22 yr old Chronic neck and back pain: Indention of Thecal Sac- PLEASE HELP!

[alannav]

I am a 22 yr old female and I have been experiencing chronic neck and back pain for the past 4 years after a car accident. My muscles are in a constant spasm and I am in pain daily. I have tried every method of pain management, chiropractic, and physical therapy. I just had an MRI done and the findings reported a 2 mm central protrusion at T8 - T9 which indents the thecal sac without deforming the cord. This must be what is causing my pain, as nothing else has been discovered. I have been through the run around with doctors. Pretty much all of them have dismissed me and just write prescriptions for pain meds. I am too young to have this chronic problem, but I have a feeling the doctor will do the same thing with this new MRI finding. I understand that in many cases this probably would not have an extensive effect on a person, but is it POSSIBLE that this is what is causing my serious pain throughout the midback, neck, and shoulders. If so, what can I do and can someone explain what exactly this finding means. I need someone to think outside the box. PLEASE HELP!

[fay57]

Hello,
You have the exact same problems that I do ,neck and back pain , dreadful spasm which wears me out and also I have had the run round too !!!
Let me first say I really do know what you are suffering, it invades every area of your life , work, family ,relationships all suffer . Have you tried Fentanyl patches ? they are pretty good for contolling pain but the spasm is better treated with heat ie one of those microwave wheat packs and rest.
I think the most frustrating thing will be as it was for me the fact that you will be given a different diagnosis by each DR you see , mine include
Cervical spondylosis , thorasic outlet syndrome , chronic pain syndrome , reflex sympathetic dystophy , Motor neuropathy ,spinal chord cyst , fibromyalgia , to name a few. I wonder if we would be so forgiving if we took our car to the garage and the mechanic didnt have a clue or mis diagnosed the problem with such regularity .
The longer it goes on the more the docs will try make out its in your head!!
The pain will have all kinds of components and the fact that you have spasm is is an indication that you have some damage and your muscles are in spasm to protect you.
I dont think there is a simple answer but if you have a good Dr ask to try the patches and treat the spasm yourself with heat .
My latest test EMG shows mild motor neuropathy so my consultant says it shouldnt cause me too many problems (except for the constant pain ,weak legs , spasm, fatigue and sleepless nights )  As you can see I have become very cynical but if I can offer you any support I would be happy to ,  regards Fay

[michellelouise]

Hello I have a similar problem as you C6-7 small median and left paramedian disc protrusion with a base 6mm and AP extension of 2mm It abouts the left anterior portion of the spinal cord and coul cause some irritation , and C4-5 Mild median and right paramedian discovertebral bulding C5-6 and C4-5 Minimal marginal osteophytosis. That is my MRI
Than I did a CT Scan Lumber
L3-4 mild osteothritis changes of the posterior facets with some thickening of the ligamentum flavum that extend to the lateral walls of the tecal sac The spinal canal at his level is considered eithin the low normal limits L4-5 minimal thickening off the ligamentum flavum.  With all this well I have been told that I have nothing and I should have a better Hygiène postural life this was tols to me Thuedays When I was in a Expertise Medical he says that I had no problem and I should go back to they same normal work I was doing  that is standing  up all days doing cable wire connecting on a table of 43 inch and my height is 49 inch. So this is they new medecine they by pass your Doctor order and they put you back to they same work just to get you fired after because you are not able to do it anymore.  Please take care of you and make sure you get good Doctor there is some but look carelly.  Michelle Louise

[Prem Pillay, MD]

I would recommend that you see a spine specialist for a thorough evaluation. Pain managment and more advanced physical therapy that includes aquatherapy could be helpful. If there is a fibromyalgic component to your problems , lyrica could be of help if given under medical supervision.

Dr Prem Pillay
Senior Neurosurgeon
Director of Neuro and Spine Services
Neuro Spine and Pain Center
Singapore

www.spine-neuro.org

[Zak_Han]

Hi,
It is a common misconception that back pain always stems from the pressure of a slipped disc (protrusion) or a trapped nerve.  This is misleading, the main cause of pain is inflammation stimulating nerves, causing the pain signal.
So,It's hard to say that central protrusion at T8 - T9 must be what is cusing your pain.

How to diagnoses it?
Physical examination is more important than MRI.So go to see reputable doctor.