thoracic verterbrae hemangioma

[Gerl]

I would like your opinion about treatment.  A large verterbrae hemangioma was discovered on T-11 as an incidental finding.  Went to a neurosurgeon and he recommended leaving it alone since it is not pressing on any nerves, etc.  However for over a year now I have been experiencing pain (severe at times) with my left flank, waist (left side) and left upper back.  I also have stomach issues.  The last 6 weeks have been most disturbing.  The neuro doc has referred me to a spine clinic since he feels that the pain is muscular and that perhaps physical therapy and a cotizone shot might be the solution.  I'm not sure if I should get a second opinion.  what are your thoughts?  Would appreciate any feedback.  I would like to add that late June I attempted accupuncture to rid the flank pain, but each session made it worse.  After 12 sessions, I was a complete mess.  Could this have contributed to my dilemma???

[Paul J Slosar]

Dear hemangioma,
It is not unusual to have pain due to a hemangioma in the spine.  However, many doctors will not understand this and sometimes blow you off.  I have performed a few bone cement stabilization procedures to help patients with pain from these problems.
Before anyone considers such surgery you must make sure that you do not have a problem from a disc or some other source.  Bone scans or MRI's can be helpful.
For  a case like yours, forget about accupuncture and the like.  

[Gerl]

Thank you so much for your response.  Yes, indeed, for the past year, my primary care doctor as well as my gastro doctor just could not figure out what the flank and back pain was all about.  So, I had CT scans to eliminate kidney stones or other organ problems.  CT scans were always clear.

My neuro dr. did indicate that my problem may either be muscular or caused by several pinched nerves.  I will keep the bone cement stabilization procedure in mind so that it can be discussed if I need such treatment.  Thank you once again.

Geri

[Gerl]

Was the accupuncture harmful to my back?  After I ceased the accupuncture, I ended up in emergency several times and that's when a general x-ray found the hemangioma.  So, in my mind I feel that I did more harm than good with accupuncture.

What do you think??