Hemangiomas

Question

I went to my regular doctor in Sept.07 for pain in mid back, he believed I strained my back sent me home and advised to take it it easy. I went back for similar pain in mid back but had numbing in left ring finger and pinky. He took blood for arthritis test and x-ray. Follow up visit he referred me to Physical Therapists for 6 weeks and visit to a Rheumatologist due to ANA positive on arthritis test. I had finished my PT last week and had been referred to a Physical Medicine and Rehab doctor who took MRI. I had began having pain in between shoulders on the spine. The X-Ray shows normal disk degeneration and straighting of the spine. Radiologist advised on MRI he believes there is a hemangiomas in the T5 area of my spine but is unsure since it was not a clear enough view. They put possible benign hemangiomas on results. I followed up with my Physical Medicine doctor and she does not feel further test need to be ran and I am a little concerned. I have read what a Hemangiomas is but they are not sure and do not seem to be wanting to do further testing. I am not sure what to do from here. My physical therapist wants me to continue therapy but I am still haveing pain in the same spot. No other blood work has been done and I am not sure how to proceed from here. I have been calling my Physical Medicine doctor, she advised she was going to speak with Radiologist and get a second Radiologist to view to see what we would do next. The orignal radiologist put note on results that he did not feel comfortable with hemangiomas diagnosis but left it up to my Physical medicine to what additional test should be completed. I need direction I am not sure what type of doctor I should even be consulting with. They believe my pain is from some sort of muscle issue but i am hurting right in the same general area they have found something. What steps should I take or who should I be speaking with? Thank you.

lindasuemetzger · Answer

It was like I was writing what you wrote!
Exactly the same with me! I went to a Neurologist and had a complete MRI of the spine! They found I have 5  hemangiomas ! 
I too have pain in the exact same spots on my spine....between the shoulder blades and across where my bra stap goes! My backs gets very tired a lot and I feel a weakness in my back. Sometimes I also get what I would call charley horses acoss the middle of my back that almost take my breath for a few seconds until it eases up! 
I would love to chat!

caregiver222 · Answer

To begin with, an x-ray is about as useless as a screen door in a submarine insofar as diagnosing your problems. It doesn't matter how many radiologists "read" the film.

Except in a small village in Afganistan near the Pakistan border, the standard of care involves taking an MRI.

The steps you shouold taking is to tell the physician who advised you not to get an MRI to take the next examination for bus cleaner at the transit authority.

Then get an MRI, preferably a 3T MRI, and based upon the results, you can make a decision as to how to progress.

leena2402 · Answer

I am 41 years old.I too have hemangiomas.I have multiple hemangiomas,on T3,T5,L1,and the right side of my lumbar.I've been going to a doctor for over a year now.I'm on 3,700mgs of nerve pain medication.They really don't help much.I am know seeing a neurologist.I've had 2 MRI's.He too tells me that hemangiomas don't cause pain.All my pain seems to be in the exact spot [L1] on my lower back.I wish I could give him my pain for just one day.Pain is not too bad in the morning.My job is a stand up job.By the end of the day,I can barely walk it hurts so bad.They really need to start listening to their patients!!!More research needs to be done by doctors on hemangiomas.No doctor will listen or help us people with this problem.

lilcee · Answer

Your symptoms sound a lot like mine. I was also told I have a possible hemangioma and my Dr said it wouldn't cause pain. But I have a lot of pain in the middle and lower back. Sometimes it's hard to walk. I don't know where to go next. Have you found out any more? I'm thinking about a second opinion but don't know where to go.