Question
I had a head on car accident in Aug 04 resulting in a fractured sternum. I developed severe thoracic back pain which was resolved with intensive physiotherapy. Every few months since then my thoracic spine feels tight with a dull pain. I can sometimes resolve this with stretches or more physio. I have just had an MRI done which shows a central & right paracentral intervertebral disc protrusion at T8/9 & T10/11. Could this be related to my accident? I am 42 & have had no prior back pain. It this something that remains static or will it get worse with age?

Answer
Dear Merideth,

The disc bulge that you described almost certainly id the result of the crash.  It is very rare to have disk bulges in the thoracic spine, and they only occur with trauma.

This will tend to get worse over time, as the structure of the disk has been permanently altered.  The disk will most likely degenerate as well as the surrounding vertebra due to the changed biomechanical stress in that area.  The condition can be slowed down by continuing to remain flexible and functional in that area of the spine...proper movement will limit excessive degeneration.

It does not sound as though you had any chiropractic care post injury, but getting periodic adjustments in the area will facilitate proper biomechanical movement and correct anatomical relationships of the vertebra...not to mention it will also help to eliminate pain and inflammation.

Any other questions you would like me to address Merideth?  Feel free to write back.

Respectfully,
Dr. J. Shawn Leatherman
www.suncoasthealthcare.net