Question
I just returned from a visit with my neurologist for my MS and I had an MRI done because I have had so much back and hip pain lately. He gave me a copy of my MRI report and in it said I have a tiny hemangioma in the body of the T12. I have had a weird sensation in my upper back a little lower then my shoulder blade very hard to explain but like a numbness kind of twin-ging. Very annoying comes and goes. I was wondering if this is possibly from this Hemangioma.  I thought it was the MS in the nerves in that area of my spine.  If so, what doctor or specialist should I be following up with for this.  I do want to make sure this is watched since this is the first time it should up on an MRI and I do have them often for my MS. Thank your for your time, you are appreciated.

Answer
Hi Deborah,
Spinal Decompression Toronto patients have asked me about hemangiomas of the spine for many years and so I Thank you sharing your question regarding the discovery of your spinal hemangioma.

I know that you are wondering if the hemangioma of your T12 vertebrae can cause pain in the area you speak about.  The good news about hemangiomas is they are usually asymptomatic and are found incidentally, in fact are believed to be in as high as 11% of the population-and usually asymptomatic.  

A hemangioma of is a swelling or growth of endothelial cells, which are the cells that line blood vessels, and in your case these are the blood vessels found within the body of the vertebra. From a statistical standpoint it is likely not responsible for your pain, but you should allow your neurologist or orthopedist make the call.  

An appropriate protocol may not be any more complicated than keeping a watch of it by MRI to ensure that it hasn't dramatically changed in size. In the unlikely event that it becomes symptomatic it does so because the size of the hemangioma increases to the point at which that it can either penetrate into the spinal canal causing nerve irritation or if it enlarges enough it can cause the vertebra to collapse. Remember that you told me that it was determined to be a "tiny" hemangioma. Do your due diligence, and go see a chiropractor regarding your low back pain and hip pain.

I wish you well and invite you to let me know how you're doing.  
Would you mind taking a moment out to rate my answer and consider nominating me volunteer of the month.

Yours in health,
Dr. Ron Nusbaum
www.backclinicsofcanada.ca