Question
The findings of my MRI read as follows; A broad-based right-sided disk herniation is noted at T7-8 and a broad-based left-sided disk hernitation is noted at T8-9. these cause moderate deformity of the thecal sac and mild cord compression at both levels. This is unchanged from the MRI I had in 4/08 and this one is from 1/09.
I have had severe pain that took my breath away. Chest pain, pain in right side near gallbladder ( but I don't have mine any more#. Pain in mid back between my shoulder blades. Tingling in my back and shoulder blades. Now I have leg pain, buttocks pain, foot and calf numbness. I have also had some trouble with bladder and bowel incontinence #this has been intermittent).
My question is, should I continue injections or should I seek a surgeon that can do surgery? I injured this part of my back probably 12 years ago and reinjured it just by turning to look behind me in the car, that was in January of 2009.

Answer
Hello, Rita,

In my opinion, you should neither continue injections nor seek a surgeon until you have dealt with the muscular contraction patterns that are creating the nerve impingements along your spine and the disc herniations (from overcompression due to tight spinal muscles).  Such impingements commonly cause the kinds of functional changes you have described.

Your description suggests muscular contractions along the full length of your spine.

May I suggest you read the articles on back pain at somatics.com/page4b.htm to understand the condition, better, and to get access to help that addresses the muscular contraction pattern -- either a clinical somatic educator (the better option) or a self-help program.

Clinical somatic education works rather quickly and is much easier on a person (and often more effective) than surgery.

with regard,
Lawrence Gold