Questions posted in the Neurology and Neurosurgery Forum have been answered by doctors from The Cleveland Clinic Foundation.

Question Title: Back Pain at T-12

Forum: Neurology Forum
Topic: Pain

I have suffered from pain in the lower back which caused muscle spasms as well as pain directly on the spine and around the side,
across the stomach for the past several years. One year ago next month, while evaluating the condition in my lower back, a problem
was discovered in my neck which required a cervical diskectomy including the placement of a titanium plate at C-6+7. The lower back
problem was "put on hold" until my neck was completely healed.

I continued to have lower back pain and the associated spasms and pain in the side and stomach. After MRI's, a Catscan, a mielogram and
nerve blocking cortozone shots, the pain continues. The MRI, Catscan and Meilogram showed little to no disk protrusion although there
was minor protursion at T7,8 and 8 and T12/L1. During the cortozone treatments, the major cause of pain and spasms was identified to
be at T-12. My doctor (a well known neurosurgeon) has now recommended a "laser obliteration" (which may also be called a Rhyzotomy) at
T-12. My question is this; is this a safe procedure and would you recommend that I have the procedure done.

I am currently on Skelaxin which provides minor relief.

Thanks, Rolland Green

Dear Roland,
I can't make formal recommendation on the forum.
Laser rhyzotomy is a new procedure and is safe.
If an EMG/NCS has not been done, one can be performed to document the condition affecting T12 dermatome. nerve problem there is very uncommon, usually seen in the setting fo diabetes or trauma.
Good luck.
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