[Guest]

My husband was in an MVA in December. He t-boned a full size truck with him in a full size van at 35mph. In 2000 he had a laminectomy of L5-S1 with complete resolution and has done great. Following accident, MRI showed herniation of C5-6 and C6-7. Lumbar MRI showed surgery site fine and no further herniations. Starting last month, pain developed in thoracic area around diaphram with periods of unable to get deep breath. Saw ortho yesterday and he said he was concerned over the thoracic area. Said he had decreased reflexes in the lower extremities and wants another MRI of Thoracic area. PA mentioned the junction. I tried my own research and only came up with Herniations of thoracic areas are rare. Also starting having trouble initiating urine again. He previously had Interstitial Cystitis with old herniation. My question is what symptoms would show up if herniation is in Thoracic area and what are we looking at. Is it pressing to get surgery or conservative treatment first.The MD also put in the DX on our sheet but did not tell us the dx of DDD cervical, thoracic and Lumbar areas. Thank you, Becky

[Guest]

It might be helpful for your husband to see a neurologist, given the history of lumbar problems, questionable abnormal or decreased reflexes, urinary symptoms etc. Thoracic herniated discs can occur, but decreased reflexes would not be a common finding. MRI of the thoracic spine would be a good study if there is a suspicion of any disc, bone or neurological abnormality of the cervical spine. His medical doctor should also evaluate him to be sure there are no lung, heart or abdominal or other reasons for the shortness of breath. Treatment is very dependant on what the actual problem is. Good luck.
[quote] My husband was in an MVA in December. He t-boned a full size truck with him in a full size van at 35mph... [/quote]