Disc bulge at T5-6 sm protrusions at T7-8 and T8-9

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keystone206

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Hi all,

I took a fall in 2001 down my basement stairs and damaged my t-spine. I had a MRI in 2003 that showed a small right paracentral disc protrusion at T8-9 which effaces ventral spinal cerebrospinal fluid space. I also have a small protrusion at T7-8 without significant canal stenosis or neural formen narrowing.

I have been having a large increase in pain over the last 2 years and finally couldn't take it anymore, so I asked my PA if I could go the a pain clinic for an epidural, and he said not without a new MRI. So I had one this week on Wed and found out yesterday that I have a mild disc bulge at T5-6 that is new. No significant spinal canal senosis or foramen narrowing.

I am going to the pain clinic next week on Wednesday for some injections I am sure. I just don't know what the treatment is beyond that. I already limit myself tremendosly on how much I lift, how long I stand. I just don't even want to ever have to face surgery for this! Can these bulges and protrusions get better? The protrusions haven't changed at all in 5 years, so at least theres that!

Thanks!!!
 
Hello keystone,iam sorry you are having such a hard time.I just wanted to say that if the dr is giving you epidurals then they must feel you could improve,or manage the pain,i have a buge in c5 6 7 and my pain management dr. said i could eventually get better with esi and facet rhizotomy,but everybody is different iam also scared to death of surgery,but i have read on here where alot of people have gotten permanent relief from their surgeries with the right spine specialists,iam new to this stuff myself so listen to the others the ones with the actual experience i just wanted to give you some comfort and let you know you are not alone it is ver scary,i will be praying for your recovery,God bless you. marywoo
 
Thank-you very much Marywoo for your worRAB of encouragement! I am looking forward most to the pain relief! I thought about doing yoga or PT but I am not sure if that is a good idea or not! Thanks again!
Lynda
 
Hi, Keystone. I had a herniated disc at T6-7. I went through everything: acupuncture, chiropractic, yoga, water PT, land PT (several times over), massage, all kinRAB of meRAB, working with some quacks, ESI, RFA, and anything else I could think of for years.

Eventually, I had fusion surgery (XLIF) and it failed. A year later, I had revision surgery. Now, I'm going back in to have the hardware removed from the second surgery.

The only advice I can offer you is to TRY EVERYTHING before jumping into surgery. It is not guaranteed to cure anything. Many people get better with less invasive treatments. I waited 12 years before having surgery. There are so many options out there, so don't lose hope! Do attend to your pain and what your body tells you. Your body knows best!

Take care.
- Margaret
 
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