I'' take the lead here:

1. How did it get started?
About 12 years ago, shorty after my last cervical surgery in 2000.
NS believes that between all of my spinal surgeries, the cervical area having multiple fusions and the amount of scar tissue in the lumbar area, that all the stress was placed on the thoracic area and finally it started to herniated and tear. This has been going on now on a regular basis.

2. How long have you been dealing with in?
12 years

3. What treatments are you currently under? Do any help?
I spent 13 months in Physical Therapy along with Aqua Therapy. They discharged me because I was showing no signs of improvement. There were no standard PT actions that could be used to help work on my situation.

4. Has Surgery been considered?
Mentioned, but not really considered. My spinal situation with 7 previous surgeries does not make me a good candidate, plus the thoracic surgical procedure is pretty intense and there are zero guarantees that I would get any relief.

5. Have you tried Deep Tissue Massage (The "Real" thing )
For the past 14 months I have been going for weekly Deep Tissue Massage therapy from an expert trained in the "Thai" style of aggressive Deep Tissue Massage. As painful as this has been its been the ONLY treatment that has offered any relief

6. What causes it to flare up more?
Computer work, sitting at a desk seems to be the major factor to cause flare ups. Working outside with power equipment (Leaf blower, Chain saw, Weed Wacker, etc) - the vibrations seem to send my T-discs flying.

7. When you have flareups what do you do about them?
Heat, heat, use of a half and full roll to lay on and to extend and open
up the thoracic area. Lay on tennis balls to hit the sorest spots. Not much else, just
grin and bear it until it starts to calm down

8. Can you continue to work with this condition?
I do, I am a software engineer and because of that I create more problems and flareups for my thoracic and at times cervical discs. I am coming to a major life decision to continue to work and inflict more damage on my spine or retire and find other work to do

9. Has it been getting worse or staying the same?
It stays the same IF I dont do anything to cause it to flare up. But I've noticed that with each flare up, the intensity and length of the flare up is longer.
Right now, I am going into my 4th week with the current Thoracic flare up and I am back to not sleeping, being miserable and cranky, discouraged and in constant pain.

10. How are you dealing with it all?
The best I can

I would really like to here more from people who are suffering from Thoracic disc problems. At some point, I would like to see it get its on major forum name, since I believe the problem is out there and it is growing faster and faster. It is one of the most underrated , mis-understood spinal disc condition that I have had to deal with.

One of my good friends was 35 years old, in her own medical practice and doing so well. She developed Thoracic disc problems and had to retire from her practice and now is basically sitting at home for the past 18 years not being able to do much. She has not slept in a normal bed in over 10 years.

Please add your posts and situations to this topic.

Yep, thoracic disc bulg/herniations are suppose to be rare and should not cause pain! That I believe is older school books of reference.

I had a follow up with my pain management doctor yesterday. For the past month or so, my thoracic has been flaring up, much more the past 2 weeks. My average pain levels and discomfort are up considerably from where they were a couple of months ago.
I told my doctor:

Doctor, I feel that I have plateaued and that this is what it is and it just aint going to get any better. I know that certain things cause flare ups and that they sort of make my other treatments counter productive, but the things I am doing to cause flareups are basic things or parts of live that I have to do"

She basically agreed from a medical point of view that there really isnt much more that can be done to correct my thoracic disc problems. Surgery is out of the question and the only thing that we need to do is continue actions that will slow down or hopefully stop the continued detoriation of my thoracic discs. She was honest in saying that today I have 2 discs that are severe in degrees of herniation, 2 that are mild and that there will probably be more.

One of the major problems I have right now is total muscle tightness. There are so many exercises that I can not do because my upper back/arms/shoulders have zero movement to them. That is the major reason why I have the numbness and tingling in my arms and hands at night. She tried a few things on me, simple one like to bring both hands together over my hand with my arms straight. I cant do that, half way up my shoulders and arms just lock up. That stems from the rhomboid muscle. Thats the one that my Deep tissue massage guy has been working on.

So for now, I just gotta find more ways to relax, reduce some stress in my body and try ways to get my muscles to become more flexible. As long as that does not happen, I can pretty much predict how I will be feeling.

For me, its finding those ways to do this

1.Well a little drunk girl ran a red light
2.over a decade or so
3. no treatments,workmens comp says nothing is wrong
4.No
5.Yes,AAAHHHHH!
6.Pretty much any position agrivates,sitting ,standing,laying down,
7.nothing,nothing helps
8.its in the way all the time.so i just go
9. worse every week
10.life dont stop

Ok here's my 2 bobs worth (aussie saying) lol

1. How did it get started?
I can't actually remember anything significant triggering it. But being a horse rider and having 2 good "get offs" and a car crash that gave me whip lash may have had something to do with it ??

2. How long have you been dealing with it?
8 odd years but definitely much more in the last 3.

3. What treatments are you currently under? Do any help?
I'm doing hydro for my L spine (recent L5S1 ALIF) and have tried accupuncture also. Doesn't help. Am having facet blocks tomorrow to determine if they are the culprit or whether its disc related too. Bone scan has also been booked

4. Has Surgery been considered?
Surgeon is currently doing tests to determin which area is causing the pain and if it can be treated surgically then will go down that path I guess.

5. Have you tried Deep Tissue Massage (The "Real" thing )
Too sore to let anyone do that. Its bone pain ie touch my spiney bits and I could hurt you lol, but muscle tension doesn't help either...vicious circle.

6. What causes it to flare up more?
putting my arms above my head, putting my shoulder blades back, arching my upper back - stretching etc

7. When you have flareups what do you do about them?
Take my over the counter analgesics, lie down...or normally just try to keep going and ignore it.

8. Can you continue to work with this condition?
Yes, but it's a destraction as it feels like someone has punched you in the back and that burning stinging pain just never goes away. Then its also feels like someone is continually pushing down on your chest so you feel you can't get a deep breath....weird feeling.

9. Has it been getting worse or staying the same?
Bit of both, I was hoping after my fusion this issue would go away but the surgeon said, sorry, not likely lol. Whe I came off the Oxycontin etc the pain returned. Some days are not so bad, others you really know that you have an issue. But since December last year it has definitely gotten alot worse.

10. How are you dealing with it all?
I know that I am finally getting it seen to by the surgeon so there is some light, but having just had a fusion, I'm not really wanting to run back to the theatre just yet. I can still function, albeit, I get a bit "short" with people if its really pinging me off, so will see what all these tests reveal and what my options are and take it from there. I've been in pain for so long now, you learn how to "live" with it I guess, but I would love a day without it. It does get wearing, but I have two young children 7 & 9 and a husband and we have our small business & our farm, so have to keep plugging along. No point whinging as that just gets them down.

Cheers
Sue

1. How did it get started?
Fell off a ten yard dumpster closing the lid, could only think tuck and roll ( I wasn't on fire!) Didn't want to break my arms so I pulled them to my chest and landed flat on my back. Smooth move!
2. How long have you been dealing with in?
Feb. 2003
3. What treatments are you currently under? Do any help?
I walk twice a day(hour each), take 30min. rests on my Tempredic bed four times a day. Perc when needed. Quit smoking trying to lose 40#'s. (The 40 not so much) I love to cook and I'm real good at it.
4. Has Surgery been considered?
Yes had my neck done, turned out great!!! , My NS won't do the thoracic one till I lose my bowel or bladder for good. Now my NS said if I was screaming in ER he would think about it. He know my high tolerence to pain. The Cleveland Clinic sa no too.
5. Have you tried Deep Tissue Massage (The "Real" thing )
Yes and it hurt big time. Can't afford treatment now will do it I'm screaming again.
6. What causes it to flare up more?
Standing to long cooking. Pulling weeds in the yard. Some sex positions (do them anyway)
7. When you have flareups what do you do about them?
Robaxin and Percs in the bed I go! Sometimes up to two weeks. Hate that!
8. Can you continue to work with this condition?
No way! WC almost over!!! SS on it's way. Real sick of that process!
9. Has it been getting worse or staying the same?
Worse I think, the pain is more often.
10. How are you dealing with it all?
I walk, I live and I love! oh and drugs!

1. How did it get started?2. How long have you been dealing with in?
I began having spine problems in my teens but mostly in the lumbar area with sciatica. In 1999 I fell forward on some steps and later in 2000 had to have a cervical fusion for C-5-6,6-7 due to a myelopathy. In 2003 my thoracic spine became very painful and I was found to have Spinal Cord Atrophy and a medial rupture of T8-9 that again progressed to a Myelopathy that required surgery in 2005 to remove the disc. I had to have a thorocotomy. It was quite traumatic and took a very long time to get over. I also have a rupture at L4-5 but no surgery. I now have been told that T7-8 has rupture medially and I should have the surgery on the other side. I am in progress of looking for my options. There are also several other bulging discs in the thoracic spine.

3. What treatments are you currently under? Do any help? Currently I am on a Fentanyl patch and make myself walk daily. I also have massages as I can.

4. Has Surgery been considered?

5. Have you tried Deep Tissue Massage (The "Real" thing ) No and I have extremely tender tissue and am not sure I would be willing to.
6. What causes it to flare up more? It is worst if I lay around. Best if I keep moving but activity or laying around cause increased pain, and numbness.
7. When you have flareups what do you do about them?
I just get through it since I cannot afford to do anything else.
8. Can you continue to work with this condition?
I have not worked for 5 years.
9. Has it been getting worse or staying the same?
It is getting much worse in the past 7 mo.
10. How are you dealing with it all? The best I can but am finding it more difficult each day. I have been in denial since I heard the news but things are progressing and I am lost about what to do because I do not want to do anything. I am in Ok and have a very poor medical care situation here. I had my surgery at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester and am trying to see what I need to do to get back there.

1. How did it get started?
Don't really remember anything specific. Being and orthopedic/neuro surgical nurse doesn't help, I'm sure. I did injur my low back lifting a patient(with help) a couple of years ago, but was already having mild t-spine pain.
2. How long have you been dealing with in?
Several years, at least 2 to stop and make me notice- been getting much worse over the last year.
3. What treatments are you currently under? Do any help?
So far, just anti-inflammatories and muscle relaxer prescribed by my PCP (of course it doesn't help) Going to see the neurosurgeon for the 1st visit on Monday! Been looking forward to this one!
4. Has Surgery been considered?
Good Lord I hope not at this point.
5. Have you tried Deep Tissue Massage (The "Real" thing )
Not yet. Does it help?
6. What causes it to flare up more?
Working. Lifing, pulling, tugging patients (I try not to as much as possible), sitting too long, sitting in any type of desk chair or anything that doesn't have alot of cushion.
7. When you have flareups what do you do about them?
Take what I have prescribed, and wait it out when it doesn't work.
8. Can you continue to work with this condition?
Yes, but it's not pleasant. At work is when I have my worst pain.
9. Has it been getting worse or staying the same?
Definitely getting worse.
10. How are you dealing with it all?
So far, ok I think. I've pretty much resigned myself the the fact that this is as good as it's going to get. My main goal is preventing it from getting worse if possible. I am wayyy to young to be getting started with this already. In fact, every imaging study I have done has the same phrase, "unusual for a patient of this age."

1. I fell when a handrail broke at work offshore. Then rehurt when trying to pull a piston cap away from fellow workers foot.

2. Hurting since 2004
3. I do chiro, yoga, facet/ep. inj., prolotherapy, massage, tens, posture pump, inversion, etc.

4. Yes, surgury has been considered and advised by Pain
doc. but not ortho. Dr. Regan looked at mri and said
he saw calcification at herniation and would do surgury to correct. Also talking to alpha klinik about micro thorasic surgury.

5. Yes i love deep tissue, thai (modified)

6. stress,sitting, any phy. act. causes flare ups

7. I combat the flare ups with meds, swimming, hot tub, yoga, ice

8. I may be able to work an hour here or there but nothing without breaking to lay down and ice back. Definitly no work I used to do.

9. My pain has gotten a little better since quiting manual labor job but still causes me very much pain and low satisfaction with life.

10 I deal with it all in my own way, not the best or worse way ,but the only way i can to live through it. I have my godchild who I am a father to so I could never leave her. I do not accept i will be like this forever or it would be much harder to go on. I go to school also to retrain and get my mind off it. Its tough with thorasic for me beacuse sometimes you feel crazy for hurting so bad for something docs say shouldn't. It is just feeling like you are a good person who could have contributed to the world and you are wasting away in chronic pain. But we all go on.

" Never to late to be what you might have been"

Bone mapping found pathologic absorbance (I still have to look for what is the meaning of that) CT done recently found some problems D7-D11
Mainly bone changes: osteophytes & facet joints

1. How did it get started?
I don't know. But very strong pains started about 7 months after my neck surgery.

2. How long have you been dealing with 1t?
4 months.

3. What treatments are you currently under?
PT for bulging & herniated lumbar disks.

Do any help?
Not yet.

4. Has Surgery been considered?
Not yet.
5. Have you tried Deep Tissue Massage (The "Real" thing )
Several treatments some 15 years ago.

6. What causes it to flare up more?
Lying on my back. Lifting.

7. When you have flareups what do you do about them?
Take pain killers and vent...
8. Can you continue to work with this condition?
I do. Should I continue work or retire? Don't know.

9. Has it been getting worse or staying the same?
My T pains are somewhat easier to what I had 2 months ago.

10. How are you dealing with it all?
Too ad. Find it hard to sit in front of my computer and read or write.
I also vent a lot. I am lucky I am surrounded with good "ears".

1. How did it get started?
Girl ran through stop sign, I hit her 40mph

2. How long have you been dealing with in?
Two Years

3. What treatments are you currently under? Do any help?
Chiropractor - sometimes - not lately

4. Has Surgery been considered?
Chiropractor says surgery - considered yes - no money or insurance

5. Have you tried Deep Tissue Massage (The "Real" thing )
Doctor's say no massage - no pressure allowed on back due to possibility of paralisis

6. What causes it to flare up more?
When I work - graphic designer - clean - grocery shop - life

7. When you have flareups what do you do about them?
Lay down - take medications - ice - heat - shower

8. Can you continue to work with this condition?
Sometimes - depending if I can walk or not

9. Has it been getting worse or staying the same?
Getting worse

10. How are you dealing with it all?
Not so well - getting depressed b/c now I can't take showers alone, laundry alone, or put my shoes on alone - the list goes on

__________________________________________________________
Back in November of 2006, I was in a pretty bad car accident. I was driving my fiances 97 Cadillac on a highway at 40mph when a girl in a Hyundai Tiburon ran a stop sign, and I plowed right into her. Both cars were totaled, and I was taken to the hospital with a headache and bruises and cuts due to the airbags. Because of Florida No Fault, I am responsible for my own medical bills. Now, my insurance has paid it's due, but I have reached my PIP. I have no health insurance, no money, just graduated from college, and don't know what to do. I have been through 5 jobs because of my back, not able to keep them or they fire me right after I give them my limitation notes. No doctor will see me without insurance or unless I have the money straight up front. I am currently on an LOP with my local Chiropractor, but he can only do so much for me. When I was in the accident, I had several MRIs and X-rays. I have a severe disk herniated in my T7 Vertebrae, protruding into my spinal cavity/canal and putting pressure on my sciatica. I also now have scoliocis, 2 bulging disks on T6 and T5. I have 2 messed up ribs, and reverse curvature of the neck. I have had shots in my back, but those didn't help. I have tried to see a pain management doctor, but I had to pay up front and I just didn't have it. My chiro says that I will need surgery or I won't be able to have kids. These past two weeks however my back seems to have gone down hill. I have having numbness and tingling in my legs, sharp severe pains in the buttox and legs, sharp lower and mid back pain, muslce spasms in the neck, back, and legs. I have been in the most excruciating pain these last 3 days then ever before. I can no longer bathe myself, put my sneakers on, pretty much do anything without being in moderate to severe pain. I cannot even stand up straight because it feels like my bones are smashing my nerves up in a mortar. I am so depressed, have no money, and just do not know what to do. Everyone tells me to try to look into programs or experimental surgeries so I can get it done for free, but this is my back we are talking about. My life. I don't just want anyone to touch it. I can't even see another doctor to get other opinions. Anyone have any ideas? I am on hydrocodone and naproxen, and I barely take it because it knocks me out and I get stomach problems afterwards. Someone help me. I am so young....oh, and the girl that pulled out, she has no money but is driving around a new Nissan Extera....what gives? My fiance STILL has no car....thanks Florida No Fault!

1.How did it get started?
Working as a CNA, Vol EMT. I fell in 04 and a person landed on my right side. I injured the left side of the rib cage.

2.How long have you been dealing with it?
Since 2003

3.What treatments are you currently under? Do any help?
Nothing works at the moment.

4. Has surgery been considered?
Yes in 06 when I fell down the stairs. Ortho said I need it now. Neuro said they are were not bad enough. So who do you believe??? Great drs mind you.
Surgery will probably be a option again since it is effecting my motor skills in my legs. I will look into the option of inavasive thoracic surgery which is done about a hour away from us. This is where they go through the side..

5. Have you tried deep tissue massage, (real thing)?
I cannot have anyone touch my back. Its so very sensitive I cringe at the touch of it. This started back when the orginal injury started.

6.What causes it to flare up more?
They are getting so bad that it does not matter how I do things. Whether I am just sitting, laying down etc.

7.When you have flareups what do you do about them?
At the present time heat, ice, stretching nothing is working.

8. Can you continue working with this condition?
No not at the present time

9.Has it been getting worse or staying the same?
I can say definatly worse. This is the worse I have ever been since the orginal injury. It is affecting my legs walking,I have pain that starts in both hips and shoots down each leg into the ankle. I have to pause put my feet up (somewhere) and they have tingling&numbness. Then I can resume for about 3-4 minutes and it starts again!!
also just sitting & breathing is becoming very painful.

10.How are you dealing with it all?
Well number 1 you have no choice. I have a great support system at home and I think that is a huge step.
I will be getting the MRI results back this week. My appt is July 29th. To find out my fate. Right now I am only on ultram and soma. May cave in today or tomorrow & go to the family dr for something a bit stronger when I cannot take it anymore for the day.

HANG IN THERE ALL!! We are here to support each other

Hello

I just stumbled across your forum and I am so happily overwhelmed . I was starting to feel like no one else knew how I was feeling. Thank you for starting this forum. I just read the other posts and everything about the pain is exactly what I have been experiencing for 2 and a half years. Now I think I will show my Dr. so he knows there are others like me. My Ortho surgeon basically told me there really is nothing to do to my wedged T9, so learn to live with it. I was, but WCB finally admitted my work injury and now they are certain they can fix it. No need to mention that I have had a flare up from all their help.

Can't wait to hear from others.

For a Spine-Health Site introduction, Click on :

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________________________________________________________________________________
With a member name like that you have to be a great person!
(Ok, I am a hockey fanatic)

We are glad you found this site and especially this forum thread. Thoracic problems has been the one spinal problem that was not fully understood or diagnosed in the past. I remember when I first started with Tdisc problems, my doctors all told me that IT COULDNT Be, and IF it was IT COULD NOT BE PAINFUL... Well so much has changed.
Still, treatment for Thoracic problems is no where near the levels for Lumbar and Cervical problems. That includes surgical procedures. Thoracic surgeries are still very complicated but they have been and are still improving.

Good luck and keep us posted to your progress.

1. How did it get started?
Retail Christmas season 2005 - I was waiting for a co-worker to pass an empty box down to me from storage. He backed into a stack of (supposedly) empty boxes and they came raining down on me. One was not empty. It had a radio in it and the corner came down and struck me square in the back. As it was Christmas I had to keep working, then 2 weeks later I was on a ladder getting a stereo down from a shelf and twisted to far and I really did a number on myself. I couldn't take the pain this time.
2. How long have you been dealing with in?
2.7 years
3. What treatments are you currently under? Do any help?
Lately I was put back into Physio, exercise therapy and functional. As long as it was light and I didn't overextend the right side I was ok. Once I raised that right side to far (uder weight) I was back in emergency.

4. Has Surgery been considered?
No. Ortho said there was nothing to be done.
5. Have you tried Deep Tissue Massage (The "Real" thing )
Not yet
6. What causes it to flare up more?
Any over head extensions, driving too long, twisting of the upper body, (like when you need to shoulder check or back up when you drive), sweeping, vaccuuming, raking, reaching up, sleeping (causes numbness)
7. When you have flareups what do you do about them?
Heat, ibuprofren, and when its really bad tramacet. I have recently had 2 accupuncture sessions. They have been fantastic, and allow me te sleep better. While I have not totally eliminated the numbness at night I can at least sleep better with it.
8. Can you continue to work with this condition?
I have been working, though not full time. I could never do what I did before, and I am limited to how long I can stand or sit at a desk.
9. Has it been getting worse or staying the same?
Its staying about the same, but that all depends on what I need to do in a day. IE: work, grocery shop, clean my kitchen. I really need to pace myself, When I have over done it, the pain will wrap around the ribs and settle in the sternum. Sometimes its like the whole upper rib cage has fallen.

10. How are you dealing with it all?
I have to pace myself, I don't like the effects the drugs have on my head, so I have to go slower. I Start every day with heat, and make no sudden movements.

I would Love to hear from others and how they are coping. Tomorrow I go to a new therapist, and I am hopeful for an exercise program that will help the rest of the back compensate for the injury. This is the first person in 2.7 years to tell me that the T8 and T9 are the worst parts of the spine for healing properly because they get the least amount of circulation. A new perspective might go a long way in dealing with this.

Has anyone tried myofascial release treatment for chronic pain? I was wondering if there is benefit to the treatment or not. One physio therapist tried it one me, just one session, and I think he bruised my kidney. the pain lasted a week. Maybe I should try a different therapist, but was hoping for feedback if anyone else has tried it.

About 8 years ago, I had one of the physical therapists I was seeing perform myofasical treatments. It was one of the better treatments I had for my thoracic pain.
It was much better than the 'standard' physical therapy treatments but not as effective as Deep Tissue Massage therapy.

1 How did it get started? about 10 months ago.I was climbing a pole at work and lifted a heavy wire. 2 How long have you been dealing with it? 10 months. 3 What treatments are you under? Does any help? At therapy they used ultrasound only minimum releif. 4 Has surgery been considered? Possibly but it is a risky one. 5 Have you tried deep tissue massage? Not yet. 6 What causes it to flare up more? Using both arms together picking items up. Sitting too long. Ligthly twisting side to side. Reaching out. 7 When you have flareups what do you do about them? Stop doing what I am doing,relax,and take pain meds. 8 Can you continue to work in this condition? NO! 9 Has it been getting worse or staying the same? It is getting alittle worse. 10 How are you dealing with it? I do light stretching several times a day. When I do situps my thoracic area cracks alot. This gives me minimal relief. Awaiting thoracic injections because mine is a WC case..................Hoot

1)How long: Began burning after a whiplash injury in 2001 (rearended) surgeon assured me this would go away after ACDIF but never did. I had a previous L5S1 fusion 1988.

2.I've been dealing since 2001, but its worsening with age and from several falls. I too wonder if my fusions on both ends caused my center spine to absorb too much stress.

3)TX: I've used Tramadol for last 8 years, successfully, for my postop low back and neck pain til the last 1 1/2 yrs where I've been forced to discontinue due to a complications of a brain injury. I've now fallen twice, and fear reinjury.

4)Surgery to thoracic spine: I'm already fused C5-6 and L5-s1 so I wouldn't like to think of being fused in the middle. wouldn;t mind getting some nerves burned though as this pain going around my ribs is a killer.

5: I tried a massage once but its very expensive and my insurance made me choose between chiro and massage.

6)What flares it: Its just there..I know riding in the car mmakes it bad...spine seems unstable now. Knocking myself out with Valium at night seems my only relief.

7)What helps? Haven't had a lot of luck consistently; just had my initial pain consult so hoping for more info soon. I stay upright, Lay flat on back several times a day to rest, try to avoid the computer for long periods. I do some gentle stretches. the chiro showed me a rib stretch that sometimes helps, sometimes does not. I'm waiting to get some MRI's soon. Valium at night.

8. Can't work...March 07 I fainted, landed on my head, had a seizure, and survived a brain injury. Prior to this I continued to work part time as a RN for 20 years in spite of pain from my back and neck injuries; my pain was controlled by Tramadol then.

How do I deal. Not well. Now is the worst its been. I'm depressed and despondent at times. I slipped down an icy stairway in Feb and twisted and grabbed rails as I fell..don't know what I did to my spine. Needed arth repair of my R knee,(which I had done first March 08 ) Now I'm addressing my spine. L hip/groin is hurting too...may be related to my back I know. Maybe L4-5 right above my fusion... I've had 2 falls in the past 1 1/2 yrs so we'll see.

Valium, Lunesta, Lyrica usually gets me to sleep in 5 hour increments unless I'm really wound up about something...LOL! Warm baths, heating pads help. sometmes ice other times. Xanax prn. Arthritis Tylenol 1-2xday in fear for liver.

Thanks for this wonderful forum. I am learning more every time I come here. Great to talk with others who understand.

Hugs, Deb (Mattsmom)

I have found a therapist who actually seems to understand the thoracic area. I have gone 3 times so far, today being the latest visit. I actually feel pretty good, I have mobility and no real pain. This therapist is concentrating on specific stretches for the upper back, nothing drastic yet, but she explains how to get the muscles loosened up to improve the blood circulation in the thoracic area. In 2.8 years not one therapist or doctor explained that this is the worst part of the spine for circulation and thus experiences poor healing.

I thought I would also mention that I take Tramacet (one in the morning) when I know I will have a heavy day at work. It definitely helps limit the onset of the pain. Doesn't make it go away entirely, but makes it manageable

How long?
4 year's ..I fell off a cat walk broke my 7th rib and hernia T7-8.One year later open back side T8-9 thoracic Discetomy removed whole disc/no fusion..I've been in ongoing daily pain since the day of my surgery 3 years ago..

How do I deal?
Worn-out..Learning to deal is a daily challage..

Treatments?
2 Rounds of physical therapy..Three week Back rehab program..personnel trainer..Injections..nerve blocks..pain meds..Chiroprator..Massage..Daily stretching & very low inpack exercises..Counseling.

Surgery?
I'm not looking for surgery..but have been told surgery is too high of a risk...no doctor would take the risk ever but I should of been fused..

Massage?
To painful to be touched or have my back pressed on.

Flare up's?
Any upper body movement..Lifting..Sitting..Standing.Twisting
Laying down flat on my back..Pushing & pulling..The breathing pain is a nightmare..Bone grinding pain when moving...Shifting body weight.Coughing..pulling shoulders back..Ect.Any perssure placed on my back or rib cage.

What to I do to help myself?
Heat,Cold..lay down on my right side to rest..Stand with body wieght on my right side..Push thru pain to exercise so I can stay moving the best I can.Nothing helps the breathing pain.I just have to ride it out..Swimming is a slice of heaven..untill I get out of the pool..Work with my doctors..

My pain ?
Some days are better than other..It depends on my activity.

Work?
Worked in a lumber mill for 9 years..6 months ago I became disabled from the job I fought so hard to keep doing..Now I trying to rebuild my life..

I take on day at a time..and hope some day there is hope for 50% relieve of pain..I see a counselor to help me deal with the life style changes and the lost of my ability's..Sleeping is a major problem..Yup..I deal with depression now..I hope someday there will be more that can be done for folks with Thoracic spine issue..I fight for hope and the quality of my life..I'm 38 years old.

Hi PBarton Sorry to hear of all you have been living with. The not sleeping properly really adds to the pain issue. I finally tried accupuncture this summer, reluctantly, I wasn't excited about the thought of needles being jabbed into me, but am I ever glad I did. Give it a shot but make sure it is a therapist that is really trained in chinese accupunture. My old physio therapist heard that I had gone for treatment and wanted me to try their accupunturist. There was no comparison, I definitely felt like pin cushion when she was done. The genuine art of accupuncture, from someone accredited from chinese medicine may help give you some relief to sleep, and then things will look a little better. Nothing is a cure but it helps take the edge off.

1. How did it get started?
Through years of neglect in my youth / early twenties (too much drinking, partying & experimenting) malnutrition I also suspect had a lot to do wit hit as well as not being physically fit. Although, I always had a slouch to my posture and (now) wish It would have been addressed while I was still growing. Maybe it wouldn't have been this bad now? Who knows?

2. How long have you been dealing with it?
Since about 18 I noticed upper back problems, getting the feeling of being constrained and constricted - I tried bending backwards over the arm of a couch and rolling sideways to "pop" it into place. I had a friend that was a foot taller than me and he would lift me up with my arms crossed over my chest and it would sound like a string of fireworks going off! LOL
THAT ALWAYS FELT SO GOOD!!!

3. What treatments are you currently under? Do any help?
Was in PT after my L5-S1 lami & Fusion but in my third session I hurt my back below the surgery (which still hasn't been addressed by anyone) and I was told that would be it for now...
I do very light stretching and exercise at home as well as light cleaning and laundry - I end up pushing myself too much to go to the Grocery store and when doing laundry, so I end up in bed for two to three days recovering. Not good. I know...

4. Has Surgery been considered?
L5-S1 Lami & Fusion on 05/05/08

5. Have you tried Deep Tissue Massage (The "Real" thing)
Yes, before surgery once, I liked the results but cannot afford it regularly.

6. What causes it to flare up more?
After strenuous activities like Grocery Shopping, Laundry or even sitting, standing, driving, laying in one place more than twenty minutes at a time. Stress will cause it to flare and I have Anxiety to add to the fire and it really gets bad when I have a Panic Attack. O_o

7. When you have flareups what do you do about them?
I have tried breathing exercises, stretching, and light aerobics - they only make my anxiety worse which in turn... blah blah blah I end up taking Robaxin and Percocet which help but only temporary but they sometimes allow me to move those vertebrae more freely to loosen them up a little and it feels good! Until the next morning when you feel horrible and bruised in those areas.

8. Can you continue to work with this condition?
No freaking way, I ca barely tolerate living like this!!!

9. Has it been getting worse or staying the same?
Definitely getting worse!

10. How are you dealing with it all?
I'm not, I don't know how to and my doctors are no help! None at all! I just fired my last set of doctors and found a new PCP to take care of me and we are working on things one at a time. We first got my Fibromyalgia taken care of, I see them in a couple of weeks and am bringing up the T-spine and Tailbone pain from PT! I hope he will order x-rays since my Neuro wont. He's probably afraid of the results!!! LOL And he should be too!

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________________________________________________________________________________

One of the most difficult tasks that people suffering from thoracic pain is to work with a doctor that understands the situation and will work with you on treatments. For the longest time, I listened to my doctors saying that it is so difficult to get herniated thoracic discs or that if you do have problems, it should not be painful. I wish now, that I could go back to those same doctors to let them know just how painful it can be. I am glad you came onto this site, we do everything we can to make people feel comfortable and set up an environment that you will find rewarding.

Take care

1. I fell about 10' and landed on my tailbone with my legs extended in front of me. t9crushed

2. Over 13 years now.

3. Basically no treatments now, pain killers, muscle relaxant, tens unit, my own stretching,breathing and yoga exercises.

4. Many doctors have said surgery is too dangerous and not likely to help.

5. Have not tried deep tissue massage, but I can not stand to have the area of injury touched....will pay for it later.

6. Sitting, driving, bending, cold, almost anything...I have been literally standing all day long for about 5 years,even for meals...my feet are tired,,,I am tired.

7. suffer

8. I have not worked for almost 5 years, approved for Disability about a year ago.

9. Getting worse

10. Not dealing with it very well right now, nothing helps, no future, still hanging on.

t9

1. How did it get started?
I fell when I was 9 years old and hit my back, right underneath my shoulder blades, on the edge of a big stone step.

2. How long have you been dealing with it?
20 years, since it really started to bother me when I was in my 20s.

3. What treatments are you currently under? Do any help?
Co-dydramol for pain, helps a bit, but not a lot. My doc prescribed Tylex but it makes my head feel too fuzzy to get on with my day. Diclofenac for inflammation (ranitidine for my stomach to counter-balance the adverse effects of the diclofenac), and diazepam as a muscle relaxant to help with spasms. This does help.

4. Has Surgery been considered?
My doc says it's not an option.

5. Have you tried Deep Tissue Massage (The "Real" thing )
Nope.

6. What causes it to flare up more?
Sitting at a desk/computer (I am using a laptop here); standing for more than a few moments; standing at the hob, cooking; cleaning the bath; vacuuming; driving; doing jigsaws (which I love); grocery shopping; walking round the shops;

7. When you have flareups what do you do about them?
Once I can move again, I eat meds, sleep with a pillow under my back (when I can manage to get to sleep), heat, rest, stretching (where is that rack when you need it?)

8. Can you continue to work with this condition?
Well, this is the million dollar question. I am currently being assessed at work (I sit at a pc all day)for my fitness to do my job. I may end up being re-deployed or retired early due to ill health, so it's all up in the air at the mo. I can't continue in my current job, as I am damaging my spine more as time goes on.

9. Has it been getting worse or staying the same?
Much worse in the last 7 months, with severe flare ups and excruciating spasms and 2 periods of sick leave.

10. How are you dealing with it all?
Best I can. What can you do? I stay as mobile and active as I can. Just keep taking the painkillers.

This is more of a venting session, as I've been receiving no help despite having 'amazing health care'. I'm in the Army as an Airborne Infantryman (please, it is just a job) and the physical toll of the job mounted up. I also just turned 24. The problem is I'm having 'back pain', which is something people come up with to get out of doing physically demanding work for a couple of weeks. My trump card however is I've been trying to come back from an injury for a year that I could have been med boarded out of the Army for (completely non-back related, but it did weaken my abdominals considerably).

1. How did it get started? No real event. However 110-130lbs of equipment carrid on shoulders for 6 hours a day for roughly 240 days straight. In addition major stomach surgery, and ruck running countless times with 50-80lb ruck.

2. How long have you been dealing with in? 1 year.
3. What treatments are you currently under? Do any help? I've done Physical Therapy which offered several hours of relief and Chiropractor which offered about an hour of relief.
4. Has Surgery been considered? It has not. They haven't even done an X-Ray or any other imaging study.
5. Have you tried Deep Tissue Massage (The "Real" thing ) I have not. I'm not sure if my 'excellent medical coverage', would cover, considering they flip bananas when you miss even an hour of work.
6. What causes it to flare up more? Running, rucking, wearing IBA (body armor). Carrying things on my shoulders or in front of my body. However, lifting weights usually does not cause any additional pain.
7. When you have flareups what do you do about them? Shake my head, swear, and complain to whoever is next to me that we are being Bravo'd and are 'in the suck'.
8. Can you continue to work with this condition? It is very painful, but I do work, unfortunately. And working a very physically demanding job.
9. Has it been getting worse or staying the same? Progressively getting worse over the last year.
10. How are you dealing with it all? Waiting 3 weeks for an appointment with a man whose appointment schedule book is empty (I've seen it). Telling him to fix me or med board me.

1. How did it get started? Fell Down steps in July 2006

2. How long have you been dealing with in? August 06, re-occurred Post op in August 2008. Shed all devices in April 2007 walking on my own with a limp. Never really got 100 % leg strength but was able able to do daily activities w/o devices.

3. What treatments are you currently under? PT, Brace, walker, Quad cane. Do any help? Not really, Seem to get weaker in PT after walking 200 ft. using the walker

4. Has Surgery been considered? Done in Oct06, it is recommended for re-occurrence of stenosis(decompression). regressission in August 08, Leg weakness, tingle, numbness, spinal stenosis at T5-6, Falls particularily bending at the waist.
5. Have you tried Deep Tissue Massage (The "Real" thing ). No, willing to try

6. What causes it to flare up more? What is weird is I have no real pain. Just numbness, dullness, sensory protection with right leg. leg shakes when standing for long period of time about 11 min.

7. When you have flareups what do you do about them? Sit down relieves tightness in lower back and legs.

8. Can you continue to work with this condition? NO

9. Has it been getting worse or staying the same? Since the re-occurence of Stenosis my endurance has reduced

10. How are you dealing with it all? NOT SURE, debating on a 2nd surgery because the first was unsuccessful.

Any thoughts are welcome, sorry for grammar and mis-spellings

Thoracic Problems

1. How did it get started?
I remember coming home from work one day and feeling this pain between my shoulders blades, it literally started out of the blue
2. How long have you been dealing with in?
Will be three years in Jan 2009
3. What treatments are you currently under? Do any help?
Have had Ladicaine injections- did not help
Physical therapy - really has not done anything
Ultra sound heat - helps a little
Epidurals - helped for about 5-7 days
Nerve burning on my facet joint nerves- helped for about three weeks
Facet blocks - nothing
Medicine Prescribed to me:
Diazepam - did nothing
Naproxen - did nothing
Vicoden - nothing
Tramadol - works wen I take it with Motrin
Motrin- take about 600mlg twice a day

4. Has Surgery been considered?
Yes, but is too risky for me at this point.

5. Have you tried Deep Tissue Massage (The "Real" thing )
No

6. What causes it to flare up more?
Sitting at my desk at work. I have and ergonomic chair, keyboard, an ergonomic person has looked at my desk and adjusted, did not help. And the longer this goes on, it seems that everything aggrivates it.

7. When you have flareups what do you do about them?
I do stretching, I almost always sleep on the hardwood floor, and I use a heating pad along with motrin. Any more I get about two hours of releif, I am totally sleep deprived

8. Can you continue to work with this condition? I am at the end of my rope, I am hanging in there as long as I can, my company is working with me allowing me to work from home three afternoons a week, but I am getting to a point were I cant even stand to be on a computer , I fell like I am in constant pain.

9. Has it been getting worse or staying the same? worse

10. How are you dealing with it all?
I am trying to stay positive, and just praying every night that somebody at some point will find something to help me.
My spine specialist is sending back to my nuerologist to see if they can figure out some type of pain management for me.

I read everyone's story here and they tear me up.

You are all in my thoughts and prayers. I anyone wishes to PM/vent to someone who empathizes, please feel free.

Stay strong and this from someone who was in the healthcare system 30 years-

WE MUST become our own BEST advocates out there!

Being extreme type A, (self described 'macho-feminist')and raised by my father to be strong, tuff it out, be self reliant, one of the hardest things for me was to ask for help..to see I could no longer work following my TBI, that I could no longer manage my pain, etc.

I bet many here can relate.

overcome the adversities that spinal patients have to face.
Mattsmon,

Your words are SO true: We must become our own BEST advocates While we may look to others to help in our journey, we cannot expect anyone else, doctors, therapists, magicians, etc to make it all better for us.
There is no MAGIC Pill!

While we may never completely overcome our medical problems, we all must learn on how to deal with them. Its probably easy just to hang your head down, say you have handed a bum deal, etc OR you can say a feel... Ok, so this is what it is, what can I do to make the best out of it

There are so many stories out there that are truly inspirational and I try to read and re-read them. If we all
take the attitude and approach that Mattsmom is doing then we have all taken a huge step into returning to that quality of life we all seek.

Mattsmom! - Thank you very much for this post.

1. How did it get started?
Well, I started in the health care as a RN in '95. That's where the bad posture and poor lifting techniques set in. I have been diagnosed with DDD and have had multilevel fusion at C5-6&6-7 in 1-06 and I still have a C3-4 protrusion to deal with there. Plus I had started having upper back and right arm weakness..found out that T10-11 is pressing on the cord and T11-12 is protruding along with T12-L1 and it has a non-capping spur,L3-4 is bulging and L5-S1 is protruding into the left neuroforamen.

2. How long have you been dealing with it?
For about the last 7 years I guess.

3. What treatment are you currently under? Do any help?
Well, I take a battery of pills, Norco,Zanaflex,Topamax-(2 diff.strengths)Relafen,Mirapex and Lidoderm patches..and I believe they work..they each have their reason, I should say.

4. Has surgery been considered?
For the current issues? No way..at least not yet..I love my surgeon an all, but I also am one to wait until the last moment.

5. Have you tried Deep Tissue Massage?
No, and not interested in a massage. I have had them in the past and loved every minute of it, I may have even drooled, but now with my back the way it is, I have my husband do it he knows where the sore spots are.

6. What causes it to flare up?
You know, that's a good question. I'm not one to sit around and let this "it" get the best of me...I could have a bad flare-up after working hard out in the yard, and I could also have a flare-up standing at the sink doing the dishes, or be sitting on a chair at work charting, drop my pen and bend over to pick it up, and there it goes. So, any number of things, really.

7. When you have flare-ups, what do you do about them?
Sometimes they are so bad that I cannot move and I have to get in bed, lay flat. Normally with a heating pad, pillow between my knees just slightly, TV remote in my hand, cell phone next to me, pain med on board, and muscle relaxer, (which I usually only take at night because it puts me in lala land)

8. Can you continue to work in this condition?
Yes, I have before. I have worked the whole shift (12hr)before because there wasn't anyone to take my place, and a nurse just can't go home and leave her patients. That's patient abandonment and a reason for firing.

9.Has it been getting worse or staying the same?
I would say it's getting progressively worse. I say this because when I was off recovering from the cervical fusion, my thoracic and lumbar areas started becoming a problem. I had not had any issues there before that I knew of. So, here I go, off for another MRI 3 months after surgery, and discovered the T11-12, T12-L1, L4-5, all had protrusions and stenosis. Anterolisthesis is a word used at T12-L1. Still have to look that one up.

10. How are you dealing with it?
I've been waiting for this question!
Well, after living with it for awhile, and being depressed about it, I've decided, that is not me. I am a happy person, an energetic person that loves life, loves to see the world and meet people...and there is still alot for me to do in this world, and I can't do it by becoming what I have! So, this does not mean that i don't have bad days when I don't want anyone to even touch me, no, my name on here is Dee_nile for a reason. I'm not in denile of DDD, but what it can do to me as a person...and how the medications they give you can your personality...please, don't let that happen to you. Right now, and this may sound silly to some, but I have bought a sports bra for support to wear to work,and have found a website that sells orthopedic supports. I am also going to buy an inversion table to use as often as possible to releave the pressure on the discs. Listen, I know DDD has a domino effect on your spine,and I have tried injections, and received hematomas in return, plus given Medrol dose paks to wean..so, I'm all into something non-medicating..I do yoga,and pilates in some forms(some of the exercises are too strenous).So, that's how I deal with "it". In November I'm going on vacation to sunny Florida and I'll be riding a Jet-Ski...never done that...but it's on my list of things to do before I can't.

I have been sufferring with thoracic back pain sine 1987. I had a person on my shoulder changing a light bulb when I went to let him down I slipped twisting my ankle and rotating my upper back while falling to the ground with 150 lb person on my back.

I get constant burning pain between my shoulders and nothing can relive it. Recently I am getting a stiff neck and numbness in my arms.

Any type or rotation on my back causes pain.

I live on codiene and robaxin.

1 - One day after working got in my truck and thought my chest cavity was going to explode. Couldn't turn the wheel of the truck without tears running down my face. Life has not been the same since.
2 - This happened at the end of April 07
3 - I am a pinball in a machine with the doctor's and no this is not working well! I began investigating my discomfort/pain quickly - due to my job - I didn't wish to injure myself further if there was an acute problem. Recently though, during 2008 - diagnotic injections and then Radiofrequency from C2 to C7 and T345. The cervical gained movement, but NOTHING, NOTHING has helped with the in b/w the shoulder blade pain and sternum chest pain. Take Ultram and baclophen when I get very spastic muscles
4 - No - they considered Botox and then took that away recently!
5 - have had maso therapy, but not deep tissue - but it did not help, it actually hurt allot.
6 - Driving, any bending forward with my arms out in front of me (that means grocery shopping, folding laudry and about 90% of my job)
7 - Things are constant - but laying flat on my back helps the muscles take a break, heat, cold - when i roll on a tennis ball - i really send my muscles into spasms (hard lesson to learn) Take the Ultram and bacolphen
8 - Have to - but love my job - I own my own Gardening Business - But it can be difficult with the pain to work and take care of life.
9 - Definely worse, more symptoms - more muscle spams - numbsness in face, neck and feet (when walking or standing) and now I am so sick of the chronic pain!
10 - Most of the time I deal with it, but some days I cry, but just trying to work with the doctor by being compliant, and patient and get this figured out. And honestly - staying positive and hopeful - thank goodness for this sight and terrific family and friends!

It can be maddening thoracic pain - but it so helps to know you are not alone!

1. How did it get started?
Not 100% sure, most likely when I fell down steps in 1998 and made worse in car wreck in 2001. Issue is T11-12 herniation.

2. How long have you been dealing with in?
10+ years

3. What treatments are you currently under? Do any help?
Pain Management. I use fentanyl patches, MSIR for breakthrough, Soma, and Topamax. My former PM doc gave me two ESI injections in my thoracic, the second lasted over 2yrs.

4. Has Surgery been considered?
Absolutely not

5. Have you tried Deep Tissue Massage (The "Real" thing )
I don't like deep tissue massage, my muscles are too sensitive, they get very sore from massage.

6. What causes it to flare up more?
Anything that involves sitting for too long, especially if I have to lean forward ie, using a pc.

7. When you have flareups what do you do about them?
When the pain and spasms are nasty, laying on my side, heating pad on spasming muscles, and taking an extra Soma is about all that helps, though minimally.

8. Can you continue to work with this condition?
Recently had lumbar surgery, was working prior to that.

9. Has it been getting worse or staying the same?
Flares are coming more frequently since injection,

10. How are you dealing with it all?
I do my best to avoid situations that may cause a flare. I have also gotten pretty good at knowing my body, knowing when I am overdoing something and it is time to stop so I can avoid a flare.

1. How did it get started?
Crashed a bicycle, July 16, 2006. Went over the handlebars landed on my head and right shoulder. My youngest son says it looked "cool", glad I could entertain him! Anyway, I Fractued C7, T3, T4, T5 and my right collarbone into 4 pieces. Hurt a LOT!
2. How long have you been dealing with it?
2.5 years!
3. What treatments are you currently under?
Hydrocodone 10/325 X6 and Neunrontin 300 or 600mg at bedtime. I take 600 till I get stupid then move back to 300.
Do any help? Not really, the Hydrocodone just lets me have a break to get to the next day. I take most of it in the evening.
4. Has Surgery been considered?
On the Thoracic? NO, nothing visibly wrong! Only a bulge between C5 and C6. MRI was clear. I had endplate fractues of the T's not surgery required, aweful minerva brace for 15 weeks! Smelled real bad at the end of that time I figure!
5. Have you tried Deep Tissue Massage (The "Real" thing )
Gods no! The regular kind frakkin hurts...
6. What causes it to flare up more?
Doing most anything except potatoeing, you know sitting on the recliner watching Battlestar...
7. When you have flareups what do you do about them?
Suffer, complain and tick off my wife and kids. The dog still loves me though. He doesn't know any better!
8. Can you continue to work with this condition?
Yeah, it hurts all day, but I got a super easy job as my boss lets me vegitate and do menial little tasks. I'd be better at home where I could manage my position better though.
9. Has it been getting worse or staying the same?
Bout the same, no better
10. How are you dealing with it all?
I get up and deal with it.

1. How did it get started?
I was out surfing with my daughter on a choppy day, got too far out on my board, plowed headfirst into the awaiting sandbar. Multiple rib fractures and T-5 obliterated. Nice hairectomy on top of my head

2. How long have you been dealing with in? 5 years

3. What treatments are you currently under? Do any help?
Most recent was a kyphoplasty 2 weeks ago in efforts to stabilize T-5. Opioids and muscle relaxers, beginning PT this week. The drugs keep the beast at bay, some deep tissue work in 1st PT worked for a day or two, then it all came back. Recently had Trigger point injections, helped for a day now back is knotted and burning again.

4. Has Surgery been considered?
3 surgeries: 1st was T-5 stabilization with titanium erector set and BMP to fuse T-2 to T-7. 2nd: 1 year later to remove the hardware. 3rd: Feb '09-kyphoplasty (still waiting to see if this will "Ease his pain"

5. Have you tried Deep Tissue Massage (The "Real" thing )
Even though I feel like I will go through the roof whenever anyone touches my back, the deep stimulation seems to help, if for only a day or two. Hey, any relief is good relief? We do have good insurance, but it only pays for a limited number of PT sessions per time period.

6. What causes it to flare up more?
Doing anything for more than a few minutes, including sitting, standing. Maybe I'm just always trying to move away from it, so I try to stay busy? The range of how this feels? At its worst as if a 4x4 has been bolted to my front and back, with burning pain bilaterally, radiating to my chest (mostly around the scapula) Moderately it feels as if I am being hung on 2 meat hooks, both near my spine, offset to the scapula. Ok days, as if 2 cats have clawed their way up my back and are there hanging on either side. Can anyone else understand this?

7. When you have flareups what do you do about them? 'Flare ups' start as soon as I get up and don't end until I go to bed. Regular Rx keeps the beast quiet, I change position alot, sometimes use a TENs unit, sometimes resort to climbing back into my shell (CTLSO). There are a couple of chairs with good upper back support that seem to apply pressure to the painful areas. This helps. I am looking for help here and hope to find some suggestions, as this is quite maddening.

8. Can you continue to work with this condition? Returned to work using a walker (mistake). No longer using any help, taught successfully for 4 years. Took this year off to have the kypho and see if teaching stress was adding to my situation (yes and no)

9. Has it been getting worse or staying the same? Hopefully the kypho will stabilize the fracture and let my back muscles relax. They have been on fire for 5 years. Some numbness and tingling in arms, radiates around to my chest. I will post the results.

10. How are you dealing with it all? Sometimes well, sometimes in despair. There are a few days when it doesn't seem worth it, but my girls always manage to keep me going. I try to stay as active as possible, have even surfed (on much smaller days)-can you say "He's a dumb ass?" I've got to live my life and be something to my girls. My wife is an angel on earth. Her love and understanding have pulled me through many days. I pray and believe God must have a purpose for all this.

I don't know why I haven't found this site before. When I was reading all your answers, it was as if I was looking at a mirror. I feel for you all. Thank you for being here for me!

1. How did it get started?
I suffered a traumatic fall in an equestrian accident. I fractured my C7 as well as suffering a disc herniation between T2 adn T3.

2. How long have you been dealing with it?
6 months

3. What treatments are you currently under? Do any help?
Aggressive steroid treatments including a 6 day oral regimen, facet joint injection (one more to go), NSAIDS, and vicodin every 4 hrs. The facet joint injection (containing lidocaine and steroids) was supposed to be a "diagnostic" test according to the pain mgt doc. If I responded w/relief immediately (which I did), then the root of the pain was supposedly coming from the facet joint at C6-C7. Based on this result, the pain mgt doc believes a rhizotomy may be the solution.

HOWEVER, The ortho doc (who is a highly recommended doc at J. Hopkins) thinks that 2 injections alone will alleviate the pain and return me to normal. Additional steroids however, such as the 6 day regiment provided, have not proved helpful either. In fact, it seems to have aggravated the area even further. (Nothing like conflicting opinions, huh?) The only thing that helps is the Vicodin (mildly) b/c it seems to "take the edge off" a bit. Otherwise I start getting very short tempered.

4. Has Surgery been considered?
Good grief no. My doc doesn't even want to deal with the C-spine fracture surgically unless he has to.

5. Have you tried Deep Tissue Massage (The "Real" thing )
No

6. What causes it to flare up more?
Sitting (esp in uncomfy chairs), standing, and bending over and picking things up hurts like hell. I sleep on my side and every a.m. I wake up VERY sore in the neck/shoulder area.

7. When you have flareups what do you do about them?
Lie down.

8. Can you continue to work with this condition?
Barely. I'm a writer who is required to sit at a desk for 9/hrs a day. I try to get up and move around, but there is no place for me to go.

9. Has it been getting worse or staying the same?
Getting worse. This is after every doc said that a herninated disc heals itself over time. What a crock (in my case anyway).

10. How are you dealing with it all? I went from being a very active 32 yr old woman who was heavily involved in community volunteer activities such as therapeutic riding and animal rescue to doing basically nothing. When I ask what I can do to expedite the healing, I am told "whatever doesn't hurt." Yeah, that is REAL helpful.

I am wondering if anyone out there has had T-spine surgery for disc herniations? This accident has made my life a living hell. I willing to try anything to help this pain situation, but I am wary of surgery or this "rhizotomy" procedure not knowing anyone who has had it done personally.

I'm new to this forum but am happy to find some other people to relate to about chronic thoracic pain. I'm tired of hearing how rare what I have is!

1. How did it get started? I've had thoracic pain since my teenage years from Scheurmann's kyphosis and my neck issues started when I herniated a disc lifting a patient.
2. How long have you been dealing with it? 30 plus years
3. What treatments are you currently under? Do any help? I'm currently seeing a PM who is trying facet block injections and is considering radiofrequency neurotomy for my thoracic pain. He thinks I will need a spinal cord stimulator, but can't get one for several years since I still have to get MRIs due to ongoing disc issues. I do massage therapy and water exercises as well.
4. Has Surgery been considered? Too many times...
5. Have you tried Deep Tissue Massage (The "Real" thing ) I'm currently working up to deep tissue massage. I have too much spasm and pain for them to get real deep, but we're working on it week by week.
6. What causes it to flare up more? Sitting, standing, bending, lifting, sneezing, coughing, deep breathing
7. When you have flareups what do you do about them? I get an extra massage treatment if I can. If it's really bad, I dig out my pain meds and muscle relaxants from 2004 and lie on my side in the fetal position with a pillow between my knees. I alternate ice and heat as well.
8. Can you continue to work with this condition? I continue to work fulltime as a physician, but it's getting tougher all the time. I'm a single Mom and a solo practioner, so actully it's really tough sometimes.
9. Has it been getting worse or staying the same? It's definitely getting worse overall. I'm hopeful, though, that the facet blocks and neurotomy will help since my first block 2 weeks ago gave me the best pain relief I've had in 5 years, but only lasted 2 hours. I go for my second block this week.
10. How are you dealing with it all? Most of the time I just try to grin and bare it. Other times it consumes me. I think the pressure to try to be up and empathic to my patients every day adds to the pressure I feel. Who wants to see a grouchy doctor? I hate what this has done to my personality and my patience, especially with my son.

Hello Nosneeze,

Welcome to Spine Health. I am so sorry you have had all these spinal problems, looking at your extensive history it seems like your whole spine has been effected. I have great admiration for you to keep up with your practice, not to mention being a Mom. I hope you have a good support system to provide you with help when you need it. As far as emotional support, you can certainly get it here as people can relate to your problems.

Wishing you the best, especially finding relief from your pain,

Hugs,

kin

Thanks, Kimpain.

I am very blessed to have wonderful friends and family to support me. My main problem is my inability to ask for help. I still think I can do it all, and I am painfully wrong on many occasions. It really helps, though, to find some supportive people here in the forum that I can relate to. I definitely have my good days and bad days, but it certainly helps to find out that I'm not alone with my pain.

I wish you the best, too.

1. How did it get started?
Rear ended by uninsured driver not paying attention. Hit me at 40 mph and never hit the breaks.

2. How long have you been dealing with in?
Feb. 2002

3. What treatments are you currently under? Do any help?
30mg Morphine twice daily, 30mg oxycodone once to twice daily, 10mg Baclofen once to twice daily

4. Has Surgery been considered?
no

5. Have you tried Deep Tissue Massage (The "Real" thing )
yes, all pain no gain

6. What causes it to flare up more?
lifting hands above my head, trying to lift anything heavy where it compresses the spine, arching my back or rotating my shoulders back, sitting for long periods, standing for long periods, anything that causes me to hunch over slightly such as mowing, doing dishes, washing the dog, etc...

7. When you have flareups what do you do about them?
Take pain killers and try and get off my feet. Lying in bed will reduce the pain slightly but not eliminate it.

8. Can you continue to work with this condition?
yes, but it takes its toll. With no meds I can't work, the pain get to bad. With the meds, I got so tired I struggle to stay awake and it affects my concentration. Catch 22

9. Has it been getting worse or staying the same?
progressively worse since it happened. Starting out having to take a low dose pain killer once or twice a week, now I'm on serious pain killers daily and it doesn't give me relief, just levels off the pain level.

10. How are you dealing with it all?
I deal with it cuz I don't have a choice. I've tried seeing every Dr. I can, I've done PT, Chiropractic, acupuncture, facet injections, chemically cauterizing the nerve, different pain meds, nothing worked long term. Grasping at straws to find an answer and get my life back. I'm 32, married for 2 years, and can't picture having kids until I find something to change my condition. I just hope my wife has the patience.

I went to see another neuro surgeon in Dec 2008 for my lumbar issues. He performed a reflex test and immediately said, "there is something going on in the thoracic area". He sent me for an MRI. I just the results back and there are issues with every disk. Im not sure how severe but it may explain why it huts to breathe.

Normally, MRI's are directed to specific areas, such as Cervical, Upper Back and Lumbar areas.
What did your doctor tell you about your results? Which discs are involved?

I had the MRI specifically on the thoracis area and unfortunately, we had a big snow storm on Monday ( my appointment) and I had to rescedule with the surgeon until April 27th, but I do see my PM on Tuesday 10th and Im sure he will explain it to me in datail.