Help – Anterior Compression at T8

This topic has 5 replies, 4 voices, and was last updated 21 years ago by Macka.

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- November 3, 2003 at 12:23 #7768
  
  Vinod
  Member
  
  Hi there,
  
  I really need someone’s help.
  
  I had a very bad dose of the flu, and as precaution my doctor sent me for some general chest X-Rays, just to make sure there was no fluid in my lungs, and no pneumonia developing.
  I have just picked up the X-Rays, and won’t see my doctor until next week.
  
  The scans say that everything is clear in terms of my lungs, etc, but coincidentally, it has found that there is “anterior compression deformity at T8 estimated at being at least 50%”.
  
  They also say that it may not be recent, but suggest further examination will be vital.
  
  I have just turned 20. Am a male, and cannot recall being involved in any major accident. Additionally, I cannot really feel any noticeable pain.
  
  Speaking with my doctor over the phone, my dad was told that if I were to be referred to a specialist, surgery will be inevitable.
  
  The doctor has pretty much suggested that I shouldn’t worry about it until I’m 60 years old, and that I should just get on with my life as if it is a non-existent problem. I don’t agree with the doctor.
  
  I am only 20 years old and cannot risk further serious injury. Also, I have read that a possible complication of anterior compression if untreated is potential neurological deficit. Is this true?
  
  I am anxious to find out what anterior compression is, and resources on the Internet have been either startling, or confusing.
  
  Also, what remedies are available? Surgically, or otherwise? Has anyone had a similar problem? Also, what complications can there be?
  
  Your explanation will be very much appreciated.
  
  V
- November 4, 2003 at 00:11 #10690
  
  Graham – Admin
  Keymaster
  
  Hi Vinod,
  
  It sounds worse than it really is. Spinal deformities can be very serious and I’m glad you are being cautious in regard to yours. 1 in 10 people have a compression deformity, of those only about 25% – 30% are even aware they have one. Compression deformities are generaly catergorised into 3 groups:
  
  Wedge – reduction of anterior height compared to posterior height
  Biconcave – reduction of midvertebral compared to posterior height
  Crush – reduction of posterior height compared to posterior heights of adjacent vertebrae above and below.
  
  The Wedge (which you have) is the most common. This injury can occour from simply lifting something. I did one picking up a petrol cap when I was 18. I experienced severe pain. The discs which make up the spinal column have concentric sacs of fluid surrounding them to cushion and seperate each disc. To put it roughly you have ruptured about 50% of these on one side, the anterior or front side. 40%+ is considered severe.
  
  It’s not something you should be overly concered about just aware of. You are 20 so enjoy your life, no sense wrapping yourself up in cotton wool hey?. When you hit 60yrs these problems take greater importance as the constant tilt, arthritis, fragility, and slower repair times compound the problem.
  
  The potential neurological deficit occours when all the sacs have been ruptured. ie 100% and the resulting disc on disc causes discomfort. Surgery is your only option as the sacs do not regenerate, your body can’t repair them. If a nerve is between the discs, and there are millions in your spine, you will experience severe neurological (nerve) pain as I did.
- November 4, 2003 at 01:09 #10691
  
  Vinod
  Member
  
  Thank you very much for your reply – I really appreciate it.
  
  I just want this whole thing over with :-D
  
  Thinking about it, the only time I recall feeling back pain which might be connected with this was about 7 weeks ago, after sitting on a train for over an hour.
  
  When I stood up my back was in total agony. It was such a blunt, radiating pain, that I thought I was going to die! I remember rushing into the nearest chemist asking for the strongest possible drug they could give me as my back was in a state of indescribable and severe pain. I couldn’t breathe properly or anything, and they were about to call an ambulance. That lasted for about 3 days, after which I have been fine.
  
  The other thing, could this be a result of back-cracking? I always crack my back to ease tension – but obviosly since I received these results, I’ve stopped!
  
  Thank you, and I look forward to your replies.
  
  -v-
- November 5, 2003 at 02:58 #10692
  
  Graham – Admin
  Keymaster
  
  Heh, I used to twist and crack my spine to.. just like rolling your neck or cracking your knuckles. The noise is air being inducted or expelled from the joint. Upon reflection I imagine it could only do more harm than good. So yeah, I would avoid that especially as you now have a pre-existing condition.
  
  I’m no MD and of course you should consult one. Surgical correction for spinal deformity is pretty serious stuff. We have come a long way since the Harrington rod method but the principle is similar with the USS technique. A series of hooks rods and screws are used. In some cases, often the damaged disc is removed. Spinal fusion, anterior and posterior surgery, laminectomy etc. are generally only recommended when the problem is likely to deteriorate to or is adversely affecting your lifestyle.
- November 5, 2003 at 04:25 #10693
  
  Felicity
  Participant
  
  My Uncle had a Laminectomy some years back.
  You wouldn’t know it, he seems just fine now.
  Look after the one you have Vinod. :wink:
- November 18, 2003 at 11:21 #10694
  
  Macka
  Participant
  
  It’s been a week
  What did the doctor say Vinod ?
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