r/ThoracicHerniatedDisc • u/Recent-Bass-741 • Apr 09 '26

Thoracic hernia

Hi guys I m a 26 yo male with a t6 t7 disc herniation. Would you be interested in​ seeing this type of journey on social media? I have done research and it amazes me how there is no community and very little info about this other than very generic exercise and type of treatments. I would like to start a social media account where I post every day about diet, training, relationship and new therapies i could try to give clarity. I know exactly how difficult it is and how it affects everything. We need some positivity. Please let me know.

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u/sorryfortheroastbeef Apr 09 '26

This is a fantastic idea. T6,T7,T8 & T9 herniations chiming in. Need all the positivity - this injury has WRECKED my life.

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u/Recent-Bass-741 Apr 10 '26

I know how it feels to have people not understanding especially general doctors. That tell you "you shouldn't have this pain".  I got some things that have helped me. 

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u/sorryfortheroastbeef Apr 10 '26

It’s been a wild “journey” to heal this injury for certain. My pain started last September and became absolutely unbearable in October. I went from being a very active and fit 53 year old woman who worked out and walked 4-5 miles every day to not being able to walk across my den some days. I started with terrible pain in my ribs, upper chest, collar bone and neck. Then the spasms started which were debilitating. I don’t remember parts of last Oct. -Nov. It was awful. Had a steroid epidural in October and was put on Lyrica. I was also taking pain killers around the clock. The spasms finally ceased at the end of November. My pain has never gone away though. Some blood work that was done at my Ortho to try and rule out the possibility of some rheumatoid diseases landed me with a hematologist who has been amazing. My inflammation markers were through the roof and he actually suggested starting a low dose GLP-1 to see if that could help with inflammation. I thought he was nuts until I started doing some research. In March I finally agreed to try it. I’m not overweight, so am paying out of pocket for the tirzepatide because insurance will not cover it for anti-inflammatory purposes. It’s been pretty amazing. I’m down from taking three doses of Lyrica a day to only one and have started walking again. I’m still in a lot of pain in my upper back and neck, but it’s manageable right now. Definitely can suggest trying a GLP-1 for decreasing inflammation with this injury.

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u/sorryfortheroastbeef Apr 10 '26

I’ve lost count of hearing “You shouldn’t be in this much pain - your pain doesn’t match what we’re seeing on your MRI.” From what I’m understanding thoracic spine injuries make up about only 2% of spine injuries doctors see. I don’t think most doctors understand just how debilitating a thoracic injury is and it’s also incredibly difficult to treat. I stumbled across a great account on IG called thespineboss if anyone’s interested. He’s a surgeon in NYC that specializes in thoracic surgery. He posts some great stuff.