Thoracic Spine

[Breathlessness]

In 2002 I was in a head-on collision, since the accident I have had surgery at c4-c6 and L3-S1, I am now experiencing what my neurosurgeon calls straight back syndrome. My thoracic spine is pressing on my lungs and I have spurs on each vertebrae on the inside toward my lungs. I can't hardly walk without getting out of breathe and I definitely can't stand or walk and talk at the same time without gasping for air. I usually lay down most of the day due this and of course I have much pain throughout my body due to osteoarthritis and fybromyalgia. My neurosurgeon said to never have any kind of surgery on my thoracic spine but this is not much of a life, having to lay down most the time. Sitting in a chair for any length of time makes my stomach swell until I can't breathe, so I can only sit in a recliner. Should I try to find someplace to see if they can do anything for my thoracic spine?

[Breathlessness]

I have seen a cardiac specialist. I did not pass the stress test of course they gave it to me through IV. (sorry can't remember the name). I started immediately feeling like I was suffocating, worst 4 minutes ever. They said I had a lower valve problem but then had a heart cath done and the heart doctor said nothing was wrong with my heart. I had already been seeing respiratory specialist who had me blow into their machine. Diagnosed with very mild exercised induced asthma. I have recently been diagnosed that my brain is not talking to my bladder due to nerve damage because it won't completely empty out by itself, so I have to self cath. Can nerve damage  be causing breathing problems? In the accident my left lung had collasped and at the hospital a nurse step on my lung tube and pulled it out and it wasn't addressed until the next day. Could I have issues with my lung?

[S. Kaul, MD]

Hi there!

Though a straight back can reduce the total lung capacity to causes mild-moderate symptoms by compromising the thoracic capacity; it is unlikely to be responsible for exaggerated respiratory symptoms; while other possibilities of exertional breathlessness such as those related to the cardiovascular system or respiratory tract may need to be considered. I would suggest consulting an internist for a detailed evaluation and depending on the cause diagnosed/ suspected it can be managed accordingly or specialist care may be sought.
Hope this is helpful.

Take care!