Anyone have cervical, thoracic, and lumbar herniations?

[nikki2268]

Hi, I am a 39 y/o female who got hurt at work.  My neck bothered me the most at first, and I had an MRI done only to reveal that all my cervical discs are herniated!  My doctor said it was the worst MRI he had ever seen.  I had neck surgery, but that did NOT help at all!  Then my mid back was bothering me, my low back already bothered me, and I had a thoracic MRI done.  My doctor was very reluctant in having one done because he said thoracic herniations are rare, well my first MRI revealed 2 disc herniations in my thoracic spine.  My lumbar spine showed 1 disc herniation.  That was in 2002.  Since then my back has gotten worse every year.  My disks are falling apart one by one.  Now I have 16 total disc herniations.  All 5 in my neck, 6 in my thoracic spine, and all 5 in my lumbar spine.  Has anyone had this type of experience where your disk herniations get worse and cause other disc's to herniate down the spine like dominoes???  The pain is horrific!  I can relate to your stories.  And there is not alot of information on thoracic disc herniations.  Anyone got any advice or help?  Thanks, Celia

[sublue]

Didn't know I was bragging at the mention of disability. (Partial disability) I do feel guilty alot of times.  I can't imagine after a time off of hurrying out of bed, bathing, getting dressed, driving, then punching a time clock! (I do have a malady of problems) But, if it were only the back and neck, I don't know what the heck I'd do.  I've had some crappy Dr.s and some sympathetic. Thank goodness I've got one now at a small rural treatment clinic. I don't know where all you above are from, but maybe you could check outside the larger cities? I've heard from 3 Dr's and read on internet that Ultracet combined with Neurontin for pain management is the most widespread accepted oral perscription management.  That is what I'm on and addiction is not a problem.  I'd be pretty sad though if I didn't have it. My scripts kick-in within hour and motivation occurs. Ultracet (Tramadol/APAP) is expensive. Does cause me a slightly muddled brain, but relief is worth it. Neurontin can cause forgetfullness too.  

It's scary to hear the Dr's lack of attention in your case MsDownshift.  I sure hope you can find one that has some bit of sympathy!  I have looked mine in the eye and said, "I'm hurting really bad".  It's hard to have those pleading confrontations, but it did help in my case.  If medicaid approved it, surely reg insurance should!

[aliceinwonderland320]

My uncle had several domino effect herniations and surgeries, so I hate to tell you that it can happen, but sometimes a spinal fusion can help the downward spiral.  I too have disc herniations due to an accident and was in an accident while stopped at a red light.  Two cars hit me while i was bending over twisted to grab my cd case off the floor.  A "mild bulging" t2 thoracic turned into a herniated t2 a year later.  A torn anulus at L5S1 turned into a herniation with a retrolisthesis (disc slipping backward on vertebrae) and torn anulus and bulging disc at L4-5 that has just gotten worse over time.  I had three epidural steroid injections and the third actually left me worse off.  Before the accident I was a perfectly healthy and flexible 25 year old.  Nearly two years later, I am in great pain despite the physical therapy and high level of pain meds they have put me on.  I was treated like **** by several doctors who were sure they knew my body better than I did.  I would suggest a visit to a physiatrist specializing in neurological issues if possible, who is a doc who deals in rehabilitation and phys therapy.  Also, I have found it extremely helpful to visit a chronic pain psychiatrist on a monthly basis to help deal with the pain and to show other doctors that indeed my pain is real and I am not a "drug seeker" as so many people with pain have been accused.  I wish all of you the best luck in pain management!
Tiff

[nuggetone]

I just had surgery 02/22 and thought I had problems.  I feel for you.  They Drs. think we are either faking the pain or abusing the meds.  Go figure!!!!  And what you said about the radiologist reading the MRI is correct.  One Dr. told me surgery immediately but I went on for another opinion and this Dr. had me wait a few weeks to see if my body would reabsorb the disc material which it didnt.  I couldnt do PT right know if they gave me a million dollars.  I wish you luck in your treatment if you get any.

[MsDownshift]

Disability?  You have got to be kidding... they tell me they don't know why I have back pain.  ALL that is offered to me is PT and pain management.  The pain management consists of epidurals, no oral medication.  My doctors have refused to acknowledge that the pain has me disabled.  Unfortunately I have had to travel 1200 miles from home to obtain treatment and a valid 2nd opinion.  

They now have found a tumor on T1, was referred to a neurosurgeon for biopsy.  Sad to say I again have come upon a Dr who wants to play the PT and pain management game.  That is an absolute NO.  Lets not inject something that is questionable and further more how do we expect PT to relieve pain from a tumor?  

Again it comes back to the radiologist, as the first interpretation was it was a cancerous tumor.  The second it is a hemangioma that I was born with (?) although it has only showed in the last 2 out of 6 MRI's  done in the last 12 months.  

I have 4 cervical, 2 thoracic and 4 lumbar herniated disks.  Hmm don't know why I have pain.  No clue, but then again I DON'T HAVE A MEDICAL DEGREE!

[sublue]

So are we all three on disability?  People think we like sitting around?  Why don't we do something about it?  I also totally have skeptisism about who reads and interprets what.  I can do cat excersises on floor, but that's it.. I'm afraid of surgeries that seem to lead to one after another. I hate hopeless attitude, but am empty to solution?  Have read about new non-invasive procedure named, X-STOP.  Not available in Oklahoma. I would be a guinea-pig if they would except me.  It sounds worth a try.  Small incision on back side, (not thru the guts) and a spacer inserted.  That's all.

Much sympathy to share,  MarySue

[MsDownshift]

I have the same issues as a result of a car accident.  Now I also thoracic herniations and the dr's are telling me they don't know why I have pain ??

Thoracic herniations are extremely hard to come by as that part of your spine is pretty much stationary ie the ribs are attached.  It supposedly takes great force to herniate these.  Mine did not herniate until a yr after the accident.

Yes mine is getting worse and the dr's blame it on lack of exercise and weakening muscles.  They tell me physical therapy will fix everything.  Sorry but the pain is too excruciating so PT is not the answer.  

Another problem is the radiologists that read the MRI interpret the film as they see it.  That would depend on the amount of training and experience that they have.  I have taken my films and obtained 2nd opinions (readings) as it will different as night and day.  Most Dr's do not read the actual films they rely on the written report.