MRI of the Thoracic Spine

[thedominator582]

What does my MRI mean?
I just had an MRI done and I know they found alot of stuff wrong with my back but I just don't know how to interpret these findings? Here it is.

Twelve thoracic vertebrae are preserved in height and alignment. There is a mild reversal of the lower thorcolumbar lordosis without subluxation. A lobulated 16mm high T2 and intermediate T1-weighted signal focus is seen posteriorly within the T10 vertebral body, without expansion. This retains high signal on the STIR sequence. On the axial scans, there does appear to be internal trabeculation and this most likely reflects atypical hemangioma. Bone marrow signal is otherwise unremarkable.

There are mild multi-level dejenerative disc changes in the visualized cervical spine which are not well evaluated on this examination. A mild degree of degenerative discogenic change is also present in the upper thoracic spine, without resulting spinal stenosis or gross foraminal narrowing. Minor right paracentral disc protrusions are also present at T5-6 and T6-7, without canal or foraminal narrowing. Mild broad-based disc bulges are present from T9 through T12. These result in mild spinal stenosis of T9-10 and T10-11 and, together with mild ligamentum flavum thickening, moderate spinal stenosis at T11-12. There is mild spinal stenosis at T12-L1, as well. The thoracic spinal cord is normal in caliber without signal abnormality. No other levels of spinal stenosis are present. There is mild to moderate bilateral foraminal narrowing present from T9 through T12, greater on the right side than the left, especially at T10-11. This is due to the degerative disc changes and also to facet degeneration. The paraspinal soft tissues are unremarkable.

[thedominator582]

Well the last time i had to go to the ER I was basically paralyzed. I did not have the normal spasms this was more like my body just went into shock. I can't bend over and do any kind of work such as just washing dishes will cause my back to tighten up. I have constant numbness, tingling and burning in my feet. I am even feeling the same symptoms in my arms and hands now. When I eat I can feel pressure from my abdomen pressing on my spine. Hope this helps.

[squirtatious]

I think your worst issue is your mild to moderate bilateral foraminal narrowing greater on the right than on the left at t9 to t12. Especially at ur t10-t11 level. We all have foramen holes inbtwn our vertebraes that nerve roots exit out of. Your foramen holes at these levels are mildly to moderately compromised. What are ur symptoms your experiencing?

[thedominator582]

Sure send me the link. Thanks

[Melissa_1982]

No need to thank me :-) I'm glad I was able to help, even if it was only a little.

I had the same problem with physio making the pain worse with my lumbar spinal stenosis.  I started a group on here a little while ago called " spinal stenosis sufferers " if interested I can send you the link.  It's there with hopes that ppl who have suffered for yrs may have ideas on how to help newly diagnosed patients , as well as for others to help give each other ideas on what did or didn't work for them.

I wish u the best of luck with your CT scan & feel free to msg me. I didn't have much time to post earlier or now cuz of my kids, but may be able to help some more.

Melissa

[thedominator582]

Thanks for the info every little bit helps. I was doing physical therapy but I had to stop because it seemed to be aggravating it even more. I have my ct scan scheduled for this coming tuesday hope to get abetted answer from the ct. Have a great day.

[Melissa_1982]

I can't be of a lot of help but noticed the words spinal stenosis several times in your results.  This is essentially a narrowing of your spinal canal which can cause pain & numbness in areas of your body.  I've suffered from it in my lower back for years.  Usually they'll recommend physio for it to help you alter how you walk, sit, sleep & exercise so that it helps minimize pain.

HTH at least a little bit :-)
Melissa