disability/back and spine problems? my dad just got turned down for a job hes been doing for years, tug boat captain due to the results of the tests they put him through, something about missing discs in lower back etc. will he be able to get disability??

what if you have a deteriorating disc in your spine? My dad has lower back problems and the chiropracter said his disc were deteriorating. Should he get surgery or is there an effiecent low cost in helping treat this problem.

I have herniated discs and 1 torn disc in my lower back. Will Limbrel help me? I hurt my back doing the leg press machine at the gym 2 years ago. I've always had lower back problems. An MRI last year revealed a bulging disc at L4-5 and L5-S1. However, a new MRI done recently revealed that the L4-5 disc was actually torn. I've had pain on and off over these 2 years, but recently sitting seems to hurt my back a lot and sometimes I get a sciatic pressure down my left leg (which I never had before). I had some epidural cortisone shots but they didn't help much. PT didn't help much, either. Acupuncture 2 years ago didn't help much either. But now I'm seeing a new PT, who says that my SI joints are too immobile, and my lower lumbar spine is also too immobile in general. In addition to the disc problems, I have some arthritis in my spine. My Neurologist looked at my latest MRI and said that my sciatic nerve is only irritated, NOT damaged (reflex and strength tests are normal and good). He wants me to try Limbrel to help control the inflammation and pain. I would like to hear from anyone who has experience with Limbrel for lower back pain, or back pain in general. My Neurologist said that a torn disc can heal, but it takes a long time and I have to be careful. He, like all other docs, says that I need to strengthen my trunk and core. That is what I hope PT will accomplish. But I can't do PT adequately if I'm in pain. That's why I want to take Limbrel. In the past I've taken Mobic, which has helped a lot. Depending on my level of pain, 3-4 Ibuorofen sometimes don't even touch it.

This is a Poll: How many people on here have got any back problems? either disc related, or any other problems with spine

Spine problems passing to children, is it possible? Both of my parents have bad backs. My mother just had fusion done on her lower vertebrae. My father has damaged lower discs as well. Should I be concerned of the possibility that i inherited back problems?

Herniated disc in spine calf problems 2 years later.? OK so I have problems still 2 years after my disc herniated and I had spine surgery a couple years ago a microdiscectomy. Anyway I have always wondered why my calf muscle is shorter in my left leg then my right leg now and no matter what I do it never gets stretched out to match the other side. Sometimes it feels like I have a charlie horse in my calf muscle also first thing in the morning. It goes away with a little walking.

Disc in the spine problems? Okay so I was recently in a car accident, I just went to an MRI this past Friday. I just go the report today, but it was an over the phone explanation, and they did say I have to go to the orthopedic but I just want to know how bad this is, and what exactly it means. They said on my lumbar spine it has a herniation and a protrusion, and they said on some other part not sure, if it is cervical or thoricic, but they said I have 3 swollen disc. How severe is that, what is the normal treatment, and what does it mean?

different surgeries done on the lumbar spine from l3 level down tos1 for many disc problems? bulging discs found in my mri at levell3-4, l4-5 with acute pain for 6 months don sppine and leg, along with numbness in right leg

Questions Regarding MRI Reports of the Upper Thoracic Spine? MRI Reports: There is a disc protrusion/herniation at T5-T6. This is primarily a right paracentral disc protrusion. This also deforms the ventral cord.Can you please tell me what this means is terms that I can understand?I would like to know what these results mean in terms that I can understand. My current symptoms are excruciating chest pain, associated with my back problems. The pain is in my upper thoracic area, wraps around my rib cages and causes pain, numbness, and tingling in my right arm. I also get some very severe pain on the right side of my back. I had spinal fusion surgery on my T8-T9 disc which they thought was the problem, but I got no relief. Then I had my hardware removed, and still have all the same pain.All of my pain and symptoms match up with the area of where the T5-T6 disc is in the spine.The MRI also reports that it deforms the ventral cord.Does that mean the bulging disc is pushing on the spinal cord?Could that be causing the numbness/tingling in right arm?

Anyone had inflammatory cervical disc problems? What were your symptoms and how was it treated? Did the treatment work? I'm having chronic inflammatory pain in throat and neck and just told I have arthritis in the front my cervical spine near the vocal chords. My ENT says GERDs may aggravate it and cause it to swell but it worsens after the slightest cold virus. It's debilitating and it's scaring me. My PC couldn't figure it out so he just told me it's autoimmune. Offered no treatment. I'm looking for real experience for this, not links. Thanks.

What does Louise Hay say about cervical spine (neck) problems? I'm travelling and can't get to my books at home. My boyfriend has 2 hernias (slipped discs, more of less - we think) in his spine - lower cervical region (neck). What does Louise Hay have to say about this stuff? thanks for any help!

Having back problems, what should i do? i play basketball regulary and i've been having back problems since 3 yrs ago...it comes on and off.. sometimes it hurts until like having a knife up my spine until it affects my legs a little, and i mostly feel pain when i bend my body down but when i'm playing basketball it doesn't. my back feels stiff at times as well and it gets tired easily. any advice from what i should do next? i've seen a chiropractic and last time they told me my disc is slipping out and had treatment for it. any advice will be much appreciated! thanks in advance =)

Multiple Lumbar spine disc extrusions, degenerative disc disease? I ~thought~ I had one major problem, a extruded disc @ L5/S1 that pinched the sciatic nerve root. After bouts of loss of bladder and bowel control (sorry for tmi) this weekend, and a stay in the hospital I find that the discs from L2 through S1 are all significantly bulged, S2/S3 slightly and multiple nerves are pinched. Spinal tap, myleogram, Ct all showed it. I'm falling, in constant pain, somewhat incontinent, and having a really hard time dealing. I have 3 small children also. I'm kind of in limbo until we get a nerve conduction test done. The neurosurgeons say they can't do anything. My pain managment doc can only do so much. So, my question, anyone else out there dealing with similar? I'm on Lortab 5 (what a joke, but I HAVE to be able to function for the kids.), Lyrica 100 mg 2/day, Effexor xr (shrink says I'm not clinically depressed, but this can help w/mood some and it may help w/pain), and robax I am planning on a second opinion. Waiting for a nerve conduction study to see how much damage there is. Neuros are afraid that operating right now would destabilize the spine too much.

back problems and im only 16? so its worrying me!apparently a disc at my spine is removed, pressivg my nerves, which is dead painful!!!im takin some pills to ease the pain but its soooo painful! anyone know anything else i can do to stop the pain?

Does chiropractic treatment really provide relief for those with cervical spine problems such as bulging discs

What do you do for your chronic back pain to cope day to day? Have lots of back problems. I have 6 hernieted discs(that I know, we have never done an MRI of the thoracic spine). I had a fusion in my neck and I also have a hemangioma on one of my vertebrae that is causing pain. The back pain causes arm and leg pain, my right leg goes numb all the time and then my left leg picks up the slack, making my knee hurt. I am 28 and have been dealing with the worst of this for 3 years. I know this will be a life long battle. All of those that have had chronic pain for many more years then me, what have you done and what are you with pain control efforts? What kind of road am I heading down I guess is what I want to know? Just so everyone knows, I do work 12 hour shifts 3 days a week at a hospital, so I am pretty much on the run during those times. I have 3 children. The 2 oldest are in school and walk them to the bus stop. I clean my house, do yard work, walk the dogs, Everything that everyone else does. I am not just sitting on a couch crying all day. I have been working on losing my many extra pounds and have lost about 30 pounds and instead of the pain getting better with less weight, it is getting worse. So, basically, I just want to know where everyone has been in a journey like mine.

Whats it like having a steroid injection up your spine? (i have cronic sciatica atm from a prolapsed disc)? I am having one tomorrow for my sciatica/prolapsed disc problem, as the pain is unbearable at the moment, especially in the morning. I get up at 5 or 6 every morning in agony and take a handful of different pain killers and diazapam to loosen the muscles in my leg as they go into spasm. Then I have to walk around for an hour till they start to work. I have had physio and acupuncture and they have not worked.,...........

Where can i have a triple fusion cervical surgery done in the US? I need a triple fusion surgery done in my cervical spine. I just had a triple epidural injection under flouroscopy by a pain Doctor. She told me that i need surgery. I cannot even afford the consultation. I have stenosis, degenerative disc disease, and arthritis thrughout my entire spine. The spinal disc problem has been there for many years, probably as a result of my father throwing me thru two sliding hollow door closet door when i was only 9 years old. He was very physically abuse. I've also had many sports and other injuries. I have insurance but cannot afford any deductible. I had to retire early because of it and cannot work anymore, and am on a fixed income. Does anyone know of a hospital that does this surgery just for the insurance payment, or better yet free under a research grant. I still have numerous medical bills from other illnesses. Please help, as i am desparate. Tammi B>>>Thank you so much for the info. I just returned from a Dr.'s appt. and was so glad that you spent the time to answer. Bless you..:)

What is this Spine/disc popping all about? To specify, my lower back by my buttbone... if that's even a word lol... when I lay down and get up there's an excruciating pain and it feels like its cracking, popping or sliding back into place. Right in the middle, like it's part of my pelvis or spine. It's hard to explain. I also get a pinching sensation there which is painful too, when I bend over or am just standing upright. I'm 30 weeks pregnant but it's been doing this off and on for a long time, minus the intense pain. Any thoughts? Have you had this problem or something similar and if so what was the cause or reason? Thanks! If I can be more specific somehow please let me know.

Cervical Spine Problems? I have a protusion under my c-5/c-6 fusion. I have knew numbess, weakness, ect... I will do what my doc says. Does anyone have a fused disc under and already fused area? If so, how has that worked for you. THANKS.

What are the chances of steroid injections for degenerative disc disease to cause weight gain? My physician assistant said it is the oral steroids that cause this problem. He said the injections to the spine region do not cause the weight gain. I have had a couple people say they did gain weight due to the injections. Has anyone else had problems with the spinal epidural of cortisone, (steroid) causing weight gain? I am doing extensive research online to my disc disease and looking at all aspects which include those that have been through this. Thanks. Thanks you all for the answers, they are helping me more than you know.

had an mri done on my spine...frist results say its normal...so why do i need to see the back doc. again? is the doc at the hospital relibible? Could they have missed something that a specialist will see? think i have disc or nerve problem.

Middle Back Pain for Months? I have had middle and lower back pain for 4 months now. Back in January, I started running, and after 3 weeks of running, my back started hurting. Since then, I have taken breaks off and on from running, but whatever I do, it doesn't seem to help. It is dull, aching pain, right in the center of the middle and lower back beside the spine. What could this be? Bone cancer, muscle spasms, skeletal diseases, disc problems, kidney problems? My back always feels better when I lie down, and it never wakes me up at night. It usually feels the worse late in the day. I am 24 M and healthy. Massaging tends to help, but I have no one to massage me since I am single. I also have been to two different doctors, and they both diagnosed it as muscle spasms. They made me stand up and move around in full motion (which doesn't make it hurt), and they both did a urine test (which both times my urine was clean). How long does it take muslces/tendons to heal? Any help is appreciative!

does MS cause spinal problems without any other symptoms other then what was thought to be a bulging disc? I had an EMG and for=und no nerve damage. I have been in therapy for six weeks and have found some relief but my symptoms keep coming back. The cervical spine is unstable and the muscle tone in my body is extremely poor. Could this be the onset of MS

Can a herniated or damaged disc causing a pinched nerve be seen on an xray? My xrays were normal except for various misalignments, I had an MRI of the cervical spine and am awaiting results. Can an xray detect disc damage? Are there other neck problems they could find in an MRI? I have frequent headaches, stiff neck and numbness/tingling in my left arm. Bad back pain as well.

Can anyone help me find a permanent remedy for my spinal problem (Slip-Disc)? I'm suffering from Spinal problem due to Slip disc which cannot be permanently treated by allopathic doctors except for timely relief. I'm occasionally confined to bed when movement becomes very painful and it takes me about a week to be able to move or get up and walk normaly. I've suffered many such episodes of being bedridden in the last a few years. The recent MR imaging of the lumbosacral spine reveals mild degenerative changes with formation of posterior osteophytes. End plate changes seen at L4 and L5 levels. The cord, conus medullaris appear normal in integrity and signal intensity pattern. I'm 60, kindly help.

i have received the x-ray report of my father, i have some doubts, its some spine problem, i know nothing!!!!! my father is 66 yrs old, the x-ray report goes like this, soft tissues r normal. straightening of spine is seen. intervertbral disc spaces r assymmetrical and reduced between L4/L5 with spondylolisthesis. degenerative changes r seen. no abnormal calcification is seen. no bony destruction is seen. impression;- lumbar spondylosis. thats the complete report. guys pls help me understand all this, and if there is some problem , pls tell me its remedies also. i will b visiting the doctor in the meanwhile, but i wud like to know what the world says about all this. i will b grateful to all of u. and a request that pls try to use the normal language not too much scientific or biological regards fuad

The spine specialist gave me a 0% PPI what does that mean? I have ddd and a herniated disc and a nerve problem to my left leg. I had a fall at work and am still having problems and he released me on thursday. Do you guys agree with his rateing. And should I be worried about it. And if so how do I deal with it I am 27 years old and I have a very phyiscal job. On a average night I lift about 250 50lb bags and several other things. Thanks Chris!

I have 2 prolapsed discs in cervical spine? I`ve acute pain down left arm& across shoulder&chest,at first I thought I was having a heart attack.I`ve been told there is an operation to solve the problem but I`m very wary about the possible side affects & dangers.Sorry I forgot to mention, I`ve also lost the strength in 3 fingers on my right hand, I car`nt even sign my name cos my fingers are so weak.This has gone on for 6weeks now!

Bulging disc or lack of b12? I've been to the dr and had a MRI on my right knee (which showed nothing) and now lower spine. The problem started with my foot going numb, just the top about 4 inches above my ankle down through my toes. One toe has gone crooked and limp, I cannot walk normal on that foot b/c it slaps down when I apply weight to my heal. I had a shot of b12 which helped with the mobility factor, but the numbness has gotten worse and gone north up the outer side of my leg. I wasn't having pain in my lower back until about 2-3 weeks ago and since has become very painful just above my butt. No meds seem to help the pain (Tylenol 3, Advil, aspirin, regular Tylenol) and the heating pad offers very little relief. I haven't seen the doctor yet about my MRI results and can't get a call back for some reason. Is it possible that I am lacking b12 and a supplement will solve the issue or does it sound more like a bulging disc? Someone who's been through this, your opinion is appreciated.

What helped you the most with your sciatic nerve pain? Husband has 2 herniated and one bludging disc. He has known about this for 15 years. It flaired up about 3 weeks ago. His Dr. gave him anti-imfamitories, pain killers then refered him to spine specialists, no appintment yet. Has MRI 15 years ago showed the disc problems. He usually works it out with PT, but this time it's so bad. What helps you the most when your sciatica flairs up?

Need input on spine fusion. Does it really alleviate pain? L 4-5 and L5, S1 are affected. I have degenerative disc disease. I've had the injections, discograms, this is my last resort. I am 49 and also have fibromyalgia and osteoporosis but my spine numbers are good enough for the surgery. I have been in pain for 13 years. This willl probably not be my last surgery as MRI shows thoracic and cervical disc problems. My quality of life has declined over the years because of movement problems and pain. What can I expect in regards to loss of movement? Any input would be very helpful. If the pain is not going to be alleviated then I will reconsider the surgery. Thank you for your input.

I am 26yo and have early degenerative changes in my lower throacic spine. What do I do now? I recently had an x-ray and it said early disc spacing and degenerative changes as T11/12 and T12/L1, However my doctor said everything was fine. I have a strong family history of back problems and my back hurts everyday.

Can an impinged Thecal Sac cause spinal problems? I had an MRI of my C-spine and it showed a central disc herniation at C3-C4 and a disc Buldge at C-5 and while they say it is not touching the spinal cord it is touching the thecal sac. Can this cause problems? If the CSF can't move through the spinal canal will it also cause problems. I get pain, numbness, weakness, dizziness, vertigo, headaches. It is worse with exercise and upon waking in the morning. My legs and arms get so bad I can not move them and they feel like lead weights.

Back problems? I have 3 bulging discs in my lower spine i had a mri and a milogram have not been back to the doc for results but i am afraid its surgery anyone out there that may know what i will be expecting when i go back to the nerologist it hurts to walk sit or stand i am sick of hurting any suggestions?

Many different problems with my back. What to do? I am currently going through a workers comp case that started in may of 08. it took until just recently to get diagnosed with two herniated discs at L4-L5 and L5-S1. These have caused pressure on my nerve(s) that cause severe pain and tingling. I started becoming unhappy with the Workman's comp doc and went to my primary. It seemed as though he cared a lot more (maybe its just cuz the lawyers aren't paying him for an easy way out of my case). Anyway, he and one of his partners were talking about pain management and my only other option was surgery. They were reluctant and so was I considering the invasivness of the procedure and that im only 22 years old. Unfortunately, i lost my job and therefore my med insurance so i was forced to go back to the Workman's comp doc. I requested a new doc and saw him for the first time last week. He pulled out a whole different film from my MRIs and said I had and extreme curvature at my lower lumbar/sacral area. He said this could be fixed with sit-ups. He also said my left leg was much longer than my right which could be making this more of a problem. He said my pain pills are just a band aid. I would agree if these were my only problems but he did not even mention the herniated discs. I paid 25 dollars to get my charts from my primary doctor to show him I was on heavy duty meds because I was opiate-tolerant. I did not want to seem like a drug seeker so when He gave me these "new meds i should try" i figured it would look good on my part to put effort into this. However, i am not getting pain relief from these meds. I'm used to fentanyl patches, and Oxycontin and he gave me vicodin ES, muscle relaxants and darvocet. My point is, How do I work with this Workman's comp doctor?? Any advice or experience? And does Anyone know what he is talking about with the abnormal curvature at my lower spine? All i know is it has to do with extreme muscle build up on the inside and lack of muscle on the abs.

I had back surgery a few years back but am still having problems. I had a ct scan a week ago. Can someone help Can someone please help me understand the ct scan results? Exam: CT lumbar spine without contrast with sagital and coronal reformate. Findings: Transitional vertebral body referred to as S1 purposes of this dictation with rudimentary S1-S2 disc. Straightening of lumbar spine with slight retrolisthesis at L3-4. Aorta is of normal caliber. Findings on level by level basis are as follows: L1-L2 and L2-L3: no compromise of canal or foramina. L3-L4: SLight disc bulfe indents anterior thecal sac. L4-5: Dis bulge slightly asymmetric towar left. L5-S1: Status post right laminotamy. Diffuse disc bulge. Asymmetric toward right posterolaterally in conjunction with probable scar results in mild narrowing of right lateral recess. Moderate right and mild left neural foraminal narrowing. Mild reactive degenerative change adjacent endplates. Code 4: Abnormality, attention needed. Sorry it's so long. Just hoping someone knows what all of this means! Thanks for the help!

Could this be a spastic bladder? Im 15YO and Im being heavily recruited for college football and so I lift a lot and I think I must have done something to my back when I did last week. Ever since then, I have been urinating more than i usually do a day. I ususally go about 4 or 5 times a day and now Im going 6 to 8 times a day. I know 6 is normal but 7 or 8 times isnt. Also when I go, I dont urinate a lot, I just get a little bit out. IT sounds a lot like a spastic bladder. I think I might have a disc problem or a spine problem cause i have upper and middle back pain and its kind of cnetered on my back. I dont think its diabetes or anything cacncerous like prostate cacncer cause I show no symptoms of any except for frequent urination and that could be caused by thousands of different things. No one in my family has ever had cancer or diabetes or serious illnesses.

Anyone had acupuncture relieve back pain long term?? I've had mid back pain in my right side for months and have tried chiropractic, massage therapy, and looking for trigger points. An MRI of my spine revealed some degeneration of the spine that is more than normal for someone age 27, but no disc problems. Not sure if this is the cause of the pain, but has anyone had long term success with acupunture for back pain when other methods have failed??

Does anyone have personal experience with bulging lumbar discs and degenerative disc disease? I recently got diagnosed (through MRI and X-Ray) with a bulging disc in my lumbar (low spine) region as well as minimal degeneration of one disc in the same area. I'm looking for answers from those who have personal experience with pain management. I've done research so I don't need websites explaining what these things are, just input on what others have done to manage the problem. I'm already on NSAIDs and do not want to resort to any injections as of now. So non-medicinal advice would be most appreciated. I'm a young adult, a competitive horseback rider and I am active in core strengthening classes such as pilates and yoga. I cannot physically lift weights because of a previous shoulder injury. I am also currently in a physical therapy program. Thanks!

Help with back problems? Nine weeks ago I started with sciatic pain and had some acupuncture done, after four treaments I wasn't responding, I always did before, it was then suggested that I have a deep tissue muscle massage done, four sessions later, no relief. I saw a chiropractor who ordered x rays, which showed my spine is protruding forward towards my pelvic region, hence one herniated disc in the lower lumber area, which is causing my sciatica. With my spine having this significant bend forward it also has thrown my pelvic bones a little out of wack with the left side being an inch lower than the right. I see the chiropractor 2-3 times a week but am having no major relief that I have noticed, he says it will take time. Has anyone else had problems such as these? How long was the recovery time? I'm not over weight, and prior to all the pain was going to a gym 3-4 times a week, my bones are strong and healthy apart from these problems. Any advice or thoughts would be greatly appreciated

What could be wrong with my back? Ok, I have major problems with my back, hips, and shoulder. My hips are messed up from the birth of my daugter, I had a bulging disc in my lower back, and now I am waiting to see a specialist for my shoulder blade that sticks out in the back (really bad) whenever I pick up my arm, and it is painful. It is like it is out of place, and makes everyone discusted by looking at it. Well now, I have this huge lump that is very painful on the back of my neck, over my spine. It feels like it is my vertabre (however you spell it) that is swollen. It came out of no where tonight. I am just wondering if it is possible that all of it is connected, and what it could be. Do I have some sort of disease that causes my back and everything directly attached to it to just fall apart. I don't see the specialist until next week and can't get in any sooner. What am I supposed to do?

I have had 2 surgeries for a herniated disc in lumbar spine.The neurosurgeon will not let me return to work.? My doctor will not let me return to the job that i was working before my injury.My beef is a friend of mine also had surgery on the disc in his neck.We have the same doctor,Why can he return to his preinjury job which by the way is the same one as i had.Question is -Are the problems with the lower back different than with the neck area?Please someone explain why.I am very upset because of this.I do not understand the job requires alot of lifting

herniated and bulging disc? i have a bulging disc in my L spine and herniated disc in C spine. I been on no lifting rescrictions for six months and in constant pain. the pain meds seem to help but not completely take the pain away. I'm alway tired even when i wake up in the morning. What is the whole concept behind disc problems. Why can't i force myself to lift something? the pain is crazy. How long does it take until i can lift again? Is it as simple as getting the disc away from the nerve adn that's it? Does it ever go back to the way it was before my injury? "small" herniation in c spine. and small bulge in L spine

Degeneration of Disc at Cervical spine C3, C4, C5? My friend is having the following ailment... Medical Investigation revealed that, there is a degeneration of disc at cervical spine C3,C4,C5 and triglicaroid level in blood is high. Facing constant gidiness when neck is strained. back pain unable to seat for more than 5 minutes.Hip joint pain and fear to move away from home.There is no other problem[stand and walk] Uncomfortable to perform day to day essential activities.Hypertension is also there.When he take alfroxin tablet 0.25mg feeling little comfortable and taking madicine for hypertension.That is amlodefine-5mg twice. He feel comfortable immediately after bed upto 1/2 hour. Your advice is needed for the above mentioned symptoms

Problems with Cervical Spine and Lumbo Sacral Spine? I have the following condition and have been advised to have a neuro surgery. My question:Is there an alternative treatment to having a surgery?. 5 years ago I had an injury on the thigh of the right leg through playing football. It appeared like a muscle strain. The pain continued to resurface each time I run or kicked a ball sometimes at the front of the thigh and sometimes at the back i.e. at the buttock. Also 4 years ago I lifted something heavy and started getting pain on my shoulder. This pain has also continued ever since. About a year ago something new developed on the same arm - I started losing control and grip. Also the speed of my handwriting got reduced to almost 20% of what it used to be. I also struggle to shave etc or pick something out of my pockets. On the leg also something new developed abut 6 months ago - I started limping on the same leg!. I can run but find it difficult to walk as the toes don’t flex or bend naturally as they should be. I do not know if the leg and arm injuries are related to limping and losing control. I used to work long hours every day for the past 16 years for an average of 9 hours a day on the computer as I am an accountant by profession. I Would like your opinion if treatment is available for this and how to proceed further. I’ve had an MRI taken and it shows there are problems on the nerves. The MRI reports are as follows: Lumbo Sacral Spine MRI Axial T1W(SE) & T2W(FSE) Saggital T1W(SE) & T2W(FSE) Evidence of sequestrated diffuse bulging disc prolapse L5S1 indenting the theca and compressing both exit nerve roots. Evidence of diffuse bulging disc L4L5 indenting the theca and abutting both exit nerve roots. Vertebrae appear normal. Marrow signal is preserved. Conus and cauda equine appear normal. No abnormal pre-para spinal soft tissues noted. Cervical Spine MRI Axial T1W(SE) & T2*W(GRE) Saggital T1W(SE) & T2W(FSE) Focal median disc bulge at C5/6 is noted. Cervical cord shows signal with no e/o any focal lesion Vertebra appear normal No abnormal pre-para spinal soft tissues noted IMP: Disk bulge C5/6 Brain (General) MRI Axials T1(SE/FSE), T2(FSE) Saggital T1(SE) Coronal FLAIR Brain parenchyma appears normal. Normal grey – white matter differentiation is preserved. Third and lateral ventricles are normal in size. No e/o midline shift seen. Basal cisterns are well defined. Posterior fossa, cerebellum and brain stem appear normal.

Left back pain, shoulder numbness, occasional spot of pain left lower ribcage? I have been seeing a back and spine pain management DR for 2 or 3 months after my family doctor could do nothing for me. MRI shows no disc problems. Was pricked with needles to test for nerve damage. That was ok. Have had two epidural steroid injections. EKG 6 weeks ago. I have had this problem for 8 months. Pain is mainly in mid back to between shoulder blades left side. shoulder blade will feel uncomfortable feel like it's going numb. Will also have a pain left side lower rib area the size of a quarter. The pain can really feel concentrated at the spine at times. When really bad it has been known to effect lower left back and hip area. I was taking one medicine that was suppose to help numb the nerves. This worked for a month or so. Stopped working completely so I am now taking Lyrica which is suppose to do the same. Been on it for two days with no ease to my pain. Any ideas?

could the arthritis in my spine and the herniated disc cause confusion? im 20 years old and I have 3 very slight herniated disc 2 in my cervical spine and1 in my thoractic spine. I have arthritis throughout my entire spine, but mostly in my cervical spine. The problem goes all the way up to the top of my head. I found out that the problem is causing me to have muscle tics and light quick jolts of my head and neck. Could this problem make it hard to find words, or cause moments of confusion? I had a brian mri and it came back normal. i believe that the problem was caused by a minor football injury a couple of years back.

I have a friend whom has chronic pain in her spine, legs, & neck. Does anyone know what would be causing it? She is 50 years old and has had this pain for 10 years now. She claims that it keeps getting worse. There are times when she can barely stand up straight and now her left leg is starting to go out on her. She has seen numerous doctors and all of them basically tell her that she has chronic pain, but they cannot tell her what is causing it. Her spine was x-rayed, and it revealed bulging discs in three or more of her vertebrate, but the doctors tell her that that is not the cause of the problem. One doctor even told her to stop spending her money on doctors and just learn to live with the pain! So she has pain in her legs, especially her left leg, pain in her back (spine), and neck, and she has some bulging disks in her spine. She sometimes gets headaches and takes something like 10 Tylenol a day. Does anyone know what might be causing her constant pain? Please let us know. We would appreciate it.

What is the prognosis of narrowing of the spine? I HAD A HERNIATED DISC WHICH A PLATE WAS PUT INTO MY NECK. I AM HAVING PROBLEMS WITH PAIN BUT SURGEONS SAY NO SURGERY RIGHT NOW. I AM AT A POINT WHERE IT'S GETTING HARD TO DO NORMAL ACTIVITIES. WHAT DO I DO?

Need input on spine fusion.? Need input on spine fusion. Does it really alleviate pain? L 4-5 and L5, S1 are affected. I have degenerative disc disease. I've had the injections, discograms, this is my last resort. I am 49 and also have fibromyalgia and osteoporosis but my spine numbers are good enough for the surgery. I have been in pain for 13 years. This willl probably not be my last surgery as MRI shows thoracic and cervical disc problems. My quality of life has declined over the years because of movement problems and pain. What can I expect in regards to loss of movement? Any input would be very helpful. If the pain is not going to be alleviated then I will reconsider the surgery. Thank you for your input. 18 minutes ago - 4 days left to answer. I was deficient in Vit. D and have corrected that and am starting Reclast after using Boniva injections for 2 years.

degenerative disc disease symtoms? I do know that I have Degenerative Disc Disease in my cervical area. Mostly between C5-6 and C6-7. Most of the pain started in my upper spine close to the head with terrific head pain going into the front of the head. Recently I began having pain down the spine like between the shoulder blades. At times I feel pressure in the area between the shoulder blades and then the clavical bones in my chest hurt so bad, just to even touch. I have had some tingling in the right fingers with the new pain in the spine between shoulder blades. This pain is especially bad when sitting or lying back in a recliner. It is not reflux or any other digestive disorder it is starting in the spine. I have been seeing doctors for the C-spine but now these new symptoms have occurred. Could this be in the thorasics part of the spine? I have never had x-rays taken in that area. Just wanting to know if anyone has had any of these symptoms w/spine problems?

Does a nerve block help sciatica? I've had sciatica since August of '06. The doctor did an MRI and found I have a herniated disc in my lumbar spine with stenosis. The pain wakes me up at night and is horrendous in the mornings. It hurts all the way from my back to my foot (on the left side). The neurosurgeon recommended surgery, but I am scared-plus I have other health issues. My husband also has disc problems and recently had his 1st nerveblock. It helped at first but now it seems to have worn off. I'm sick of living on painkillers and constant pain.