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Anyone with long term pain in thoracic mid back?
I have seen other posts here that are very similar to my situation, but not sure if those users are still here. I’m very interested in connecting with people who have this issue to hopefully compare MRI results. My feeling is if we are all experiencing the same type of pain that perhaps we’d have similar results on our MRI which might help us pinpoint the issue.
I have had this mid back left side only pain for 20 years. It seems to be triggered by any activity that requires me to hold my arms up in front of me, for example, folding clothes, chopping vegetables, sorting through papers, etc. Usually the pain starts out in mid back, then goes down to my waist and wrapping around my rib cage. Again, only on the left side. Eventually, my entire erector muscle on the left side is hard like a rope. As I’ve gotten older it has started to come more often until just recently I have had spasms almost every day for the last five weeks. It is debilitating, much of my time spent in bed. It has gotten to the point where at times I’m not even able to lift my phone or feed myself without causing my back to spasm.
My most recent MRI doesn’t show anything that the doctor feels can be fixed. It shows Modic endplate changes type 1 & 2, tiny/small protrusions, and finally some Schmorl nodes in this area as well.
I’m under the care of a pain management doctor. I have tried trigger point injections, epidural steroid injections, medial nerve block which have all failed. We are having issues finding the right pain medication as much of it does not take care of the pain. I recently sent off for a genetic test that will identify what might be the best pain medications for me and hope that will eliminate the trial & error approach.
Thank you in advance for any replies to my post!
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hi they've been performing percutaneous vertebroplasty for Schmorl's nodes since 2006. You probably don't want fusion, but vertebroplasty is another remedy for the pain of Schmorl's.
I'd look for an interventional radiologist or a orthopedic surgeon for a consultation.
From your description of the muscles, it sounds like you might also have a bit of scoliosis. I'd want massage on those ropy erector muscles. Your pain specialist could order physical therapy specifying this massage.
Endplate osteophytes can be shaved down and removed endoscopically.
What level are your Schmorle's
But tell us about this genetic test to determine the best pain medication.
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2 ReactionsYes I found the info on the vertebroplasty although my doctor said they usually are for fractures. My doctor has not done that for schmorls nodes in Thoracic spine. And I’m unclear on success rates. There are multiple Schmorls nodes, the largest being at the T10-T11 and T11-T2. The Modic endplate changes have to do with the marrow.
The genetic testing is Pharmacogenetics. There are multiple companies that do this I chose one that does not require a doctor’s order. I got the one that tests for all types of drugs not just pain medication. This test covers different categories, psychiatric meds, pain meds, cardiology, gastro, etc. they identify what mutations you have that might make a particular drug ineffective and can also identify if your genes put you at risk for drugs that do not clear your system normally which might lead to toxicity.
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2 ReactionsYou might consider Botox injections for the spasms. They have helped me greatly. I also take baclofen on moderate days and Valium on severe days
@kchkch hello! My only thoughts on your situation reflect what @gently said. What you described with your back and the pain and the rope type muscle was exactly what I experienced with my scoliosis. I made the assumption that you don’t have scoliosis since you had an MRI but I just want ask the question. Is your spine straight?
Best, Sherry
@laura1970 I asked about Botox. My clinic only uses Botox for Migraines. Do you get Botox in he tons in your thoracic area?
@kchkch yes in my lower neck down to mid thoracic area. It depends where your spasms are
@kchkch are you talking about pain docs? Look into neurologists that offer Botox. It should advertise on their website. For a while I was seeing a doc, don’t even know what his specialty was, he only did in office procedures
@sherrym25 For my thoracic I only show exaggerated kyphosis. Also there is a mild dextroscolic curvature of the lumbar spine.
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1 Reaction@laura1970 Yes I see a pain doctor. Thanks I will check out neurologist.
@kchkch
So the kyphosis, which is a bending forward, can have significant pulling on your muscles and do you know the degree of your scoliosis (side curve)? I suspect that the kyphosis and scoliosis might be a big the reason for your pain! My scoliosis was in my lumbar area (T11 to L4) and your lumbar spine bears the weight of your body. It’s crazy how much it hurts if things are not perfectly aligned.
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