MRI Report - I am so confused

[TKF5332]

I had a Thoracic Spine MRI March 20th.  Here are the findings.  

T1-T5 : Unremarkable ( I know this means no fingings)

T5-6 : Disc Narrowing and Desiccation.  Moderate size left paracentral disc extrusion.  Disc extrusion measures 5mm AP diameter and narrows entrance of the left neural foramen. ( "Impression" - left paracentral disc extrusion narrowing entrance of left neural foramen)

T6-7: Disc Narrowing and Desiccation. Small left paracentral disc extrusion abutting ventral aspect of cord. ( "Impression" - paracentral disc extrusion narrowing entrance of left neural foramen.)

T7-8 : Mild posterior disc bulge narrowing ventral CSF space without touching the cord. ("Impression" - Posterior disk bulge narrowing ventral CSF space.)

T8-9 : Disc Narrowing and Desiccation.  Small right proximal foraminal disc protusion mildly narrowing entrance of right neural foramen. ("Impression" - small right paracentral disc protrusion and T9-10 small to moderate size right paracentral disc extrusion narrowing entrance of right neural foramen at these levels.)

T10-L1 : Unremarkable
My Orthopedic Spine Doc suggested spinal injections but I am hesitant.  I asked if any meds would help and he said not really.  He also said PT would not help.  Do you think Chiropractor would be O.K

[catlady505]

Years ago, I had terrible painful musclespasms across my shoulders and neck.  After feeling blown off by neurologists, neurosurgeons etc, I went to chiropractor.  He never could "crack" my neck or make it feel better, maybe made it worse who knows.  Then I "demanded" to see a rheumatologist, last resort.  He took an xray (amazing!), told me I had arthritis in my neck, prescribed Diclofenac.  I was cured in weeks.  I am all for alternative medicine, but I would not go to chiro. for spine.

ps: I now had spondylolisthesis in L4,5 an S1.  Just had fused, cross fingers, no more pain!

[alltimepain26]

I am sorry to jump in on your forum but, I am having a lot of pain and i dont think that it is just one problem. I ended up in the E.R last night becasue I bent my head down and almost passout, i got confussed did not know were i was for a moment, chest and arms were weak feeling, right side of face when numb once again. (not the first time that has happen), blurred vison, inside and outside shankyness, and it was feeling reall heavy to walk.
E.R doc evaluated me for 5 sec it felt like and gave me a migrain shot and muscle relaxer shot, and sent me home. the only reason i know anything was the paper they sent me home with and it said:
Discharge instrustions Pinched nerve, (Cerical Radiculopathy)
It hurts to move my neck and when i do the pain goes form my neck to the middle of my back, and now two of my right toes are feeling funny and tinngly. does anyone have any suggestions.... Please!!

[corey4433]

hi I also have thorcic problems at thet7t8 there is a left paracenteral disc extrusion this impinges on the anterior left aspect of the throacic cord with slight ap compression and mild stenous at the t7t8 level.At the t5t6 a disc bulde that mildly indents the thecal sac.I had one injection tht made my pain worse tryed some pysical thearpy and that didnt help.Im going to a specilst in two weeks Im hoping he can help I havent been able to work since jan due to the pain.

[TKF5332]

I have been trying to do research to see if there are any particular things/diseases that would cause the extent of DDD that I have.  You were correct that the Neck was also DDD. "almost zero problems since fusion"

I am curious if there is any way to slow the progression?

Thanks

[kittyluv1]

Based on the findings reported from your recent MRI, you do have rather extensive degenerative disc disease of your throacic spine. DDD may have also played a significant part in the need for your cervical fusion.
Hopefully the fusion has lessened your pain in your cervical spine, shoulder and other affected areas.  Thoracic degenerative changes are more difficult to treat as surgery is not usually done secondary to the difficulty of the approach and the less likely of a positive outcome.
Your doctor is correct in stating that PT might not be helpful as the areas involved are throughout the thoracic spine. If your symptoms related to the thoracic spine are causing significant discomfort, epidural steroid injections to the area could be helpful in reducing the irritation of the nerve endings and decrease inflammation.
I would hesitate to have chiropractic treatment based on the fact of your prior cervical fusion.  There are some chiropractors who do perform spinal decompression, but I am not sure if it is as effective for the thoracic spine as opposed to the lumbar spine.
I would definitely discuss your treatment options (including chiro) with your orthopedic specialist and get information of the potential risks and complications that might occur prior to proceeding.
Post again with an update and any additional questions or concerns you may have.

[TKF5332]

I have a fusion at C5-6 and 6-7.  Done 7 years ago.  My Family doctor ordered the MRI

[selmaS]

HI...if u see a chiro, make sure ur cervical spine is ok b4 u let him manipulate ur neck.

ANd ask the dr that ordered the MRI.