THORACIC SURGERY

I am an 19 y/o female, almost 2 years ago I was involved in a car accident(I was rearended by two cars at a complete stop). After almost 2 years in chroninc pain with no solid diagnosis I 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 many doctors and having numerous MRI'S. I have had every conserative treatment suggested ....rest,ice and heat therapy, physical therapy, chiropractic, massage therapy, traction, ultrasound therapy,various medications,(I currently do not take any pain meds or have in the past), 2 sets of triggerpoint injections, cervical epidural, acupuncture, and now facet block injections. I didn't respond to the facet block injection I had 3 weeks ago,T7-11 were done. Most of the pain is midback and the shoulders numbness and tingly is more prevalent on the left upper back-midback.My only option left is surgery, so I am scheduled for the thoracic discogram in about a week.I have had a cervical discogram and that showed I had a cervical herniation opposed to a bulging disc.I believe I am headed in the right diection for treatment. Are there any new minimally invasive surgeries available? Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

[DrNoopurMD]

Hi,

Yes you are heading in the right direction. Let me also add please keep a positive attitude towards the surgery and the chances of success will increase.

Minimally invasive surgery options for spinal surgery include Minimally Invasive Endoscopic Spinal surgery and Laparoscopic spinal fusion.

It is only after careful clinical exam and MRI test results that a decision can be taken if one is the right candidate for these types of surgeries.

http://www.spineuniverse.com/displayarticle.php/article2010.html

Hope this helps!