cervical and thoracic herniations at 18

I am an 18 y/o female, about a 1.5 years ago I was involved in a car accident(I was rearended by two cars at a complete stop). And after 1.5 years with no diagnosis I recently found  out I have a cerivcal herniation at C5/6, thoracic herniation T9/10,annular injury and protrusion at C6/7, annular bulging at T7/8 and other cervical bulging discs.The doctor told me me they didn't understand how all of that can missed fo so long after seeing more than 10 doctors and having more than 6 MRI'S. The doctor also told me the thoracic region is the risky place to operate because they can accidently puncture my lungs during surgery and it is very uncommon to have thoracic herniations.Since most of the pain is mid back I AM VERY MUCH  considering thoracic surgery. I was wondering if there are any new less invasive surgeries available for a thoracic herniated disk? Also what is the difference between an annular injury and protrusion and a regular bulging disc? Will I be at a predisposition for degenerative spine disorders? Any advice will be greatly appreciated.

[Paul J Slosar]

Thorascopic surgery is coming along but still a challenge.  This is where the surgeon uses a scope to do much of the disc work but still has to enter the chest.  At the age of 18 I would be cautious about entertaining the surgery idea.  Surgery can include a fusion with rods or just disc removal which is a bit easier on you.  Both are very challenging for the patient and the surgeon.
Sometimes injections such as epidurals or costovertebral joint injections at the thoracic areas of concern can be useful.
Be careful...

[doriet23]

A related discussion, Back surgery was started.