Pinching pain in thoracic spine

[Isotope2007]

In 1990 the roof fell on me at work. I suffered permanent injuries, in my neck, back, and left shoulder, scapula, loss of fine motor skills, numbness in my back, severe chronic pain and eventually was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. I was advised there may be a spinal myleopathy, that I did have a minor brain injury. The roof material hit the back of my head, propelled my forward and I struck my forehead and was knocked unconscious.  As Workers Compensation was responsible for compensation, I did not receive any recognition of any injury other than the chronic pain.  Of course I have ongoing pain in my neck, back and scapula, headaches, numbess, and eventually ended up with a frozen shoulder which has now been resolved. Sometimes when I put my left arm above my head the scapula seems to "slide" down my back.

In the fall of 2007 I had a bad car accident, I suffered immediate pain, visual spatial disorientation, dizziness, headache, numbness and lack of sensation in my hands and arms. An MRI showed I had several herniated discs and impinged nerves in my C spine, and thoracic spine.  I am now getting severe stabbing pinching pains in my thoracic spine. It is also very uncomfortable for me to rest my back against anything hard, like a wooden chair back. This causes a lot of pain in the thoracic spine. When I get the pinching pain my fingers also become hot and tingly. Should I be worried and tell my Doctor I would like a referal to someone who can treat this, could it be a new symptom of a serious condition, or is it just nothing and comes with the territory?

[seanjm]

Thoracic also causes pain in the right abdominal area also. It wraps around. I perform many "back pain " exercises that help alot. Sitting really kills my disks!!!! People with bad backs need to walk,eat healthy,stretch, and perfrom safe back exercises. lack of movement is the worst thing. NEVER GET SURGERY UNLESS YOU HAVE TO! Surgery is still a mystery to most doctors. Yoga is great for back injuries. I wish more people would try it. Us Americans have the worst backs in the world. Back problems are caused from so many things. Stress is a huge cause for many back ailments. It's amazing how millions suffer from back problems in the USA. My best friend is Chinese and he's been having me do Chinese exercise. It helps so much!!!

[mommywoman]

Just now read about your back problems. I also had 3 herniated disks in c spine. Had 3 level fusion done by orthopedist specializing in back & neck. Worked wonderfully. Now I have herniation in thoracic and lumbar with spinal stenosis and fibromyalgia. This neck surgery was the second in several years. You could also go to neurosurgeon that does backs. Most definitely go see a surgeon whether for surgery or pain management. I currently see a rehab dr for pain management. Drs have all said once you get a problem area in back it eventually causes problems in rest of back cause back is like a chain. If you weaken one link eventually they will all weaken.

[kittyluv1]

I am sorry to hear of your persistent pain.  The initial injury sounds pretty horrific and combined with your car accident in 2007, you have a double whammy!  As your MRI following the accident showed several herniated discs and impinged nerves, if you did not have surgery at that time, this process usually progresses along with the "wear and tear" associated with getting older.
The initial Work Comp injury put you at risk, and the accident just kept the process going.
By all means request a referral to an orthopedic spine specialist.  If your nerves are compromised, the sooner you receive appropriate txmt, the better chance of recovery exists.  You will probably never be free of pain, but the risk of permanent nerve damage and loss of mobility entirely does exist without medical intervention.
Best wishes -----