Nerve pain in back

I have had thoracic pain since my last back surgery on July 29, 2021. They did an MRI last August and all they found was two bad disc in my neck. The surgeon told me that was the reason for my thoracic pain, from nerve’s from the neck. Well, I had Cervical fusion at C6-7 and C5-6 on September 16 of last year, and it helped the thoracic pain for around two month’s, and then it came roaring back. I can’t get comfortable enough at night to sleep very well, and that’s causing my depression to flare up. I feel for you, believe me I do, because nerve pain affects everything you do. And most people don’t believe you, including Doctor’s, because they can’t see it. I’m about ready to go to Mayo Clinic if I can’t get answer’s locally. But that cost money that I don’t have. I’m about ready to just end the pain permanently. I’ve had this stupid pain since August of 2000 when I had my first fusion surgery due to a farm accident. It’s getting really old! I’ll keep you in my prayer’s, because right now God is the only one keeping me alive. Hang in there, I know it’s tough, but don’t give up hope! Hope is the only thing we have!

@debbie007 Hello, I have more than one medical issue with my spine, with scoliosis and disc issues. I did Nerve Conductivity Testing and EMG last year, and it was discovered I have Denervation in the Thoracic area (T12-L1) of my spine on the right side only.

Two things are happening; The muscles on the right side of my spine have actually gotten bigger (Hypertrophied) after this Denervation, which is the opposite of what usually happens. When losing a nerve's function, the muscles affected by that nerve usually get smaller (Atrophy). This has thrown the doctors off because this is not how it happens.

The second issue I have is called Radiculopothy, where the nerve pain wraps around my right side, and the flank and oblique muscles are constantly locked on my right side. This causes me pain from when I get up in the morning until I go to bed at night, every day, all day. The only relief is when I lay on my back, and 15 to 20 minutes later the muscles seem to calm down.

I've been searching for answers since July of 2023, so it is almost three years ago this started. I've been to every major hospital in my city, and I've seen 30 different medical professionals. No one can figure out what is happening with my back and side. I've had every type of image taken, every type of blood test done, all with no positive indications. I do not have Sciatica pain, no pain in my legs at all. I do not have several of the usual symptoms every doctor asks about, and this is making it more difficult to figure out. Most doctors give up after one visit because, as I've been told, "You're not textbook", or "You are unique".

So, my wife and I continue the search for someone that has heard of, seen, or had, the problems I have. I refuse to believe I'm the only person in the world this has, or is, happening to. Good luck, keep searching as long as you can.

Thanks for your post. Nice to know others out there also seeking answers. Best of luck to you too and hope you pain free one day soon.

@marcd2k
I get 3d CT guided injections for my lumbar radiculopathy, which is cause by stenosis.
Like many on this site, I have a regular gym routine and pilates to strengthen the muscles in my core but it’s not a “fix.”
Hope someone can offer you relief. Good luck!

@willow5 Hello, thank you for replying. Unfortunately, after multiple types of imaging, (Ultrasounds, CT scans, and MRIs), there is never any evidence of stenosis in my spine, so the doctor basically was "throwing a dart" when he tried the Epidural back in February. He even stated at the time we discussed having the Epidural done, "Well, we can try it." In hindsight, I should have said no, we should try what you are sure will work, not "Let's give this a shot!"

I have not been able to do regular workouts because of my oblique and flank muscles locking up with the slightest movements. Anything that requires your core is very difficult to even try. I have been going to PT with a specialist in the Schroth Method, which is dealing specifically with people that have Scoliosis, which I do have. It is helping me get stronger and more flexible, and after 10 visits, there is actually a reduction in the curve of my spine, from 27 degrees to 24.

That’s so great you have someone nearby to do the Schroth Method wish. Our closest is two yours. And how great you got improvement! My scoliosis is close to 40 degrees, so hopefully for me maintaining my core strong will keep it from progressing

No one so far has mentioned MFR! I suggest you investigate an MFR therapist and get treated and see if that helps your thoracic spine. I had lumbar surgery and I had cervical spine surgery (two of them) and my thoracic spine was giving me problems. But I went to an MFR therapist and the problems in my thoracic spine are gone. I have degenerative disc disease and all of the other things you guys mentioned. You have to keep your core strong stay moving and tighten the muscle muscles next to your spine. My scoliosis throws the opposite side of my back out of whack, so it’s really important to stay strong. It’s also important to go for treatments if you can for any cysts or fluid filled sacks or osteophytes growing on your spine that’s applying pressure. Be sure that you see an orthopedic surgeon, a good orthopedic surgeon. They are worth their weight in Gould. Same with an MFR therapist. Sometimes you can get insurance to cover the treatments. Sometimes rehab or PT will include some amount of MFR therapy, but it’s not very good I found. Going to an MFR therapist is amazing.

Have any of you ever had a musle biopsy to see if you have any type of disease manifesting symptoms behind all of this? And what is MFR therapy?

@nurseheadakes Myofascial Release therapy is applied to the fascia. It is positively a wonderful feeling but not a cure all. Unfortunately there are not a lot of therapists available but you may find a PT practice that offers it too.

Right - my massage therapist does that to my many fascial points on my body since I have pain consistent to all of the trama I have experienced throughout my life. Our muscles have memory from any trauma to them,as do our bodies over the years. That is why I have myofascial pain syndrome with fibrositis which was diagnosed before it became a diagnosis code. There was and is not much to treat this since our bodies try to mend themselves from these difficulites. Our bodies are meant to move, have enough clean liquids, fresh air, deep sleep and limited stress. When these are not provided, then it searches for them in the best way possible. Education on how we can get all of these key elements of homoestatis which has been like the search for living well and long, which few enjoy these days. Each must know their particular situation, mapping out what treatments are available that have worked or have not worked. Then look outside of that scope for new ideas. SO MUCH is taking place right now in the world of science/research that basic ideas that just might help/work is right in front of your nose. Test the waters. Strike up a conversation with your insurance company about trials with therapy like this MRT or just a regular massage therapy in town. My therapist asks me what I need everytime I come in and she works on what I need for that particular session...be it migraine, shoulder, back or whatever. 30, 60 or 90 minutes is a good start. It should last you about 2-3 weeks if you drink your 3-5 cups of water/lemon a day. Walking is a must....as well. With a pole, walker, with someone, or not....everyday with the sun in your eyes - for the Vit D. 15 minutes or so. This is a change from what you ar doing...step wise but slowly I have vestibular migraines everyday with centralized vertigo but I do what I need to do....I don't think about them - I have these plans on my daily calendar and keep busy taking care of my husband, 97 year old mom and others at church.... this all has to be part of focus that is not all me but all of us... how can we do this together and learn. Eloise