1. I wonder if that could cause the stiffness and burning pain to run up the spine. I cant stand for my back to touch anything because of the burning.After sitting in a office chair all day it gets almost unbearable

Radiation-Induced Fibrosis And Neuropathy

StanW — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 13:40:06 -0800

For the past 3 + months, I am experiencing daily pain from the radiation-caused fibrosis of my left paraspinal muscles (thoracic and upper lumbar sections T-2 to L-2) and neuropathy damages to the various nerves in those areas. I started pain management therapy, at the clinic - starting Dec. 19, 2008. At the Dec. 19th visit to the pain -management clinic, the doc gave me an Rx for anti-depressant med - to sleep better. On Jan. 22, 2009, he will start epidural-corticosteroid injections on my back paraspinal muscles.

has anyone been seen by a physiatrist

baffled — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 11:05:42 -0800

i am scheduled to meet with a physiatrist on the 16th. it is a great opportunity - he is well liked and very experienced. it was a referral from my pm doc - and i am hoping to make the most of my time with him. Any input of what to expect, if it is different from all the other's ortho, nuero etc.

Thoracic Outlet Syndrone-Revisited

griff — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 23:42:31 -0800

I had my consultation with the Vascular surgeon today and I got a lot of answers and have even more questions LOL. he definately thinks that I have TOS, caused by the severe whiplash I recieved in the accident. His theory is that I tore the muscles that surround the thoracic outlet nerves- there is no sign of any arterial involvement- and that the scar tissue and consequent muscle spasms are causing the problems.

Almost 9 weeks out, progress is slow

campbell2 — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 16:27:29 -0800

Hello everyone, this is Linda, sorry I haven't posted, seems you get feeling a little better, & you can do other things besides sit & type on a laptop!

Doctor Appointments

baffled — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 09:38:46 -0800

Tomorrow - 1/7 is a big doctor's appt for me. I will be retuning to my pain doc, haven't seen since Oct 08. Because the doc's believe the root of problem is in my neck, i went thru all the diagnostic injections for facets and then the radiofrequency itself. they even went into the T area 345. Even though 'ground zero' (I like to call the spot between my shoulders - where everything began) never was touched by what they did....he wanted to give my back a break. I did agree - i had had alot of injections and work done. He did another mri in my T - but it showed nothing.

can I be in the thoracic club too?

dmoonchild — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 12:43:02 -0800

Went to see the surgeon at Jeff. He was very perplexed at my relfexes in my legs. He thinks there is damage in my thoracic and cervicle. I was going to have my MRI on Friday but my isurance was stopped as I stopped going to work. Im on a personal leave for about 2-4 weeks then I will be fired. Im feeling very low at this point, was also denied SSD I have an attorney woring on the appeal

The pain in my thoracic is absolutely horrible...suggestions?

1Breath — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 17:51:21 -0800

So glad I found this site. I felt as though literally I was all alone in my thoracic pain.

I am working with two pain specialists and feel as though I am at the end of my rope. I have had several ESI and also just had a rhizotomy. I have two discs herniated in my thoracic and two in my cervical spine from an auto accident. I have had all of the tests and some more than once (MRI).

I have muscle pain, horrific nerve pain and also have permanent nerve damage. I feel as though I am on enough meds to knock me out, but it doesn't even knock out my pain.

Arthritis and cronic pain

TinaMarie — Thu, 25 Dec 2008 23:44:19 -0800

my name is Tina and i'm 29 years ols. i was recently told that i have severe arthritis in my back. my doc says that is has never seen it so bad in anyone my age. i amm looking for advice on how to deal with the pain. i cry myself to sleep almost every night. i have four kids two of which were born in the last 13 months, only 10 months apart. i don't know what i can do to get any relief or to slow this down. please help. i will try anything at this point. i can't sleep, sit , or stand with out being in severe pain.

Upper back/neck/spine pain, ugh!

Halestorm13 — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 19:31:47 -0800

Hello,

do not want to offend, but a little scared

baffled — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 06:19:20 -0800

I hope that I do not offend anyone, but i want to seek out some information in a safe environment. I figured if i googled this question, i may get many unwanted websites. So hear are the questions:

First, what does everyone mean by "saddle area"? I have read that before and never thought anything, but now I am wondering if that means more than bladder and bowl problems.

Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

griff — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 22:56:41 -0800

I know this topic has been posted before but there just wasn't a lot of information on it.

After a visit to my surgeon on Thursday he seems to think that I may have TOS and has referred me to a Vascular surgeon that he says is very good at diagnosing it. He did some explaining but I'm still very confused, even after doing some internet research.

Really annoying upper back pain

tpeltz — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 19:41:59 -0800

Hey Everybody,

For the past 6 months I have been experiencing really bad pains in my upper back, between my left shoulder blade and spine. It feels like there is almost a "bubble" where the pain persists. I have went to a chiropractor many times and still it has not helped at all. I am only 16 years old, and it's getting to a point where it's effecting me during school. I can stretch my neck and that usually temporarily relieves the pain, but then within 10 minutes it comes back.

tingling in the thoracic

baffled — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 13:41:18 -0800

I have been having pain for almost 2 years from the base of my head to almost the bottom of my rib cage. Osteoarthritis in cervical, nothing of note on the thoracic. Radiofrequecy in facets c2 to t5. Since the t345 radiofrequency i have had a tingling into my left and right shoulder blades. The thoracic radiofrequencies did nothing for the pain between my shoulder blades wrapping around to my sternum. I was wondering does anyone else have this type of thoracic tingling?

Newbie, please help

KarMar15 — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 09:03:00 -0800

Hello everyone, I am new to the forum. Here is my story. I've been having back pains both upper and lower for a long time. I went to the chiro, who said I had arthritis in my lower spine and some stenosis. A few week ago, I started having burning pains in my legs and muscle cramps. The burning pain were worse at night. I also feel occasional burning pains in my lower and upper back, and pain in my upper back. The doctor sent me to the neuro, who had a MRI done on my lower lumbar region only. It came back "ok" as he put it.

specific spine pain

Siren48 — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 14:28:14 -0800

Hi, its been about 3 weeks or so now and there is this really nagging pain in between my shoulder blades. If it were a muscle thing I'd just figure it was from poor posture or something, but it feels like someone kicked me in the spine. The muscle around the spine feels fine, but the spine feels super sore to the touch like it's bruised, and just in this one small area.

I also don't remember doing anything to injure it. It also seems to only be getting worse as opposed to better.

Any ideas??

Burning Numbness T1-T4

numbneck — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 05:49:57 -0800

I have consistent, identifiable symptoms, the one MD I saw provided no insight and insurance denied coverage for MRI (wants me to suffer/try random treatments for prolonged period before agreeing to pay for proper diagnosis -- nice). Any thoughts, suggestions, advice regarding a potential diagnoses and type of doctor to see welcome and appreciated.

Help, it hurts

JWM — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 18:39:53 -0800

Help, it hurts. Yeah, that's pretty much all I can say. I don't post in thoracic forum, and am doing so through quite a bit of pain right now, due to something new. I am hoping someone can just give me their take on my situation.

Just when I thought it was safe to back into the water

dilauro — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 04:56:32 -0800

a revised Shark starting coming my Way!
Most members who have been with Spine-Health a long time, know my long time spinal problems and surgeries.
I've been hanging in the best I can day to day, and making sure I do the right things from preventing a major slide backwards.
My wife and I just returned from our vacation in Italy. There I walked, walked and walked. On dirt, sand, volcanic ash, cobblestone, etc. It never bothered me.

Question on DDD

k2626 — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 20:05:43 -0800

Hi all, I have had a feeling on the right side of my spine right above my bra strap that feels like a bruise. I feel it more in the am, and when I lean over--if I press on it I feel it more.

A month before I noticed this I started to get shooting pains in my toes, feet, ankles, tingling in left foot,full body muscle twitches. I had a full body bone scan and MRI of head and full spine-no contrast. It did show c spine stensosis (whihch I have no neck pain and dr said is okay), and mild DDD on my thoracic spine, however I dont know if the location of the DDD is exactly where my pain is.

Burning sensation in buttock

angel — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 14:16:57 -0800

My back pain is always in my thoracic area, so what could be causing the burning sensation in my left buttock that I've had for the past week or so? It's not there consantly and I've never had this before.
angel

Unique experience - thoracotomy, tumor embolization, vertebrectomy

LuckyBreak — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 10:31:04 -0800

If there is anyone out there who has gone through a posterior surgery after a thoracotomy or other anterior vertebrectomy, I'd be curious to see what lies ahead for me.

Anyone? Hello? (Insert crickets chirping...)

If anyone does a search of the site looking for personal experiences on thoractomoy, tumor embolization, of vertebrectomy, you may end up here.

It sounds like I've had a somewhat unique collection of experiences, so if you are in the same boat, feel free to PM if you need anything.

Thoracic Pain Solution -- I am suddenly pain free!!!!!!!

johnszabo — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 18:06:35 -0800

After a herniation of T3-T4 in a bad car accident I am now pain free after buying a bed where I sleep upright. If you suffer from pain during the night and then in the morning and it lessens during the day and is almost gone by night you are in pain because you are sleeping supine and should sleep in a bed that can allow you to sleep with your back upright like in a car seat but maybe not that upright. It worked for me. I am pain free 3 days after sleeping in a bed I got from Relax The Back Store but I am not saying you should shop there.

Have had pain for years

iamhere — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 23:29:13 -0800

I am not new to Thoracic area pain, but new to talking about it. I had an ACDF earlier this year C5/6 in the Cervical spine. My thoracic spine has felt pretty good over the last year or so while on the pain meds and muscle relaxers for the cervical spine. But now as I'm trying to come off everything, the pain in my thoracic area just keeps getting worse.

New to Boards not new to back pain

dkmomx2 — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 00:02:04 -0800

Hello i am a 40 year old mom with a 10 year battle going..

Muscle Spasms

bronco66gal — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 12:20:48 -0800

I am having severe muscle spasms in my lats. Mostly on left side, but occasionally on both sides. i had cervical fusion 2 years ago and still have severe neck issues, but are these spasms related?? When the spasm hits, i am literally propelled forward and i make funny grunting noises (cuss sometimes). the pain is so strong even with new meds doctor gave me (Amrix). this is horrible...HELP, they wont stop.

Thoracic herniation question

windflame — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 10:49:08 -0800

Hello I have a question in hopes someone can give some advice. I was recently diagnosed with having (from a thoracic scan) my c2 and c3, 7t-t10 herniated to the left according to what the neurologist told me and have a appoitment wensday at a spine institute. My problem is that I have constant pain in my neck which I can never get comfortable, as well as my middle part of my back, when I stand for longer then 20 minutes it gets to the point where it hurts and has really hindered the way I used to work. I also notice some other bowel problems I am occuring and major left eye pain.

thoracic out let syndrome

straker — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 22:06:30 -0800

i have been diadnosed with thoracic outlet syndrome
i would like to here from others with this problem
you can always emailme
tony.beer1@googlemail.com

Question for Ron D

jsambo123 — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 06:28:50 -0800

Hi Ron, I have read your posts on the importance of massage for upper back pain. I had surgery at T-2,3 and have had chronic pain for the last ten years after surgery. FOr the last two years I have been using self massage for my myofascial pain but the last three months have been getting trigger point release by a massage therapist. THe problem is that my pain is getting worse and increasingly has a burning to go with the aching. I continue to use daily heating pad and sometimes ice to the areas. Should I continue at $85 a treatment.

multiple disc problems thoractic spine!

summerlea — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 10:21:22 -0800

Hello all
im wondering if anyone could please give me any advice reguarding disc problems in the thoractic spine?
Quick run down..im a 27 year old female who before all these problems was fit and healthy and enjoyed the gym on a regualar basis.
4 years ago i was in a car accident and suffered with whiplash and a very sore shoulder that the pain travelled through the thoractic spine behind my shoulder blades..i was told to rest at the time and given a collar to wear.

thoracic back pain

baffled — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 16:51:44 -0800

Here is the situation: I am 42 year old female. I own a gardening business that requires ALOT of heavy labor on my back. In April of 2007 the pain all began. It feels like I have pole right thru my middle back to my sternum. I have had 3 MRI on the thoracic with nothing of significant to report. A cervical MRI showed osteo arthritis. I underwent diagnostic injections in my cervical and had Radiofrequency on both sides (the right 2 times) - but no pain relief...they performed the same onmy T345 - again no true pain relief. It hurts so bad to lean forward, to sit, to drive.

So frigging frustrated..

bcwace — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 21:11:56 -0800

Hello everyone - I am searching for some much needed answers or at least suggestions as this is driving me nuts...

In April of this year, I began going to physical therapy for an assumed pinched T4 nerve (I say assumed because I had no XRays at the time, and my symptoms seemed to fit the description). I ended up feeling better and stopped going about a month and a half later, only to end up back at physio in August for the same thing. With a few weeks of sessions, the feeling went away, and again, just last week, it fired up again. This time seems quite worse...

Help! Are These Symptoms Possible From T9-10 Herniation and/or T4-9 Disc Bulges?

jeremyr4 — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 20:12:30 -0800

First of all, I want to thank whoever is managing this forum, as it is a huge relief to find others who are experiencing thoracic issue (not that I would wish this on anyone!).

Mid thoracic? Need your opinion!

k2626 — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 12:25:09 -0700

Hi all. I have c spine stenosis that I just found out about-though have no neck pain. I have however had a bruised type of pain right about where my bra strap hits--on the right side of my spine. My MRI reads mild DDD and anterior spondy o fmid thoracic spine.

Is the mid thoracic where a bra strap would hit? Just wondering if this is why I feel bruised at this location.

Thanks much...

Lower Trap Strain

bmcd — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 10:25:07 -0700

Hey everyone, I'm Bob, i'm new to the forum. I would appreciate anyone's input and advice on this, it is bothering the heck out of me. Thanks a lot!

6 weeks ago, i was doing chinups with a weighted belt going for a 4 rep max. I got my 4th rep, felt good and went for a 5th, i got it, then on the way down from the bar i felt sort of a tear/rip in my back.. Didn't feel too severe, but more of a dull aching pain.

Information on thorasic surgury of spine

anelsen15 — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 10:42:27 -0700

I have come across a book I am trying to get called "Thoracoscopic Spine Surgury". It details the different types of thorasic surgury and gives some drawings and explanations. Written by Dr. Dickman, an authority on thorasic surgury. I am trying to find it at a lib. it is very expensive. Just thought it was an iteresting find.

cracking snapping and pain

aqua020 — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 16:25:05 -0700

i have had severe back pain for a year now. its been chronic. ive had an mri of my thoraic spine and neck but the only thing they reported on it was disc protrustions that shouldnt be the cause of pain. i also had a bone scan and bone density that came back normal. went to a neurologist normal. brain scan normal. i am now waiting to see a pain specialist and an orthopedic. i have been to the chiro numerous times but everytime i go my spine readjusts and pops and cracks, the adjustment doesnt hold.

I'm new...and frustrated. Pain in upper back, left side.

maymay1 — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 19:30:55 -0700

Hello all...
I have just joined, and am hoping for some advice.
I suffer from pain in my upper back, on the left side...it's closer to the middle of the back then the shoulder blade. Sometimes it wraps around the side and the front of my rib (under my breast). This pain comes on after walking or standing for about 15 minutes.
The pain first came on two years ago during a normal walk for exercise. It started to become more common, and eventually became a daily struggle.
The MRI shows a bulge at T10-T11 and degeneration in lower discs.

Upper back lifting brace?

evanr00 — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 18:28:20 -0700

Ok so I've been looking for a lifting back brace for my girlfriend. She is a cashier at a grocery store and spends all day long picking up fairly heavy products. She has to reach over the belt and bend her upper back and pick up items out of peoples carts over and over and this has caused her sometimes severe back pain right in between her shoulder blades. My question is will a conventional lifting back brace help her out?

http://store. orthoathletic.com/product/70-160.html

Thorasic bone spur

anelsen15 — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 18:50:16 -0700

Any one here diagnosed with bone spur of thorasic. Mylogram/ CT showed bone spur at T6T7. Could be why I cannot seem to heal no matter the effort on my part. But I had a herniation there on MRI. Is someone not seeing something correct? Bone spur the one thing in thorasic I really don't know about. Appriciate any feedback. Dr. also told me pathology of thorasic should not change when sitting ( herniation or buldge getting bigger) I just cannot fathom how it cannot judging by the pain levels. I do know the information correlates with what doc says ,but boy my pain levels increase sitting.

Weight Lifting Injury

jrm5682 — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 14:01:07 -0700

This morning, I was doing shoulder press with free weights, and toward the end of my set, I felt a "pop" in between my shoulder blades right on my spine. It scared me, and I immediately felt some pain. Now this afternoon, the slow onset of pain you would expect has started to set in (i.e. trouble turning neck, moving head up and down, and stiffness)

I have taken advil and have been icing it thus far. I have a couple of questions:

1) Should I continue to ice, or use heat?

A questions

notagain — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 10:47:33 -0700

In April, I had a fusion of the L5/S1. It seemed like I was going to recover perfectly. Guess not. Since my surgery, I've had bad toe pain in my right foot. Some in my left foot. Pain in both legs but only to the knees. And pain in my right knee as well. Now I had all of this in my right befor the surgery except for the toe pain. After the surgery, until about a month ago, it all went away. No, in addition to this, my spine hurts half way up. To the base of my shoulder blades. This area feels tired when I sit and I have to lay down. I've never had any problems in the T area before.

Having Thoracotomy 10/16 any post-Thoracotomy out here?

crazy5 — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 19:02:53 -0700

I am scheduled for a thoracotomy on 10/16 for a T7-T8 disc herniation. According to the surgeon I have an extremely large disc that is causing spinal chord distortion and stenosis and more recently spinal chord swelling. My symptoms are progressively getting worse and I realize I am within my window of opportunity.

I am anxious about what to expect post operatively. I have had multiple abdominal surgeries in the past, but I am concerned because they have stated that there is a possibility that the neurological symptoms could get worse before they are better.

Pain while walking anyone ???? UPDATE 10/18

TerriJV — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 07:19:15 -0700

Hi everyone,
I have posted this before in chronic pain and mentioned it some of my postings.
Since there is many new members I want to ask again.
I have severe thecal sac compression at T1 with mild cord compression. Plus mild herniations all the way through my spine.

I was just told I have Thoracic DDD. . .

mr_mcbride — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 20:31:55 -0700

1. How did it get started?

Burning Debilitating pain between the upper shoulder blades, anyone have this?

ButterflyPain — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 22:28:21 -0700

I'm not sure how to describe it...I get it every once in big while, and have been getting it for about ten years now.

Anyway it is this sharp, burning, nerve feeling. I invision veins going down five inches from the top of my shoulder, inbetween the blades. It hurts so bad, if I get it in the middle of the night, in the morning I can't turn over or anything it hurts so bad. I have to push up straight with my hands and turn. If I turn my head it hurts it. The pain might go up the back of my neck.

This last for three days and gets better as each day goes by.

Rhomboid/Lower Trap Pain

wlb06 — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 13:00:18 -0700

Hi,

I have a pain in that area that will not seem to go away. I lift weights and have been to the doc. He said if it doesnt hurt when I am actually doing something then I dont need to quit lifting weights. He wasnt able to exactly diagnose but said might be pulled/torn muscle.

I think what did it was supporting weight over my head (mill press) but I really have no clue, I am willing to lay off the weights but I would love to know what it is and what I need to do to get it to heal or get better.

Any comments plz.

Question about a strange thing I have noticed myself doing.

LanceS — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 21:40:20 -0700

I have c5/C6 herniation in my neck and stenosis of my T spine in T1-T4. When things started to get bad 2 years ago, (neck and shoulder pain), I had epidurals and a facet block for the c5/c6. That helped with the neck pain, but I have noticed that now I prop myself up on my elbows all the time. I do this so much that I have compressed both my ulna nerves and I have tingling/numbness in my hands.

Does anyone know why I feel compelled to support my weight on my elbows/forearms? What am I trying to protect?

amirex

girl_with_a_broken_smile — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 20:18:50 -0700

anyone had luck with this muscle relaxant??

T 9 Fracture

DansDeb — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 16:31:36 -0700

Hi,
My husband has Stage 4 kidney cancer and one of the places he has mets is his spine. They are at T9 and T10 also at L1-3. Today we found out that his T9 is fractured.
Honest to God the doctor didn't really tell us what that meant. We kind of froze up the the word "fractured", I guess.
He is in a clinical study, that is working at this time.

strange pain relief

anelsen15 — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 16:26:45 -0700

I was rear ended the other day (not very serious) and for some unknown reason my thorasic spine was pain free for 2 days after. Only thing I can think is adrenaline ,but why so long. Unfortunately the pain is back to pre wreck. But I swear it was like my thorasic was getting more blood or something, it was the burning pain mainly that subsided for those 2 days. I assume it was like a chiropractic effect where the endorphins go to the adjusted site, but it lasted for days. Very weird, but god was it great and depressing when it came back. I have not felt that good in 4 years.

Anybody out there have these symptoms?

Grandma Vickie — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 14:46:14 -0700

Hello everyone. I have been experiencing upper thoracic back pain for some time now on the right side of my back. It is a constant pain, there all the time. Sometimes it burns but it is always itchy in that one spot.

Anybody have these symptoms and can tell me what is wrong?

Thanks for your help.

Burning pain in my upper back and stomach

ChrisRock — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 06:15:55 -0700

Hi everyone..not to shure how this site works but just hope someone can give me an idea on what's going on with me. For the past 3 weeks I've been experiencing shooting pain in my back between my shoulder blades and stomach.Now, since about 6 days ago, my stomach, upper chest and upper back to my neck feels like its constantly on fire. I've went to 2 different hospitals that have yet determined what this is. My blood labs where all fine, ecg was normal and I'm booked for a chest Xray and a Thoracic Spine Xray today.

Years of back pain and the MRI shows NOTHING REMARKABLE

royce4142 — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 18:14:08 -0700

I have had Back pain for years, severe burning in the "T5-6" area, swollen muscles on both sides of spine, sharp pain every breath. I have been going to the doctor for a couple of years, shots of cortisone, pain meds, muscle relaxers, e-rays, and a MRI. The MRI summary said : Essentially unremarkable apprearance of the thoracic spine. But something is wrong. Pain is there & I don't know what else to do. I'm tired of the doctor's staff treating me like a junky everytime I go in for my pain medicine refills. What could be the problem? Does anyone have any ideas or similiar problems?

burning between lower part of shoulder blades

jillbee16 — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 16:24:43 -0700

I feel like I am falling apart these days! I had a microdiscectomy on L5-S1 3 months ago and having residual problems in legs, but now I am also getting a ton of burning type pain between my shoulder blades, lower part. It is right in the middle. I had an MRI done last week which did show:

cervical spine at C5-6 there is a loss of disk height and signal intensity with endplate and uncovertebral osteophyte formation resulting in moderate to severe degree of bilateral foraminal stenosis.

Raised Sternum/Thoracic Pain

IrishPugilist28 — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 16:22:26 -0700

I have been going to physical therapy for the past 8 weeks to try and fix a problem that I first saw as upper back pain. Since then I've had pressure in my sternum. I have been doing exercises to correct my posture and thoracic back strength, which has helped, but the problem of my sternum and back pain still remain.

Kyphoplasty for younger people???

Angas — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 07:30:49 -0700

hi, i am 22yrs old and have comp fractures from T5 to T9 vertebre that has been causing quite abit of pain and deformity in my spine since my injury on april 1 2008. the doctor says i am too young for this opperation, but its not healing and the pain isnt leaving. i cant sleep, i cant work, and its been 6 months now. ive went through physical thearopy. is there anybody out there that has had Kyphoplasty at my age? or knows how the cement will hold up for the rest of my life? thanks

Inflammed end plates at T11 / T12 - options?

JAD1977 — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 07:25:16 -0700

Hello all,

I recently seemed to have hit a slump in my quest to be pain free as a result of two discs that I damaged almost 8 years ago by using improper lifting techniques.

The first disc I had treated was the L5/S1 which I had done the IDET procedure, PLDD (percutaneous laser disc decompression), and facet block. Before this was done, I had pins and needles in my feet, terrible low back pain, and could not sit for more than a few minutes at a time. After this surgery, the majority of that went away.

Myofascial Trigger Points Question..

kingskippy2001 — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 17:17:55 -0700

My doctor says if they take care of my shoulder inpingement my trigger points will go away by themselves. Is this true? It seems to me that the trigger points and pain won't just GO AWAY. Anybody shed some light on this for me? Thanks.

Back problem symptoms

XAlex — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 03:28:54 -0700

Hi Everyone.
I have had a back problem for a few years now - herniated disc kind-of between the shoulder blades. Anyway, the last couple of months I have been getting tingling sensations in random places for varying durations, and frequently on my face it feels like i have spider webs, and my nose feels like it has been punched all of the time. In the UK, the doctors don't want to know about Backs unless you are peeing your pants. Should I be worried? What can I do?

Regards,
Alex

Clicking/rocking vertebrae... what have I done to my back?

katamaridamacy — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 02:21:50 -0700

Hi guys,

I went go-karting on holiday on Wednesday and there was something up with the kart. When accelerating, the seat would continuously bash into my back.

Five minutes after finishing, I had a hefty lump in the place it was banging against at the bottom, but that seems to have gone down a bit now.

Still, I was feeling a different kind of pain. A pressing sensation further up my back, right in the middle. I've asked a friend to feel each bone, and one in particular will rock/click back and forth when pressed on.

I can't stand up for long periods because of it. Any ideas?

Anybody with burning thoracic pain here?

MT Gal — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 20:37:30 -0700

I am having severe burning in thoracic spine. I don't know how to explain it other than it burns like fire in my spine. Anyone with this problem. I certainly would appreciate any feedback. Angie

Complex thoracic back pain advice

sbozek — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 18:18:26 -0700

I'm female, 47. I'm currently 47 yo, 5' 102 lbs. I have Scoliosis with a 41 degree thoracic curve with a compensatory lumbar curve of about 21 degrees. I have no other health problems. The curve was 27 degrees from ages 19-42. Curve increased by ~13 degrees to 41 degrees in 4 years.( this seems to have coincided with menopause. Along with the curve change came ever increasing back pain. The Pain is right side only from About T3 - T2 with radiating burning pain that wraps around the front of my right side lower rib cage.

Throacic Laminectomy Relapse

johnswb — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 16:57:42 -0700

T3-T7 Laminectomy for Spinal stenosis w/ autograft fusion. In October 2006 anything that could go wrong went wrong w/ surgery. For example, DVT(Blood Clots) and PE occurred Post-op, MRSA infected my wound. The infection caused a Debridement of the wound. In short, Anesthesia twice.

Herniated Disc- Thoracic t10 t11 L1,Tlif, Plif

Mdeezil — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 22:37:50 -0700

Hi I was diagnosed with spinal stenosis, 3 herniated disc in the thoracic area t10 t11 and L1, I'm going in for suregery on the 22nd of Sept there doing posterior fusions Tlif plif multi level fusion, looking on some advise as what to expect recovery, pain ect ect.. also wondering if anyone out there has had thoracic surgery I'm told herniated discs in this area are rare, also looking for anyone that has had multi level fusions and how that went for them any help or advise would gladly be appreciated.

Thanks
Mike

Upper Back Pain

Jimison1 — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 12:47:23 -0700

I had multilevel lumbar laminectomy and discectomy almost four months ago. Since that time, I've developed a dull, nagging, almost burning pain from about T2 or 3 down to L1. Occasionally, also post-surgery, I have a cough, and tightness in my chest.

I see the neuro on Monday, but I'm wondering if anyone else has had similar experience after L surgery.

Thanks.

Ligamentous??

chickboxer — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 21:20:21 -0700

Hi everyone!

I'm new here, and I'm hoping one or more of you might be able to help me, because I'm just about at the end of my rope!!

My husband has random upper back and neck pain pls help!

lovingwife — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 16:20:15 -0700

I am not sure if I am posting on the right board but I am trying to get some help for my husband. He has random middle/upper back & neck pain that comes and goes randomly. When it comes it is really bad, although it does not come too often.
He says massages don't help at all.
He says he feels like he is a kabob on a skewer if that makes any sense?
He says the pains are shooting.
He can't move when iot comes and has to get into a position where it doesn't hurt.

MRI "unremarkable"

manalerie — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 09:18:20 -0700

Hey guys, had an MRI last Sunday. Thoratic/Cervical Came back "unremarkable" That's good right?

New Hope

anelsen15 — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 16:04:38 -0700

I just got off the phone with a doctor who the pioneered VATS (video assisted thorasic surgury) surgury for thorasic problems of the spine. He is very reputable and has many write ups published in the spine journals. I was very impressed with some of the patients, mainly one similar to my problems he had dealt with. He explained some history of VATS and thorasic neglect from physicians. I told hime I was told not to operate and live with it, he said there are several patients that were told the same thing now that saw him and are better after surgury.

Calcified disc T7-T8

angel — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 09:47:40 -0700

Hi guys,
An occupational health doc assessing me for my work, explained to me today that I have a calcified disc at T7-T8, and that this is the damage I did when I fell and injured my back as a child.
Please can one of you good people explain to me what this means?

thanks guys

angel

Pt for Thoracic pain

MaggieP — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 00:21:34 -0700

I started PT on Tues. The Therapist, did some light massage, then ultrasound, and then strapped round T-8 in a square. This strapping stays on until tomorrow's appt. Don't know if they will replace it, move it, or? Also gave me a couple of exercises. I know the thoracic area is concerned with deep muscles in back and stomach. My stomach muscles have hurt ever since he did the strapping, and sometimes getting in and out of car, both front and back muscles scream! Has anyone on here had that done?

Burning Pain in Thoracic

debra17 — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 00:40:13 -0700

Hi, I have been getting burning pain in my thoracic for the past 8 weeks. I have had x-rays which show nothing, which is to be expected. I work in Home Support in the community and my job is very strenuous. I believe the injury was caused by repetitive movements and have been home for the past 2 weeks. I am now back at work and it only took one hour and the pain was back. I am having physio at work and she said that the area T4/T5/T6 are very stiff. It kills when she massages that area. It is not like a sharp pain, just burning and it is driving me crazy.

Bouncing back from Thoracic disc herniations

fbfirerescue — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 21:58:59 -0700

Hello everyone, glad i found this website, seems like it has alot of helpful insights into recovery, well my question that i have been searching for is has and does anyone with a thoracic disc herniation ever fully heal from the injury and would i be more likely to incur this injury again?

These pain symptoms normal?

sneakypuss_01 — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 14:47:43 -0700

Hi There

As previously mentioned, I have loose pedicle screws from my T12 – L1. I just wanted to list my symptoms to get some reassurance that it’s normal. My symptoms are:

Lower back pain – that’s a given lol!
Hip pain – seems to be worse in my left hip
Feelings of numbness in the feet
Feelings of burning in the feet
Pins and needles feeling in the feet
Feelings of numbness around the knees
Feelings of numbness in the thighs

Corpectomy T12 surgery

Barbara RN — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 17:30:59 -0700

Hi,
I'm new to here! I found Spine-Health while doing research on my condition. I found you after surgery but later better than never! I had a Corpectomy on 6/25/2008 at the T12 level. I've been VERY depressed since I have found out I have been lied toby most all providers. Just want to say HELLO....Barbara
PS let me know if I am not doing things correctly since I'm a newbee!!

Speaking to doctor about surgury

anelsen15 — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 10:29:35 -0700

I have a phone conference with a well respected doctor of thorasic surgury on the 10th. Hope it brings some hope. I will definitly post what he says about my films, condition and surgury.

Herniation T6-T7, Annular tears T5-T8, DDD, stenosis, foraminal narrowing. Positive discogram and facet block.

Does anyone know what this means?

sickofdocs — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 12:58:38 -0700

Okay, been suffering from thoracic, neck, lumbar pain forever. Got an MRI and now they are scaring me. I have to have a spinal tap done. I got a copy of the report and I wonder if anyone knows what this means:

Areas of focal fatty degeneration marrow throughout the thoracic vertebra. The thoracic intervertebral discs show significant abnormality.

I have also 2 lesion at T7-8 and the conus medullaris, thus the spinal tap. THey did not mention the above focal fatty stuff, so was wondering what that means? Anyone know?

T3 Rib out and Spasms

domestic goddess — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 15:14:57 -0700

My chiro said my T3 rib is out and causing my middle spine to hurt b/w the shoulder blades b/c it is in spasm.

Anybody else have problems T3?

If so, do you have pain b/w the shoulder blades and chest pressure b/c of it?

legs, ankles, feet

backpainishell — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 13:25:48 -0700

i hav severe nerve damage in right leg, so oxygen is not good in my leg. i hav scoliosis, ddd, disc removel, and 1 shaved , no replacement. i hav grade 3 arthritus, i had carlidge removed from right knee. but can someone please tell me why my feet , ankles, legs are swollen? i dont have do discolouration at present! help !

angie xx

My doctor

anelsen15 — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 10:14:42 -0700

I have some concerns recently about my doctor. In the begining he was against thorasic surgury and because of my pain said do dicogram and he would operate if it showed pain generator. Well it did in more than the suspected levels also showed tears along with herniation. But after the test he started saying he did not want to do it becuase of the danger and live with it. He had told me fusion of thorasic would not affect other discs as in lumbar but after discogram pos. he is now saying the does not want to do surgury because it could hurt discs above and below which are already not great.

referred pain

MKB — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 10:07:49 -0700

Hello to all. I have been noticing lately a lot of tender points from my shoulder blades and ribs down to my left hip. Today I touched my hip and it send a pain up to my thoracic area (the site of my chronic pain). Has this happened to anybody else?

Anybody With Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

alaskabackpain — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 01:02:01 -0700

Does anybody here have TOS and are you having any success finding doctors that will treat you? I am having pain and numbness in both arms with weakness also.My muscles are atrophying too. I am getting mad at the doc's for not helping and just plain throwing my concerns out the window.
My last appointment lasted 5 minutes and the doc had his mind made up before he entered the room. At least i have fianally found a Doc in Anchorage that has sent people out of state for treatment of TOS. Sending all of my records to him so have hope at least.

Massage Chair = extreme pain

MaggieP — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 23:47:22 -0700

Yesterday I got a pedicure. The chair I was sitting in was a massage chair, with the knobs that roll up and down the spine. I thought, "Why Not?" Now I know why not. This am, from my mid-back to my lower lumbar spine, my back is on fire! I can't hardly bend, and pressing on the sore spots is excruciating! Could I have further injured my bulging and degenerating discs? Why does this always happen on the weekend? I will never do this again.It did feel a little intense at the time, but normal massage does too, But the pain from this goes way beyond normal. Any suggestions, besides Vicodene?

Hand Pain and Numbness

hootie8987 — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 04:34:40 -0700

Hi everyone. Does anybody know if your Thoracic area nerves control your hands? Mine have been hurting alot lately and I believe it may be from my thoracic problems. They go numb all the time especially at night. Sometimes when I wake up to go to the bathroom they are killing me. Also driving makes them go numb. I told my PM doc and he thinks it is carpal tunnel, which to me makes no sense because I have been out of work for 11 months now. Any ideas I was just wondering? Thanks again.........Hoot

Has a doctor mistaken your spine pain for reflux?

domestic goddess — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 19:37:46 -0700

I was diagnosed with mild reflux 2 years ago and put on meds for it b/c I was getting pain in the middle of my back. Even though I'm on the medication, my middle spine pain is back. I beginning to think it has nothing to do with reflux....my naturopath and chiropractor have told me my spine is in spasm.

Anyways, just curiouse if anyone elsed has experienced this.

Deb

TOS question

shar51 — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 13:39:42 -0700

I am already a cervie and have been having left shoulder/arm pain....ortho has me going to PT and have been going for 2 weeks now....she is a very good PT person and has done numerous exams on me....today she did a few more exams that were kind of strange and she thinks I have thoracic outlet symdrome....not sure if I should be happy or sad....I have been thinking for the last couple of weeks that it was my neck again....I have a fusion C4-C7....this thoracic thing has me all confused....what are the test for this as far as xrays or CT's??

Sharon

upper back pain when lifting at the gym

mcablard — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 21:26:16 -0700

Hey, I was wondering if anyone could help me pinpoint my injury. I have a sharp stinging pain located on my upper middle back, kinda right next to my spine. I feel the pain when I do standing bent over rows, seated rows with a close grip and dead lifts. I've gotten this before and it usually goes away within a week, but this time its lingering around a little longer. It gets worse with every rep but subsides when i finish an excercise. Would really appreciate it if anyone has any idea what it is. Thanks

Acid Reflux or Spine Pain

domestic goddess — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 15:01:31 -0700

I was diagnosed with silent reflux over 10 years ago. I had a few episodes where my esophagus felt swollen at times and I had pain between the shoulder blades.

I've been on med's for reflux for about a year now and haven't had any pain mid back until now. Sometimes I wonder if the spinal pain had anything to do with the reflux at all.

Anyone else have reflux with middle back pain? Or anyone find out their middle back pain had nothing to do with reflux?

Deb

Pain between shoulder blades

domestic goddess — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 12:57:37 -0700

Hi all,

Went camping last week and the last few day my middle back between the shoulder blades tightened up really bad and now I have pain there daily and it sometimes radiates to the front of my chest.

I have had this on and off in my life, but this is the worst it's been.

I really notice it when I take a deep breath in. Last night I went for an hour walk and the whole time my middle back ached and I felt it in the chest as well. Then I got a headache by the time I got back.

Went to the chiropractor a couple days ago and no relief.

Any ideas of what this could be?

Hey Elinor ACDF Surgery

Mazy — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 14:31:44 -0700

Hey Elinor--I see you had the surgery! I hope you are doing ok. Are your symptoms gone? Keep us posted. Good luck--Mazy

Winded feeling in back

doof — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 12:13:22 -0700

For about 3 weeks now I have been feeling as though I have been kicked in the upper back and left with that horrible winded feeling. It's like I have bruised ribs, I expect it to be painful when I breathe in but it isn't.

spasms

angel — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 11:00:54 -0700

I've read several posts where some of you suffer from spasms. I get spasms in my thoracic spine area. Mostly these only last a short while, but lately they have been much more severe and the pain is excruciating. When I had the last one, last week, I couldn't move for 5 hours. Now I am getting mobile again, but my back is left feeling really weak and I can only manage to do a little each day. Is it usual to take a few weeks to recover from these spasms?

How likely?

8ntw8tn — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 01:15:22 -0700

Hi, I'm new to the forum and hoping I can clear up some questions I have about my injury. I've been diagnosed with having a herniated disc between T-2 and T-3. It's not causing any promblems with any limbs, but does cause some significant pain with my upper back muscles.

Back Pain Driving Me CRAZY!

BigJonny — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 10:46:39 -0700

STORY:
One day while squatting, during mid-rep I felt a muscle in my mid-back on the left side right next to the spine clench really hard and it hurt so bad I had to drop the weight and lay down for a few minutes. I felt this weird burning sensation that seemed to go away after stretching for a bit, so I gave it another shot. The second I started to bring the weight down I got the same sensation, so I bailed on the weight, cleaned up and went home.

MRI- cyst at T4

Oriah — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 22:14:49 -0700

I have been having upper back pain for a long time. I always thought it was from my job and my upper back is overcompensating for my lumbar and other issues.

So besides disc bulges the MRI showed:

Well circumscribed cystic lesion posterior mediastinal location abutting the T4 vertebral body extending from T3-4 disc level to T4-5 disc level. Differential considerations include duplication cyst such as esophageal or bronchial versus neurenteric cyst. This non aggressive and benign.

Tens Unit

suziee — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 13:47:07 -0700

I'm sure this question has been asked before but bare with me while I ask it again. I just got a Tens Unit and I'm not sure if it helps or it just distracts from the pain.

I have been dealing with upper back pain for over 6 months now. I think the Doctor is going to order an MRI but he really doesn't think it will show anything. He thinks my back is weak because of my small frame and that I just need to see a PT. My Doc is a D.O. and thought he could fix me right up but that has not been the case.

Thoracic Herniation Surgery

araine — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 19:34:14 -0700

I was curious, who has had any thoracic herniation surgeries? I am asking because I heard that these are rare, that most herniations occur in the cervical and lumbar spine, only 8% occurs in the thoracic cavity. Thanks! What should I expect? Ect.

Neurosurgeon!

araine — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 08:05:56 -0700

Alright, for those of you who have been keeping up with my condition and situation, I finally am able to see a Neurosurgeon! He has agreed to see me at little charge, and is going to work out a payment plan to help me! And I heard it usually takes months to get in, but I guess once her heard about my case, he considered it serious enough, that I see him in 2 weeks! I couldn't believe it! Wish me luck everyone, I hope that he says I need surgery so we can fix this pain of mine....

almost went to emergency last night

Jim_L — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 15:11:31 -0700

well, my lumbar fusion is going very well, i'm doing yard & housework & replaced a tarp on my roof last week. Yes it does hurt afterwards. The main 'problem' i've discovered is the past week i've been able to finally start sleeping on my stomach again! (yay...)

Now after I came home from surgery, sleep was intermitant as I kept waking up whenever I went onto my back (stop breathing) or stomach. I'm a stomach sleeper. So while my thoracic area was hurting, the pain started fading away until it was gone.

Scheurmann's kyphosis

sally123456 — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 11:54:12 -0700

About two years ago I had a horriable surgery for scheurmann's kyphosis. My curve was 110 degress at that time. I had anterior and posterior surgery and now I have about seven disc fusions in the thoracic spine and then I was also fused on top of the spine from T2 to L2.

Massage for Thoracic Pain

MaggieP — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 00:05:20 -0700

How long does a massage help with thoracic pain?

New member help - spinous processes don't line up

brianala — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 09:59:20 -0700

Hello all,

I'm a new member here. I will definitely lurk some more and do a lot more research, but I wanted to ask if anyone has any information at all about an issue I've had.

Back in high school I broke my collar bone. It didn't heal properly and had to be re-broken. Since then I've had tons of problems with upper back/shoulder/neck pain. I know that there is no one answer, but I hope to find more information piece by piece. So far the GPs, orthopedic docs, and chiropractors I've been to haven't been able to help and/or don't take me seriously.

FINALLY GOT MRI ON THORACIC WOOOOW!!!!!

hootie8987 — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 05:22:45 -0700

Hello everyone. After 18 months I had my thoracic mri. That explains what the hell was going on in there. I had a L4-5 fusion back in sept.07. I hurt my back while climbing a pole in jan.07. All of the drs treated my lower back and none checked my upper back. It has been bothering me since the accident at work. Now with a littie help from my lawyer things are getting done. here are my results, moderate diffuse hypertrophic degenerative changes with disc desiccation and osteophyte formation at several thoracic levels.

Nausea from back pain?

janiel123 — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 09:37:33 -0700

Hi All -
Does anyone else get nausea from their thoracic back pain? Sometimes I feel like my pain in so deep in my back it feels almost like it's reached my stomach internally and is making my back hurt. It's hard for me to tease this apart though, because occasionally my back hurts so bad it's almost like the pain makes my stomach hurt, plus my pain causes a rapid heart rate which can make you sick to your stomach as well. Add to all that icky pain meds that make the tummy oh so unhappy and it's really confusing!

Advice?

amango123 — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 06:44:10 -0700

Hi everyone,

My boyfriend has been having extremely severe back pain for the past 5 days and I would like to see if anyone has advice on what to do/how to help.

T9

Canadianhockeymom — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 19:24:02 -0700

Hello

Upper Back Adjusting on it's own!

blastreach — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 17:48:52 -0700

Hey guys,

New here so go easy.

A few months ago my upper spine began adjusting when I sneezed. Now, it has stopped doing that, however, is adjusting a totally different way.

When I bend over at the waist to say, tie my shoes, my entire spine adjusts from mid to upper spine.

It hurts so good, but I'm worried that there may be something else at work.

I've had a constant crick between my shoulder blades for about 8 years, but it has just started doing this.

Anyone else have this happening?

Thanks,

Sean

MRI report of the thoracic spine

TerriJV — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 10:09:38 -0700

Hi all.
I hope this day finds you well.
Here is the report of my thoracic region.
This is what is causing my pain and my walking issues.

AT T/1-T/2 there is a large central and left paracentral disc protrusion identified causing severe compression upon the ventral margin of the thecal sac as well as mild spinal cord compression.

T/3-T/4 there is a small left paracentral disc protrusion identified.

T/5-T/6 there is a moderate right paracentral disc protrusion identified causing moderate compression up on the ventral margin of the thecal sac.

Instability in the Thoracic Spine?

griff — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 06:49:34 -0700

Has anyone had this problem?

thoracic surgery

rsj97 — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 09:56:59 -0700

I have a thoracic disc rupture that is pushing on my spine and causing numbness in my feet & buttocks. Does anyone have any experience with thoracic surgery in the T10-11 area? Any help would be appreciated!

What to do?

araine — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 07:50:21 -0700

Hello, my name is Amber and I am currently 22 years of age. 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.

Burning in the lumbar

Ranchhand — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 06:34:27 -0700

Ohh Wow, just finding how bad its going to get!
There is a level beyond the burning stage,and boy,,it hurts nasty!

Compression fracture

NotBBSFossy — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 17:01:39 -0700

I fell straight down the stairs about 5 years ago and it went until this year to get found out because I was on vacation at the time and couldn't get proper care for it. Then I started a job as a housekeeper and I kept having pain and stiffness in my right upper back where the injury is. I know this because I went to the chiropractor and he took xrays and showed me. The pain is also mostly on one side because my spine is S shaped and and not centered like it should be. I'm only 27 and I have the back of an elderly woman.

Thoracic Pain Sufferers

dilauro — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 08:44:43 -0700

Right now there is now separate category discussing Upper Back/Thoracic spinal problems, but I am reading more and more from people who are suffering from this situation daily.
So here is a topic that all fellow Thoracic Spineys can post to.

*** This was one of the first posts in the Old
Spine-Health dealing with Thoracic Problems

Thoracic Problems

[=blue][i]
1. How did it get started?
2. How long have you been dealing with in?
3. What treatments are you currently under? Do any help?
4. Has Surgery been considered?

Bunch of Weirdo's

t9crushed — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 10:22:47 -0700

What are you doing here? Didn't the doctor already tell you there can be no pain or injuries in the thoracic area? It must be all in your head or you are just a drug seeker.

did I tell you I have a problem with sarcasm?

Favorite doctor quotes:

I have been called "atypical" and an "enigma".

"You will learn to live with it."

"You're not in that much pain."

"I don't have to look at your xrays"!

"That is quite an impressive lump on your back."

Oh well, keep trying.

Hello to all

carolann60 — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 05:44:29 -0700

:?Finally, got this to work, looking forwar forward to meeting new friends.

upper back pain

carolann60 — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 14:21:48 -0700

testing my new space

test pain topic

Greg — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 14:48:19 -0700

test }:)