Is This Serious?

[starmom]

Hi,I had an MRI done on my Thoracic spine and the neurologist said I had to go to a orthopedic spine surgeon.Here is what the report says:The natural curvature of thoracic spine is preserved.No scoliosis is seen.No abnormal signals seen at the vertebral bodies.The height of the verterbral bodies is normal.No osteophyte is identified.There is no Schmorl's node.T2 hypointense signal changes in the vertebral disks at the level of the entire thoracic spine are seen,representing disk desiccation.There is no narrowing of disk space.There is a disk herniation at the level of T9-10(central) and T11-12(right paracentral) with impingement of thecal sac.There is no hypertrophy of ligmentum flavum.Spinal canal stenosis(4.0mm) is seen at the level of T9-10 with moderate flattening of the spinal cord.There are no abnormal signals in the spinal cord and the shape and size of spinal cord are within normal limits.There is no swelling or mass in the para-vertebral and prevertebral soft tissues.IMPRESSION:1.Thoracic degenerative changes with disk desiccation.2.Disk herniation at the level of T9-10(moderate central) and T11-12(mild right paracentral) with impingement of the thecal sac.3.Spinal canal stenosis(4.00mm) at the level of T9-10 with moderate flattening of the spinal cord.4.No evidence of spinal cord lesion.I have no pain in my back,no incontinence,my legs work fine.I went to the neurologist for a ulnar nerve problem in my left hand and he did MRI's of  my spine.I do have osteoporosis,arthritis of the spine,curved back.Please be honest and tell me if this is really serious.I was wondering if it may be normal for someone with a curved back.Thank you!Starmom

[High Noon]

My spinal surgeon did not recommend surgery. No cord impingement, minor nerve impingement and difficult surgery. That was 10 years ago. Do not be concerned about the thoracic discs.

TOS is also very difficult to diagnose and treat.

Good luck with the findings.

[starmom]

Thank you for being upfront with me.I have an appointment in the middle of Dec with a spine surgeon down in Philadelphia at the Rothman Institute.My neuro said I had to go to a big city where they do more surgeries than our rural area.I only found out recently about the osteoporosis when my Dr did a dexa scan and a vitamin D count. I was negative 4.Yes,you read that right,negative 4.She put me on 100,000 units a week for 6 weeks then I go to 50,000 for another 6 weeks.Then I start Fosamax. I just found out that vitamin D deficiency causes leg weakness and that may be the reason the EMG was bad.My neuro believes I need surgery because of the compression but I'm going to listen to what the spine guy says and think before I let him touch my spine.

[starmom]

Thank you for your response.I'm 59 yrs old.Did your neuro suggest surgery for your problems?I went to a hand/wrist ortho Dr and he is doing mri's of my wrist and hand to see if he can locate the problem with the ulnar nerve.My cervical spine showed minor stuff-nothing to indicate problems with the ulnar nerve.He said if these don't show where the problem is,it could be TOS(thoractic outlet syndrome).The neuro did a brain mri to rule out MS,but is worried because of the EMG tests of my left arm and both legs had bad results.

[star queen]

Your spinal problems are probably contributing to your curved back, but your osteoporosis is probably the largest contributor to that problem.  The problem area in your MRI is the disk herniation and the spinal canal stenosis (blockage).  Normally, this can be "lived with" pretty well, but since you also suffer from  osteoporosis and arthritis, you have the added risk that the bone will not support enough strength over time and you will get worse as your bones weaken or if you begin having spinal fractures. Worse case scenario would put you in a wheelchair and you would have constant pain that would need to be dealt with.  Right now you say you are doing well and you are pretty much pain free.  Know that over time your spine will get worse, not better.  It is a good idea to get into an orthopedist who specializes in spines to watch you and treat as needed.  With good care you can keep yourself pain free.  good luck

[High Noon]

I do not know your age, but can tell you the results seem pretty innocuous.
I am 57 years old and have had the same T9-10 and T11-12 results as you.
Occasional nerve pain which radiates front to back circularly in that area and then goes away.
Thoracic disc problems rarely cause much pain or problems.

MRI for ulnar nerve problem , which itself is a tricky and not understood problem, would be of the cervical spine, not the thoracic spine.

Good Luck and do not worry.