Cervical hemangioma plus four bulging discs

[Faith0383]

I was in an accident a little over a year ago.  As a result, I sought the care of a chiropractor, who let me know that I had straightening of the spine and a tilted pelvis.  After months of treatment, the chiropractor referred me over to get an MRI.  The MRI initially showed one 1mm bulging disc between C5-C6, and a very small hemangioma.  I took the report to a VERY WELL-KNOWN orthopedic group in the area.  He very nonchalantly shrugged and stated that I had whip-lash and that the pain would go away soon, that there was nothing wrong with my back.  After the pain continued to worsen overtime, I decided to get a second opinion on my MRI images.  The second diagnostician took the same images and found very different results.  I have a 2mm bulge between C5-C6, a 7mm hemangioma (said to cover the BODY of the vertebrae) on my C6, and a 2mm bulge between C6-C7.  So basically, I've got a sandwich effect going on.  The same MRI also showed TWO 2mm bulges in my lumbar spine.  One of which shows 5% effacement of the thecal sac.  One of the Cervical bulges (can't remember which) is pressing on the spinal nerves.  
Now my question is this.  I can't find MUCH information about cervical hemangiomas.  

1)  I want to know if they are ONLY hereditary, or can they be cause by trauma?

2)   Also, I want to know if the two bulges, with the hemangioma in the middle will ultimately cause MORE  INFLAMMATION than if I just had either the bulges OR the hemangioma?  

3)  I had an open MRI, how much more accurate are the closed MRI's?  Would the doctor possibly find MORE if I'd done the closed? (I couldn't handle it because of claustrophobic feelings).

I've just had pain now that has done nothing but increase for the last year, and prior to that NOTHING.... I am a twenty-eight year old female.  My thoracic MRI showed insignificant, but then again, the same guy that read the first MRI (and was wrong), read the thoracic...  My pain burns across the lower back, and often down my thighs (primarily the left thigh).  My hips hurt when I lay flat, and I get restless legs now.  I hurt ALL THE TIME between my shoulder blades, which radiates down the muscles of my mid-back, and up my shoulders running down my arms.  I have constant spasms in my muscles along my upper back, and it feels like someone is "wringing" them out like wet rag.  I take muscle relaxers and pain meds for this, and have been for a while.  I am very cautious with my dosage, but I find they are working less and less which I expected would happen because of a growth in tolerance.  The "NEW" orthopedic dr./surgeon has scheduled me for INJECTIONS.  I am VERY VERY NERVOUS about someone sticking a needle near the MOTHERBOARD of my body.  The SPINAL CORD operates everything!!!!

4)  What do you guys think?  Should I get the injections?  I'm very torn, but I don't want to gamble with a procedure that has a 50% success rate.  

[Faith0383]

Well the injections are epidural steroid injections. They aren't the same as nerve blocks from what I understand. But I don't know, and I have spoken about this with doctors, but it seems like it depends on what the dr.'s  agenda to determine his advice. I've seen about ten drs., and get multiple opinions.

[S. Kaul, MD]

Hi there!

1. Osseous haemangiomas are not caused by trauma and could be congenital.
2. The intra-osseous haemangioma does not add to inflammation, but could be symptomatic.
3. Well, the image quality of the initial open MRI machines was not as good as the closed ones; while with the newer ones, it’s almost comparable.
                  I would assume you are referring to ‘nerve block’, by ‘injections near the spinal cord’. With adequate medical expertise, these are not as dangerous as one would expect them to be and fairly effective; though it would still be a personal choice. I would suggest discussing the pros and cons in detail with your doctor.
Hope this is helpful.

Take care!