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Bulging disks - T5 - T10
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MedHelp Member's Question

Bulging disks - T5 - T10

by Tim Richardson, Mar 27, 2000 12:00AM
I have been diagnosed with bulging disks in my thoracic spine.  The bulges begin at T5 and continue through T10.  I have tried every possible treatment including dozens of medications, epidural injections (3 times), and physical therapy. - none have worked.

Doctor's Answer

by CCF Neuro[P] MD, RPS, Mar 27, 2000 12:00AM
Dear Tim:



Without seeing the MRI it is difficult to tell you much.  If there is compromise of the spinal cord, then things are clearer on what to do.  However, the epidural injection had no effect suggesting that this may not be the case.  Surgery for strictly pain without a mechanical reason (grossly degenerative vertebrae, etc) is a **** shoot for pain relief.  I would make sure you get at least 2 opinions before undergoing the knife.  



Sincerely,



CCF Neuro MD
Member Comments (13)

by ann farrell, Mar 27, 2000 12:00AM
I had a lamectomy in 1993 and ow after a

fall in Oct. 1999 I am once again having

pain in lower back lmber region and also

mstly hip and thigh... Could this be from

the fall or could this be perhps scar

tissue from previous surgery???? If so,

does this mean more surgery?   I am

currently having physical therapy

treatments.. Today, I had another MRI..bu

won't have results for a couple of days..

Any suggestions??  Thank you.....











by CCF Neuro[P] MD, RPS, Mar 28, 2000 12:00AM
Dear Ann:



Since I do not know your case, I can't really tell you.  It might be any of what you mentioned.  I would talk to your neurosurgeon.



Sincerely,



CCF Neuro MD

by Tim Richardson, Mar 29, 2000 12:00AM
Thanks for the quick response.  The MRI report states that I have 1-2 mm bulges in t5-t10 (I have not been told that the spinal chord has been compromised).  I agree that surgery is not my favorite option, but I am at a loss for a solution.  I've tried everything.  If this is, indeed, not a mechanical problem then what can I possibly do about the pain past what I have already done?

by debbie, Mar 30, 2000 12:00AM
Hi Tim--I had a triple herniation of my cervical spine and after trying everything else had surgery. One year post-op, I am still having lots of pain and numbness. I also have numerous problems with my lower back due to a birth defect of my hip(which has since been rebuilt). I have had every test imaginable and had epidurals, trigger point injections---- you name it -I've had it. I asked my doctor about a chiropractor for my lower back and he agreed to let me try it. I had been seeing one for years to keep my spine in alignment when my hip was so bad. It worked for me then and it seems to be working for me now too. Finally some relief! Find a good chiropractor who will give you a thorough examination,look at all of your doctors' reports and you test results(x-rays, MRI's) and ask your doctor if he would be willing to let you give it a try. It is a much better shot than surgery-I can attest to that! Debbie        Good Luck!!

by CCF Neuro[P] MD, RPS, Mar 30, 2000 12:00AM
thanks for the comment.



CCF Neuro MD

by A Scott, Apr 04, 2000 12:00AM
I have been told that I have a neuropraxia after suffering a fall affecting my right leg with weakness and my foot keeps giving way - I have been told that it is unlikely to get better - is this likely with this kind of injury - it has been eighteen months since it happened - I also get substantial pain in my calf muscle

by Kathy, Apr 06, 2000 12:00AM
I HAVE PAIN AND SPASMS IN LUMBAR -SACRAL AREA FOR 2 YEARS. iT BEGAN AFTER BENDING OVER MY NEW BABY IN THE CRADLE.  I can't have an mri because I have a screw and pin in my right hip. I had anct scan which noted disc degeneration. I had PT, but this did not help. The physical therapist said that he feels I have protruding discs. My PCP told me to see a chiropractor. I am going to one,but he really is helping me. I have increase pain when I lie down on my stomach.  I have increase pain when I am on my side or lying flat . It is tender and very painful at the lower spine, and the spasms are buttocks tohips bilateral. I am relieved when I stand up and walk. If I carry AnIncrease in weight or activity, the pain will return without lying down.  I saw a local neuro, but he really didnt help me because when I walk. I have no neuromuscular deficits. When I lie down, I can"t get up because the pain locks my lower back and hips. I feel like I am 105' I ma 43 years old. This pain does not worsen in cold or rainy weather. NSAIDS do not help nor muscle relaxants. I would like some advice

by George R, Apr 07, 2000 12:00AM
I have thoracis disc t9t10 bulging can that be cause of tightnees that seems to wanna take breath away makes u feel filled up?  I also had lumbar disc l4-s1 fused an c4-5 all were bulging, now i get tingling an burnings arms pain between shoulders, between blades an feels like stabbing in back an chest its getting hard to desifer where the pains come from.  I have also been to a phychiatrist an took all dif meds to no avail.  Does anyone know where or what might be causing these pains?

by bob, Apr 10, 2000 12:00AM
On February 24, I had my right kidney and adrenal gland removed due to a T-3a cancerous mass.  Soon after the surgery (hospital stay was 5 days), I began to experience a burning, radiating pain near the tip of my right scapula.  I went to a neurosurgen, had an MRI of the cervical and thorascic spine.  The MRI showed a slightly herniated disc at C-6 - C7, and two very slight bone spurs on another vertebrae.  The doctor suggested that the MRIs were "not a bad report" and that I need only take Celebrex and use traction.  I have now been using this treatment for 10 days and to this point have experienced very little relief from the pain.  In fact, I seem to be having muscle cramps in other parts of my back now as well.  When I sleep or rest, the pain seems to go away. During the day, I take Hydrocodone for pain relief.