[satchelle]

10 years ago I was dx with a compression fracture of T4 and T7. I recieved no treatment of any kind. For the past 10 years I have had managable pain to that area of my spine. Now it has changed!!!! Since Aug 2006, I have had excruciating pain in the thoracic area of my spine. I have tried anti-inflammatory meds, muscle relaxers and physical therapy all prescribed by my PCP. I have had no further xrays , MRI's etc since the initial report 10 years ago. Now here is the kicker. I am on pain management for another chronic condition. I use the duragesic patch plus actiq for break thru pain. My pain is well controlled for my other chonic condition which has nothing to do with my back or spine. However it has gotten to the point where the meds I take have no effect on the spine pain which makes me think something has seriously gone wrong in my thorasic area. My question is: what can an untreated compression fracture lead to? What type of Dr. should I seek out to figure out what is going on in my spine? Would this be some sort of disc problem? I am hesitant to discuss this with my PM, I don't want him to think I am med seeking since I am on a large dose anyway. By the way, my pain meds have remained at a stable dose for the past 5 years so I am truly not a med seeker. In your opinion, what kind of problems would an untreated compression fracture lead to? What is the usual treatment for a compression fracture? Any of you spineys that have some experince or answers would be appreciated. I'm not sure where to begin. The past treatments by the PCP did not work. Thanks in advance for your help.

Satchelle

[sallyb]

I have the same problem...especially at t8/9. My rheum is ordering MRI's on my spine since it has been a long time. She wants to pinpoint the causes so that she can inject steroid epidurals where necessary. That might be the answer for you.

[Boopers]

Hi Satchelle,

First, let me say how sorry I am that you are in so much pain. Also, you might want to post this on the Spinal Disorders Forum.
You definitely need a new MRI. I am shocked none have seen you for one. You could have a herniated or bulging disc in that area. Has any doc told you that you have Osteoporosis? Or Degenerative Disc Disease? I have both and I also have seven herniated discs in my neck and back. I am also on heavy pain meds.
Please go back to doc and see if they will send you for an MRI and if I were you, I would also tell PM doc whats going on and see if he will give you something for this back pain.

Good luck to you,
Linda

[fiberowendy2000]

You mean to tell me that they worked on your spinal pain without even an x-ray or new MRI?????? That was a little irresponsible of your docs. I would ask for a new set of scans of your thorasic area. This way you aren't being labeled as a drug seeker just someone who wants answers.
As for what could happen with an untreated compression fracture, I can honestly say I don't know. But it doesn't sound very good.
Please keep us posted as to how things go.

[sallyb]

Wendy, how can a thorasic MRI certify that a person is not a drug seeker???

[fiberowendy2000]

What I mean was that if you are asking for testing rather than more drugs, you don't sound like a drug seeker. If you go right for asking for more meds, docs usually put that label on. Sorry to say.
Testing is just that testing, no drugs involved.

[satchelle]

yes, I definitely want some sort of testing to see what the problem is. Would an MRI be better than x-rays? or should I ask for both. I think part of the problem is that I live in a little town (we have 2 PCP) type docs and no specialists. The one doc I go to here is the "good ole boy" type who tries to fix things rather than order alot of testing or refer to the big city which is an hour drive. I would gladly drive an hour or more to figure out what is going on. Should I get this little town PCP to order the tests and if it shows something then get him to send me to a specialist? Would an orthopedic doc be what I would need, or would it depend on what the tests show. I know how to handle my other chronic condition and pain management and all the other problems that go along with that dx. But this spine thing is throwing me for a loop. I know many of you here are very experienced with spine issues and I really appreciate all your help and suggestions. Once I figure out what this is i'm sure I will be back asking y'all for more advice because I know many of you have learned what NOT to do the hard way. Thanks for your help.

Satchelle