Thoracic Disc Herniations at Every Level
Anon_176914 posted:
Hello,
Some quick history:
Back, Leg, Hip pain since 2008. Mild scoliosis that was only needed to be monitored as a child. In '08 my back went out did PT (Lumbar MRI was done) and had quick relief...unfortunately didn't finish PT. Back went out again in '09, had another lumbar MRI that didn't show many changes from '08. Did PT and injections and was great for 18 months. Back went out again in 2011, worse tingling in legs, etc and lumbar mri shows changes (herniations from l3-s1, severe thecal sac compression, etc) from previous 2 and had L4-L5 discectomy in July 2011.
Tingling improved but hip pain (since it started in January 2011, it starts like a knife at night at the iliac crest bone and radiated into burning in my thigh on the left side). Surgery relieved those symptoms for about 6 weeks. Unfortunately that was it, and still waking up every 2-3 hours in extreme pain.
Recently had a Thoracic MRI and it revealed the following:
At T1-T2, there is a small central disc herniation without cord compression.
At T2-T3, there are small bilateral disc herniations with mild cord compression.
At T3-4, there is mild disc bulging and medium-sized superimposed left-sided disc herniation result in mild to moderate cord compression
At T 4-T5, there is small to medium-sized left-sided disc herniation with mild cord compression.
At T5-T6, there is small to medium sized superiorly extruded left-sided disc herniation with moderate cord compression
At T6-T7, there is a large significantly superiorly and inferiorly extruded central disc herniation asymmetric to the left, resulting in moderate spinal cord compression.
At.T7:T8, there is a medium sized left sided disc herniation with mild to moderate spinal cord compression.
At T8-T9, there is medium-sized left and small right-sided disc herniations resulting in mild to moderate spinal cord compression.
At T9-T1 0, there is a small central and left-sided disc herniation with mild cord flattening.
At T1 0-T11, there is a small right foramina! disc herniation with mild foramina! narrowing and possible mild associated nerve root compression. Left-sided perineural cyst is present.
No other significant bulging or herniated discs are identified. The remaining neural foramina are patent. There is no definite spinal cord signal abnormality in the spinal cord is normal in size. The osseous structures are intact. There are no masses. Mild to moderate disc space narrowing is present in multiple levels in the midthoracic spine with decreased disc signal on T2 weighted images due to disc degeneration and Schmorl's nodes.
Could nerves from the thoracic spine cause top hip (iliac crest) pain?
Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
Some quick history:
Back, Leg, Hip pain since 2008. Mild scoliosis that was only needed to be monitored as a child. In '08 my back went out did PT (Lumbar MRI was done) and had quick relief...unfortunately didn't finish PT. Back went out again in '09, had another lumbar MRI that didn't show many changes from '08. Did PT and injections and was great for 18 months. Back went out again in 2011, worse tingling in legs, etc and lumbar mri shows changes (herniations from l3-s1, severe thecal sac compression, etc) from previous 2 and had L4-L5 discectomy in July 2011.
Tingling improved but hip pain (since it started in January 2011, it starts like a knife at night at the iliac crest bone and radiated into burning in my thigh on the left side). Surgery relieved those symptoms for about 6 weeks. Unfortunately that was it, and still waking up every 2-3 hours in extreme pain.
Recently had a Thoracic MRI and it revealed the following:
At T1-T2, there is a small central disc herniation without cord compression.
At T2-T3, there are small bilateral disc herniations with mild cord compression.
At T3-4, there is mild disc bulging and medium-sized superimposed left-sided disc herniation result in mild to moderate cord compression
At T 4-T5, there is small to medium-sized left-sided disc herniation with mild cord compression.
At T5-T6, there is small to medium sized superiorly extruded left-sided disc herniation with moderate cord compression
At T6-T7, there is a large significantly superiorly and inferiorly extruded central disc herniation asymmetric to the left, resulting in moderate spinal cord compression.
At.T7:T8, there is a medium sized left sided disc herniation with mild to moderate spinal cord compression.
At T8-T9, there is medium-sized left and small right-sided disc herniations resulting in mild to moderate spinal cord compression.
At T9-T1 0, there is a small central and left-sided disc herniation with mild cord flattening.
At T1 0-T11, there is a small right foramina! disc herniation with mild foramina! narrowing and possible mild associated nerve root compression. Left-sided perineural cyst is present.
No other significant bulging or herniated discs are identified. The remaining neural foramina are patent. There is no definite spinal cord signal abnormality in the spinal cord is normal in size. The osseous structures are intact. There are no masses. Mild to moderate disc space narrowing is present in multiple levels in the midthoracic spine with decreased disc signal on T2 weighted images due to disc degeneration and Schmorl's nodes.
Could nerves from the thoracic spine cause top hip (iliac crest) pain?
Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
7 Replies |Watch This Discussion | Report This| Share this:Thoracic Disc Herniations at Every LevelHello,<br /><br />Some quick history:<br /><br />Back, Leg, Hip pain since 2008. Mild scoliosis that was only needed to be monitored as a child. In '08 my back went out did PT (Lumbar MRI was done) and had quick relief...unfortunately didn't finish PT. Back went out again in '09, had another lumbar MRI that didn't show many changes from '08. Did PT and injections and was great for 18 months. Back went out again in 2011, worse tingling in legs, etc and lumbar mri shows changes <b>(herniations from l3-s1, severe thecal sac compression, etc)</b> from previous 2 and had L4-L5 discectomy in July 2011. <br /><br />Tingling improved but hip pain (since it started in January 2011, it starts like a knife at night at the iliac crest bone and radiated into burning in my thigh on the left side). Surgery relieved those symptoms for about 6 weeks. Unfortunately that was it, and still waking up every 2-3 hours in extreme pain.<br /><br />Recently had a Thoracic MRI and it revealed the following:<br /><b><br /></b><b>At T1-T2, there is a small central disc herniation without cord compression. </b><br /><b> </b><br /><b>At T2-T3, there are small bilateral disc herniations with mild cord compression. </b><br /><b> </b><br /><b>At T3-4, there is mild disc bulging and medium-sized superimposed left-sided disc herniation result in mild to moderate cord compression </b><br /><b> </b><br /><b>At T 4-T5, there is small to medium-sized left-sided disc herniation with mild cord compression. </b><br /><b> </b><br /><b>At T5-T6, there is small to medium sized superiorly extruded left-sided disc herniation with moderate cord compression </b><br /><b> </b><br /><b>At T6-T7, there is a large significantly superiorly and inferiorly extruded central disc herniation asymmetric to the left, resulting in moderate spinal cord compression. </b><br /><b> </b><br /><b>At.T7:T8, there is a medium sized left sided disc herniation with mild to moderate spinal cord compression.</b><br /><b> </b><br /><b>At T8-T9, there is medium-sized left and small right-sided disc herniations resulting in mild to moderate spinal cord compression. </b><br /><b> </b><br /><b>At T9-T1 0, there is a small central and left-sided disc herniation with mild cord flattening.</b><br /><b> </b><br /><b>At T1 0-T11, there is a small right foramina! disc herniation with mild foramina! narrowing and possible mild associated nerve root compression. Left-sided perineural cyst is present.</b><br /><b> </b><br /><b>No other significant bulging or herniated discs are identified. The remaining neural foramina are patent. There is no definite spinal cord signal abnormality in the spinal cord is normal in size. The osseous structures are intact. There are no masses. Mild to moderate disc space narrowing is present in multiple levels in the midthoracic spine with decreased disc signal on T2 weighted images due to disc degeneration and Schmorl's nodes.</b><br /> <br /><b></b><br />Could nerves from the thoracic spine cause top hip (iliac crest) pain? <br /><br />Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
davedsel57 responded:
Hello and welcome. I'm sorry to read of all your spinal problems but fully understand.
We are a group of lay people and not doctors. We can not diagnose or offer medical advice, but can share knowledge we have gleaned from our own experiences and research.
Please read through the Tip at the top of this WebMD Back Pain Community that lists the recommended steps for diagnosing and treating back pain. Within that discussion are links to websites that give good information regarding spinal problems, their diagnosis, treatment and affects.
Another member, Joy, may post a link to a website she is familiar with that shows what discs affect what body parts. In general, I would think the answer to your question is 'yes'.
I pray you can get the answers, treatment and relief you need.
We are a group of lay people and not doctors. We can not diagnose or offer medical advice, but can share knowledge we have gleaned from our own experiences and research.
Please read through the Tip at the top of this WebMD Back Pain Community that lists the recommended steps for diagnosing and treating back pain. Within that discussion are links to websites that give good information regarding spinal problems, their diagnosis, treatment and affects.
Another member, Joy, may post a link to a website she is familiar with that shows what discs affect what body parts. In general, I would think the answer to your question is 'yes'.
I pray you can get the answers, treatment and relief you need.
Click on my user name or avatar picture to read my story.
Blessings,
-Dave
Blessings,
-Dave
Report This| Share this:Thoracic Disc Herniations at Every LevelHello and welcome. I'm sorry to read of all your spinal problems but fully understand.<br /><br />We are a group of lay people and not doctors. We can not diagnose or offer medical advice, but can share knowledge we have gleaned from our own experiences and research.<br /><br />Please read through the Tip at the top of this WebMD Back Pain Community that lists the recommended steps for diagnosing and treating back pain. Within that discussion are links to websites that give good information regarding spinal problems, their diagnosis, treatment and affects.<br /><br />Another member, Joy, may post a link to a website she is familiar with that shows what discs affect what body parts. In general, I would think the answer to your question is 'yes'.<br /><br />I pray you can get the answers, treatment and relief you need.
bj1208 responded:
hi and welcome to the support group -
hope this pic comes thru as it shows which area affects what part of the body
http://www.necksolutions.com/images/cervical-radiculopathy-02.gif
this shows which parts of the body certain disc areas will affect -
here's another one that has good views
http://www.google.com/imgres?start=286&hl=en&sa=X&biw=1280&bih=675&tbm=isch&prmd=imvns&tbnid=3oxIqhcr5X1lcM:&imgrefurl=http://www.wellsphere.com/wellpage/spinal-nerve-root&docid=Z-sQajxwO0FxsM&imgurl=http://neckpainsupport.typepad.com/.a/6a010534db265a970c0128778abb36970c-500wi&w=500&h=303&ei=xc3XT8rTFqKi2wXypICTDw&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=307&vpy=301&dur=9689&hovh=175&hovw=289&tx=143&ty=111&sig=117704801457673537766&page=13&tbnh=116&tbnw=191&ndsp=25&ved=1t:429,r:20,s:286,i:68
hope this helps - take care - Joy
hope this pic comes thru as it shows which area affects what part of the body
http://www.necksolutions.com/images/cervical-radiculopathy-02.gif
this shows which parts of the body certain disc areas will affect -
here's another one that has good views
http://www.google.com/imgres?start=286&hl=en&sa=X&biw=1280&bih=675&tbm=isch&prmd=imvns&tbnid=3oxIqhcr5X1lcM:&imgrefurl=http://www.wellsphere.com/wellpage/spinal-nerve-root&docid=Z-sQajxwO0FxsM&imgurl=http://neckpainsupport.typepad.com/.a/6a010534db265a970c0128778abb36970c-500wi&w=500&h=303&ei=xc3XT8rTFqKi2wXypICTDw&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=307&vpy=301&dur=9689&hovh=175&hovw=289&tx=143&ty=111&sig=117704801457673537766&page=13&tbnh=116&tbnw=191&ndsp=25&ved=1t:429,r:20,s:286,i:68
hope this helps - take care - Joy
Report This| Share this:Thoracic Disc Herniations at Every Levelhi and welcome to the support group - <br /><br />hope this pic comes thru as it shows which area affects what part of the body<br /><br /><a href="http://www.necksolutions.com/images/cervical-radiculopathy-02.gif">http://www.necksolutions.com/images/cervical-radiculopathy-02.gif</a><br /><br />this shows which parts of the body certain disc areas will affect -<br /><br />here's another one that has good views<br /><br /><a href="http://www.google.com/imgres?start=286&hl=en&sa=X&biw=1280&bih=675&tbm=isch&prmd=imvns&tbnid=3oxIqhcr5X1lcM">http://www.google.com/imgres?start=286&hl=en&sa=X&biw=1280&bih=675&tbm=isch&prmd=imvns&tbnid=3oxIqhcr5X1lcM</a>:&imgrefurl=http://www.wellsphere.com/wellpage/spinal-nerve-root&docid=Z-sQajxwO0FxsM&imgurl=http://neckpainsupport.typepad.com/.a/6a010534db265a970c0128778abb36970c-500wi&w=500&h=303&ei=xc3XT8rTFqKi2wXypICTDw&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=307&vpy=301&dur=9689&hovh=175&hovw=289&tx=143&ty=111&sig=117704801457673537766&page=13&tbnh=116&tbnw=191&ndsp=25&ved=1t:429,r:20,s:286,i:68<br /><br />hope this helps - take care - Joy
Thanks, Dave and Joy.
Sorry, I wasn't clear in my original message.
I'm more interested in hearing from patients. What on earth could cause so many herniations throughout one's lumbar and thoracic spine? They claim that the degenerative disc disease is "mild". Has anybody else had similar issues in the thoracic spine.
I'm seeing the neuro and a new physiatrist next week but am so bewildered as I've seen nothing else like it in my research.
I've been through the a very prominent health system of surgeon, physiatrist; plus 5 months of PT, injections, etc. Note my lateral hip area is swollen, oddly shaped, asymemtric with my right, and has a hard thick strand like thing in the front of the swollen area. PT expressed concern over that, and thoracic pain I had only since surgery. Neither was ever examined, treated, tested, etc. They did injections for bursitis when the MRI report explicitly says I do not have bursitis.
I did come across some information where it looked like nerve related issues from T10-T12 - looking at a nerve diagram those nerves appear to run over...the iliac crest region and lateral thigh. So that may explain some of the pain I experience - finally.
Would greatly appreciate and advice, input, etc.
Sorry, I wasn't clear in my original message.
I'm more interested in hearing from patients. What on earth could cause so many herniations throughout one's lumbar and thoracic spine? They claim that the degenerative disc disease is "mild". Has anybody else had similar issues in the thoracic spine.
I'm seeing the neuro and a new physiatrist next week but am so bewildered as I've seen nothing else like it in my research.
I've been through the a very prominent health system of surgeon, physiatrist; plus 5 months of PT, injections, etc. Note my lateral hip area is swollen, oddly shaped, asymemtric with my right, and has a hard thick strand like thing in the front of the swollen area. PT expressed concern over that, and thoracic pain I had only since surgery. Neither was ever examined, treated, tested, etc. They did injections for bursitis when the MRI report explicitly says I do not have bursitis.
I did come across some information where it looked like nerve related issues from T10-T12 - looking at a nerve diagram those nerves appear to run over...the iliac crest region and lateral thigh. So that may explain some of the pain I experience - finally.
Would greatly appreciate and advice, input, etc.
Report This| Share this:Thoracic Disc Herniations at Every LevelThanks, Dave and Joy.<br /><br />Sorry, I wasn't clear in my original message. <br /><br />I'm more interested in hearing from patients. What on earth could cause so many herniations throughout one's lumbar and thoracic spine? They claim that the degenerative disc disease is "mild". Has anybody else had similar issues in the thoracic spine.<br /><br />I'm seeing the neuro and a new physiatrist next week but am so bewildered as I've seen nothing else like it in my research. <br /><br /><br /><br />I've been through the a very prominent health system of surgeon, physiatrist; plus 5 months of PT, injections, etc. Note my lateral hip area is swollen, oddly shaped, asymemtric with my right, and has a hard thick strand like thing in the front of the swollen area. PT expressed concern over that, and thoracic pain I had only since surgery. Neither was ever examined, treated, tested, etc. They did injections for bursitis when the MRI report explicitly says I do not have bursitis. <br /><br /><br />I did come across some information where it looked like nerve related issues from T10-T12 - looking at a nerve diagram those nerves appear to run over...the iliac crest region and lateral thigh. So that may explain some of the pain I experience - finally.<br /><br /><br />Would greatly appreciate and advice, input, etc.
hi again! LOL - well I thought maybe that's what you wanted to - I had a big response with all the sites attached then I lost the post - urrrrr! LOL
in 2/08 i had fusion L5-S1 Anterior approach done. My disc had ruptured and splintered pressing on both the right and left S1 nerve root. Before this I had gone thru 2 yrs of injections, PT, Chiropractic care, radio frequency nerve ablations (had this done 2 times with no response). So with all these treatments having no affect surgery was next. My disc also had Degenerative Disc Disease and along with the damages to my disc the fusion surgery was the only way to go.
My surgery was a success, however they could not do anything for the chronic low back pains or the nerve damage to both legs. so in 11/08 I had the Spinal Cord Stimulator Implant Trial done - it took away the pains in my legs but made my back pains worse so the permanent implant was not done.
How my disc blew can only be assumed that when I was younger I had been thrown from horses one too many times.
Now that I have had surgery and have a plate, screws and cage my other discs are starting to see wear and tear from this. L2 to L4 I have slight bulging discs, T 11 and T 12 my facet joints on left side are shot. I have a blood tumor at T 9 (only needs to be watched at present) and I show signs of DDD in the C-spine area (only have had MRI's of Lumbar and Thoracic areas but they did see lower part of C-Spine)
So, even the smallest jolt or larger hit to the back area will cause problems for some - others will have stronger backs and injuries may not affect them.
Think about everything you have done from child hood on even giving birth can put a strain on the back. How we stand, walk and sit are factors too.
Hope this helps a little - maybe the spine surgeon can help with some of your questions as it relates to you and your back problems.
keep us posted - take care - Joy
in 2/08 i had fusion L5-S1 Anterior approach done. My disc had ruptured and splintered pressing on both the right and left S1 nerve root. Before this I had gone thru 2 yrs of injections, PT, Chiropractic care, radio frequency nerve ablations (had this done 2 times with no response). So with all these treatments having no affect surgery was next. My disc also had Degenerative Disc Disease and along with the damages to my disc the fusion surgery was the only way to go.
My surgery was a success, however they could not do anything for the chronic low back pains or the nerve damage to both legs. so in 11/08 I had the Spinal Cord Stimulator Implant Trial done - it took away the pains in my legs but made my back pains worse so the permanent implant was not done.
How my disc blew can only be assumed that when I was younger I had been thrown from horses one too many times.
Now that I have had surgery and have a plate, screws and cage my other discs are starting to see wear and tear from this. L2 to L4 I have slight bulging discs, T 11 and T 12 my facet joints on left side are shot. I have a blood tumor at T 9 (only needs to be watched at present) and I show signs of DDD in the C-spine area (only have had MRI's of Lumbar and Thoracic areas but they did see lower part of C-Spine)
So, even the smallest jolt or larger hit to the back area will cause problems for some - others will have stronger backs and injuries may not affect them.
Think about everything you have done from child hood on even giving birth can put a strain on the back. How we stand, walk and sit are factors too.
Hope this helps a little - maybe the spine surgeon can help with some of your questions as it relates to you and your back problems.
keep us posted - take care - Joy
Report This| Share this:Thoracic Disc Herniations at Every Levelhi again! LOL - well I thought maybe that's what you wanted to - I had a big response with all the sites attached then I lost the post - urrrrr! LOL<br /><br />in 2/08 i had fusion L5-S1 Anterior approach done. My disc had ruptured and splintered pressing on both the right and left S1 nerve root. Before this I had gone thru 2 yrs of injections, PT, Chiropractic care, radio frequency nerve ablations (had this done 2 times with no response). So with all these treatments having no affect surgery was next. My disc also had Degenerative Disc Disease and along with the damages to my disc the fusion surgery was the only way to go.<br /><br />My surgery was a success, however they could not do anything for the chronic low back pains or the nerve damage to both legs. so in 11/08 I had the Spinal Cord Stimulator Implant Trial done - it took away the pains in my legs but made my back pains worse so the permanent implant was not done.<br /><br />How my disc blew can only be assumed that when I was younger I had been thrown from horses one too many times.<br /><br />Now that I have had surgery and have a plate, screws and cage my other discs are starting to see wear and tear from this. L2 to L4 I have slight bulging discs, T 11 and T 12 my facet joints on left side are shot. I have a blood tumor at T 9 (only needs to be watched at present) and I show signs of DDD in the C-spine area (only have had MRI's of Lumbar and Thoracic areas but they did see lower part of C-Spine)<br /><br />So, even the smallest jolt or larger hit to the back area will cause problems for some - others will have stronger backs and injuries may not affect them.<br /><br />Think about everything you have done from child hood on even giving birth can put a strain on the back. How we stand, walk and sit are factors too.<br /><br />Hope this helps a little - maybe the spine surgeon can help with some of your questions as it relates to you and your back problems.<br /><br />keep us posted - take care - Joy
mellycooper responded:
The docs who just did my surgery said that spinal problems can contribute to pain on the different parts of the body. Crossed nerves or something?
Trying to figure things out!
Report This| Share this:Thoracic Disc Herniations at Every LevelThe docs who just did my surgery said that spinal problems can contribute to pain on the different parts of the body. Crossed nerves or something?
Anon_176914 replied to mellycooper's response:
Thanks, everybody.
I was active as a young child - ballet, gymnastics, some sports, lots of swimming, but nothing that included training or that was really competitive. High School and College brought a few years of basketball and volleyball - but again, never injuries (except for a broken thumb every year for 3-4 years) and I was never a hard core person that trained like crazy.
Maybe just my bones are weak? While I was always somewhat active, took vitamins, calcium, protein, etc, that *might* be a possibility as I was very premature and for the first 2-3 years was not really cared for until I was adopted when I was 3.
I also have had a lot of shoulder pain for the past year. PT did a few stretches that help with that when it flares up, as well as arm pain, etc.
But now I can't help but wonder if I have so many lumbar & thoracic herniations, could there also be issues with my cervical and sacral areas as well?
I have an appointment next Friday, 6/22, and hope to get some answers. But just can't get my head around trying to understand it all.
I was active as a young child - ballet, gymnastics, some sports, lots of swimming, but nothing that included training or that was really competitive. High School and College brought a few years of basketball and volleyball - but again, never injuries (except for a broken thumb every year for 3-4 years) and I was never a hard core person that trained like crazy.
Maybe just my bones are weak? While I was always somewhat active, took vitamins, calcium, protein, etc, that *might* be a possibility as I was very premature and for the first 2-3 years was not really cared for until I was adopted when I was 3.
I also have had a lot of shoulder pain for the past year. PT did a few stretches that help with that when it flares up, as well as arm pain, etc.
But now I can't help but wonder if I have so many lumbar & thoracic herniations, could there also be issues with my cervical and sacral areas as well?
I have an appointment next Friday, 6/22, and hope to get some answers. But just can't get my head around trying to understand it all.
Report This| Share this:Thoracic Disc Herniations at Every LevelThanks, everybody.<br /><br />I was active as a young child - ballet, gymnastics, some sports, lots of swimming, but nothing that included training or that was really competitive. High School and College brought a few years of basketball and volleyball - but again, never injuries (except for a broken thumb every year for 3-4 years) and I was never a hard core person that trained like crazy. <br /><br />Maybe just my bones are weak? While I was always somewhat active, took vitamins, calcium, protein, etc, that *might* be a possibility as I was very premature and for the first 2-3 years was not really cared for until I was adopted when I was 3. <br /><br />I also have had a lot of shoulder pain for the past year. PT did a few stretches that help with that when it flares up, as well as arm pain, etc. <br /><br />But now I can't help but wonder if I have so many lumbar & thoracic herniations, could there also be issues with my cervical and sacral areas as well?<br /><br />I have an appointment next Friday, 6/22, and hope to get some answers. But just can't get my head around trying to understand it all.
one thing I forgot to mention is that some back problems can be inherited so if your mom/dad/siblings/aunts/uncles etc had any back problems it could be passed down.
my mom and her brothers (6 brothers) all had back problems so my brother and I do have this passed down to us plus damages we did to our backs when we were younger -
more questions for you to ask your surgeon!!
Joy
my mom and her brothers (6 brothers) all had back problems so my brother and I do have this passed down to us plus damages we did to our backs when we were younger -
more questions for you to ask your surgeon!!
Joy
Report This| Share this:Thoracic Disc Herniations at Every Levelone thing I forgot to mention is that some back problems can be inherited so if your mom/dad/siblings/aunts/uncles etc had any back problems it could be passed down.<br /><br />my mom and her brothers (6 brothers) all had back problems so my brother and I do have this passed down to us plus damages we did to our backs when we were younger -<br /><br />more questions for you to ask your surgeon!!<br /><br />Joy
