Question
Hi John,

Thank you for taking the time to help others when you are yourself suffering, what a sweetheart you are. I'm not sure if you can help me or even if my problem is considered a SCI but here goes...

Why is everyone ignoring my symptoms? All my research suggests my condition should be taken seriously, at least some sort of intervention, like pain meds, physio etc. and if all else fails, surgery.
All my neurologist suggested was to go back to work ( perhaps a job not quite so physical) and  to find myself some strengthening exercises to do, but I'm in so much pain I'm afraid to try just any old exercise. I'm afraid to make things worse. Can I make things worse if I do the wrong thing? Could you please explain these findings in laymen's terms. Perhaps I only think I am fully understanding my research.
I am a 47 year old female 5'2 approx.120-125 lbs in otherwise good health and physical shape.

At the age of 8, Sept ?3, bad  fall on back on stairs  no x-rays taken.
8mths later fall from bar swing approx. 2 1/2 ft. onto bottom x-rays taken showed old injury compression fractures of D6 and D8.

Most severe pain is in the lumbar region.
Between 1993 and now I have had numerous flare ups. These flare ups would usually last from 1 to 3 weeks incresing in frequency. Starting Jan.2002, things have gotten much worse. I have been in pain all day every day, varying types of pain and to varying degrees. I am experiencing pins and needles (most particularly my right leg from the knee to my toes), aching and weakness in my legs, occasionally up into my hips. Occasional drop foot. Also experiencing pins and needles in my arms from the elbow to my fingers to varying degrees now constantly when lying down. Sitting for long is out of the question, on my worst days I can't even go 5 mins. Standing for too long can also become more painful. Love to walk and normally I'm fine, but occasionally walking causes the pain in my back to get worse 2 steps ?stop due to excruciating shooting pain up my back ?few more steps in barely bearable pain  ?stop shooting pain ?etc. This has happened a few times. Pins and needles in legs when squatting. Lying down is most often the most comfortable but lately and occasionally in the past it is still painful. (although still better.) Pins and needles and/or what feels like mild vibrating in legs often when lying down. Occasional RLS. Pins and needles in legs periodically when sitting.

MRI Findings:
C4-C5 posterior osteophytic bar  which  effaces the ventral thecal sac. Mild stenosis of the neural foramina bilaterally. No impingement of the spinal cord

C5-C6 Mild posterior disc protrusion causing mild effacement of the ventral thecal sac. This is associated with bilateral small uncovertebral osteophytes.  Stenosis of the neural foramina bilaterally

C6-C7 Small posterior disc herniation causing effacement of ventral thecal sac. Uncovertebral osteophytes bilaterally Mild degree of neural foraminal stenosis bilaterally

C7-T1 Small perineural cysts present in both neural foramina.

Mild left convex scoliosis of the mid thoracic spine. Minimal end plate wedging of T7. Very
minimal wedging of T5 as well. Degenerative end plate changes seen at T8-T9

L4-L5 End plate marrow changes of degenerative disk disease. Diffuse disc bulge causing mild effacement of the ventral thecal sac. Hypertrophy of the facet joints as well.Minimal central spinal stenosis. Neural foramina were patent.

L5-S1 Small posterior disc protrusion with an associated tear of the annulus fibrosis. Mild
hypertrophy of the facet joints. Neural foramina were patent.

S1-S2 Perineural cysts involving S1-S2 nerve roots.

Thank you for your time.
Joanne

Answer
Hi Joanne,
Thanks so much for your questions.

Sorry to here that you are in so much pain. Believe me, I can certainly sympathize with your situation.

It really angers me that some doctors will show a lack of understanding or sympathy for a patient's condition just because they can't make some kind diagnosis or offer a treatment. And a few doctors are coming forward, saying that patients are undermedicated when it comes to pain.

Right now, I would suggest to you to seek a 2nd opinion ASAP and any reputable doctors would welcome that.

Also, STOP all exercises that cause any pain until you talk to a doctor and/or physical therapist and they approve them. You can do some real damage.

Here are some sites to check out...

www.spinalcord.uab.edu
www.spinalcord.org
www.spine-health.com

This one is in Canada but it may help...

www.scrc.umanitoba.ca

I really hope this helps you but, if you have more questions, PLEASE don't hesitate to ask me anytime.

Again, Thanks.

John McKinzie