Question
I will be going to my Neurologist shortly, but am hoping you might be able to shed some light?  A little history first...

In 1984 I crashed a helicopter (yes I was a helicopter pilot - due to C-spine surgeries and meds - grounded). At that time, they (the ER) only did X-rays, and to that, I was told that I "sprained my neck at the base of my skull, the base of my neck, my central thoracic region, and lower lumbar." About 3 months later I could barely move.  I went through about 8 months of therapy with a Neurologist that also specialized in Chiropractor - deemed voodo back then (godsend to me!).  I was good.

Fast forward:  About 5 years ago I started having problems with my C-spine - 2 fusions so far.  C2/3 (remember the base of the skull), DDD, Stenosis, Bulging disks and moderate osteophyte complex crowding the left side exit nerve root.  The bulge is only about 2mm from the cord now.  I do get severe headaches at the base of my skull, and more so if I bite into food where I have to open my mouth wide - little bites or soft food, not so bad.  If I sleep on my back, I awake with a headache so bad I can't function.

Levels fused - C5/6 (fused great, all symptoms relieved). C6/7 (this past August), top of the fusion still in question, weakness remains (triceps), radiating pain in the shoulder and down the arm returned post op - week 7.  Working with my surgeon on these issues.

Thoracic (thoughts please) About 3 months ago I started getting this burning sensation around the rib area that is in line with the bottom of my breast bone.  To the left of center, it extends around to about my side.  To the right it goes all the way around to my thoracic (T5/6?). I have to wear a cloth like brace (not a support brace) to keep my clothing from irritating the skin - I can't handle even the most gentle brushing on that skin.  In the last few weeks I have had episodes were even breathing I get in the rib on the right side and around to the back, pain level 5-8 (I've been dropped to the ground pain) that is very sharp, almost like a rib broken feel, and each evolution lasts about 10 seconds.  There are about 6 places on that rib now that if I push, hurts about a 4 or 5.  Once I release the pressure, the pain reduces.  Occasionally too I will get the "ice pick" feel in the center of my back.  Back to history as stated above, this is the very same area that I had problems with after crashing in 84!

I have my X-rays to get done for my 6 month post op for my C6/7 - I am going to ask my NS to add T-spine for X-rays with extension and flexation to see if there is anything (I know, it doesn't see soft tissue) like loss of disk height or alignment or something.  Thoracic is such a small percent of non direct trauma, and as such, equally as difficult to find answers.  

I know you can't give a diagnosis given the format and lack of diagnostic images or exam of me.  Just trying to test the waters if you will.  Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

Brenda

Answer
Brenda, it sounds to me like you have a thoracic disc herniation. I had a patient with almost the exact same symptoms you're describing. An MRI would confirm this, but go with your neurologist's recommendations - he may want to order plain films first and go from there. It is probably safe to assume that you have some spondylosis (arthritis) and DDD in the thoracic region as well given your history. One or a combination of all of the above may be pressing or irritating the C5/6 nerve root, which is causing the pain wrapping around your ribcage. A CT or bone scan may be better at identifying any osseous pathologies that x-rays could potentially miss.

Sounds like your body has been put through quite a bit. I am hoping that you are continuing to do regular therapy, exercises, stretching, etc on your own. Occasional visits to a good physical therapist, massage therapist or chiropractor would probably be good for you as well.

Good luck with your recovery.