Hello,

A very brief background: I have been hanging out in PN mainly for info on PN with motor involvement. Gait problems started last November. My neuromuscular doc feels multiple herpes zoster infections affected the root nerves in my L/S spine causing bilateral leg weakness (R>L), drop foot on right. I showed very modest improvement in strength after a course of Valtrex ( no progression of symptoms since I was seen in April).
I have axonal loss by EMG/NCV in the legs most likely attributed to HZ polyradiculneuronopathy.

What I really am trying to research out or just hear from others is aboout my Thoracic MRI result. The section head doc thought it needed further investigation, but I was turned over to my current doc who feels it only contributes to mild hyperreflexia.

Thoracic Spine: Large central disc herniation at t6-t7 with effacement of ventral CSF with mild indentation of vental aspect of the spinal cord. Moderate spinal canal stenosis at this level. Shallow small central herniation t7-t8.

Needless to say it hurts like heck, but what are the neuro manifestations? Can a mild cord compression at this level effect my legs? I am giving some thought to seeing a neurosurgeon (not that I want that surgery) or possible a spine guy. I do not want to be looking for the zebra when I hear the hoofbeats in NY.

I just learned today that I have only a mild "tiny central disc protrusion" at T6-7. I have had the same symptoms alternating between central pain in my T-spine as well as radicular pain and weakness, left greater than right, with foot drop which scared the heck out of me! The rough part is the rest of my spine is basically FUBAR as well, but from my limited understanding of nerve distribution, problems with the T-spine at these levels can cause the radicular symptoms of the foot drop and range all the way to paralysis.

I opted out of the pain clinic as I am in no position to go through injections of steroid medications which may or may not work. Now have to ask for referral to orthopedic surgeon as well as rheumatologist. More weeks of waiting. I found that some bedrest was helpful. Since I have what I like to call "TPS or traveling pain syndrome", the issue has gone ahead and moved onto a shoulder impingement problem and more centralized and widespread back pain.

See a spine guy and good luck...seems Peter never knows what Paul is doing these days. Took me 2 years to get an MRI :P

Thank you for responding, it lifted out of a depression that was worsening each day wondering if I was going nuts. My spine is FUBAR also with cervical impingements and a bunch of l/s bulges and stenosis everywhere, mainly from osteoarthistis I had since age 30 when I calcified out t10. I feel my neuromuscular docs are smart, but it may be tunnel vision on their part too. One says, it's a problem, other has no real opinion.

Pain is unbelievable at times, I have to lie flat and not move. I am a stoic soul and only take excedrin for pain. When I cough or sneeze, my entire spine throbs and pain shoots through my ribs and down my legs.

Again, I am sorry for your problems, but grateful that you took the time to answer me. It helps with my next plan of action.

I am stoic as well and may take 200 mg ibuprofen daily for severe pain. I have no interest in traditional pain medications or the multitude of antidepressants my GP has tried to give me for "fibromyalgia" pre MRI. Not saying fibro might not be a problem. I had told the staff at the pain clinic that I have felt suicidal. This is NOT clinical depression, this is defeat. I am only 50 and so frustrated that I cannot function or be as active as I expect myself to be. If I mow the lawn with the push mower, I suffer 1 day pain and 2 days allergy. If my son hugs me, I shriek in pain. I hate asking for help and have always been self reliant...THIS is depressing and rightly so. I don't feel that SSRI medications are appropriate, more, I feel the grieving has to take place in order to move on.

The biggest help is identifying the source of the pain rather than it be a complete mystery. I can manage that and you can too! Not saying it is not complete suckage, but I can survive it and work around it.

For years before the mri I just had, I was treated like a med seeker when I complained about my backache. I had one obnoxious creep of an ortho ask me if I ever gave birth (I am 63), be grateful it's not cancer, and it could be worse, I could have run over my grandchild like some woman did and it hit the news. This was in one single coversation. I just love it when a so called professional gets cavalier about my complaints. I was told I had a back muscle spasm and to go home and take a hot shower. And he got paid a bunch for that.

I am supposed to start Lyrica, but I am waiting until I have my eye surgery done at the end of this month, as I do not need to be dizzy and further increase my risk of falling post op. I am not fond of meds that alter my mental state, but my neuro/muscular doc is great and wants me to try it out. I am very good at meditating, but resting flat on a heating pad seems to take the edge off best.

It is difficult to walk or do much of anything when the back is out of whack, no support, just plain wobbly. Balance has become a serious issue for me. If you're having what I am having, there are days you feel like you are being cut in half. maybe now that they have your mri, things can be managed better and life will be easier for you. I sure hope so.