Has anyone had thoracic spine problems? Just me?

[lindyd123]

I have a diagnosis of radiculopathy of T 7 &8., per MRI, He also said T4 was herniated, but that wasn't causing all my pain and problems only T 7, 8 were my big problems.My dr said theree were no disc left at 7,8. Degenerative disc disease. Problems" diahrea constantly, intense burning of lower 4 ribs on R side, loss of colon contol & cramping (R side), sore or HOT spots on R rib cage. A GI doctor did many test & said the spasms were caused by what he thought was the thoracic. He was correct. I've had an epidural, but it helped about 5% of 100%. Not enough. The thoracic 7-8 has been hurting more since I recieved the epidural 2 weeks ago. Is there anything else I can do? Should I come to see you?  Is there a certain dr of place that specializes in teh thoracic area? I cannot take this intense pain anymore- it is TOO INTENSE. PLEASE help. Who is the best place to help me? I think I am too young for a pain pump, but I will get it if I have to. Thank You so Much for Your Time, Lindy- Has ANYONE had a thoracic spine problem?

[sunshine2008]

Yes, I'm 19 and I have multiple thoracic & cervical disc issues. Thoracic herniation at T9/10 and two discs with annular tears at the thoracic level.I have had many treatments(NSAID's heat, ice, physical therapy, massage therapy, acupuncture, facet block injections) and various tesing (x-ray, numerous MRI'S, discograms, facet block injections) and after my 2 year battle I will be having thoracic disc surgery tommorow.

As for you ,I am going to assume you have already tried conservative treatments such as rest, heat, physical therapy, NSAID's, because you have had an epidural. What type have doctor are you currently seeing?

1.You should be seeing an orthopedists,neurologist/neurosurgeon. I believe if you had any improvement with an epidural you should continue with the set of epidurals..... this will put off having a more invasive treatment such as surgery and possibly help the pain for a considerable amount of time but,I would question what type of medication is being used for the epidural...most times is it a corticosteriod which causes weight gain and the extra weight wouldn't help with your back problems.

2. There is not a doctor who specializes in thoracic spine area per se but, they could have more training in thoracic spine compared to another doctor.

Be sure to bring up the bowel changes at your doctors appointment because any changes with the bowel or bladder is a sign of nerve root compression. The best thing you can do for yourself is research. By researching you are more informed with decisions being made through out your treatment. BEST OF LUCK TO YOU!

Sunshine :)