5mm vertebral lesion at T11

[lisalpn]

I need some information from a Doctor please relating to a recent MRI scan performed due to chronic pain in the middle of my back with stinging, burning sensations. If I bend, lean forward, reach, lift or do anything that requires flexion the pain and burning worsens and radiates. If I do exercises in which I can extend my back or squeeze my shoulder blades together it will help relieve the pain while in that motion, but returns easily. I had a lumbar diskectomy/laminectomy at L5-S1 in 2003 but this is a new problem. My MRI scan showed a 5mm round T2 weighted hyperintensity in the lower lateral right aspect of the T11 vertebral body that is isotense on the T1 weighted sequence. Recommended a bone scan to assess for any tracer uptake at T11 or MRI scan follow-up to assess stability. My Neurologist said that this would not be a source of pain however I have been told otherwise from physicians that I work for, I'm a nurse. My pain is very debilitating and is interfering with everything I do anymore, especially my job and my 2 little boys. Please tell me if you think I should seek another opinion!!

                                                                                           Thank You,
                                                                                            Lisa

[Abhijeet Deshmukh, MD]

Hello.

There is no way you can tell whether this particular new finding is the cause of your symptoms unless you rule out a bone growth by bone scan. This may be a growth which impinges on the nerve roots.

It is also important to find out which part of the spine is the growth affecting more.

Regards