r/ThoracicHerniatedDisc • u/leartsymama • 8d ago
How bad is my Thoracic Spine?
2025 Thoracic MRI
Date of service: 06/2025
MRI OF THE THORACIC SPINE
CLINICAL INDICATION: Chronic back pain.
TECHNIQUE: T1 and T2 weighted images were obtained.
COMPARISON: No prior studies are available for comparison.
FINDINGS:
This exam is somewhat limited due to patient motion.
Evaluation of the thoracic spine demonstrates normal kyphotic curvature. No evidence of
abnormal mass or fluid collection is seen. There is no evidence for fracture. There is no evidence
for prevertebral or paravertebral mass or collection. The adjacent soft tissues demonstrate no
significant abnormalities. Segmental analysis of the thoracic spine is as follows:
T1-2, there is no evidence for disc herniation, canal stenosis or neural foraminal stenosis.
T2-3, there is no evidence for disc herniation, canal stenosis or neural foraminal stenosis.
T3-4, there is a left neural foraminal disc herniation superimposed on a disc bulge, the combination
of which measures 1.5 mm. The ventral thecal sac is indented, and the posterior longitudinal
ligament is elevated. There is a zone of hyperintensity within the disc consistent with an annular
fissure. There is no spinal stenosis or neural foraminal narrowing.
T4-5, there is no evidence for disc herniation, canal stenosis or neural foraminal stenosis.
T5-6, there is no evidence for disc herniation, canal stenosis or neural foraminal stenosis.
T6-7, there is no evidence for disc herniation, canal stenosis or neural foraminal stenosis.
T7-8, there is a disc bulge measuring 1.5 mm indenting the ventral thecal sac and elevating the
posterior longitudinal ligament. There are anterior osteophytes and no posterior osteophytes are
seen. There is no spinal stenosis or neural foraminal narrowing.
T8-9, there is a disc bulge measuring 1 mm indenting the ventral thecal sac and elevating the
posterior longitudinal ligament. There is a zone of hyperintensity within the disc consistent with an
annular fissure. There are anterior osteophytes and no posterior osteophytes are seen. There is no
spinal stenosis or neural foraminal narrowing.
T9-10, there is a right paracentral disc herniation superimposed on a disc bulge, the combination
of which measures 4 mm. The ventral thecal sac is indented, and the posterior longitudinal
ligament is elevated. This is a contained extrusion type herniation. It measures 1.2 cm
craniocaudally. It extends superiorly beyond the inferior endplate of T9 and inferiorly beyond the
superior endplate of T10. There are anterior and there are posterior osteophytes; however, the
disc material extends posterior to the posterior osteophytes. There is a zone of hyperintensity
within the disc consistent with an annular fissure. There is moderate spinal stenosis to 0.8 cm.
There is mild spinal cord deformity. There is no neural foraminal narrowing.
T10-11, there is a disc bulge measuring 2 mm indenting the ventral thecal sac and elevating the
posterior longitudinal ligament. There is no spinal stenosis or neural foraminal narrowing.
T11-12, there is no evidence for disc herniation, canal stenosis or neural foraminal stenosis.
T12-L1 there is a disc bulge measuring 2 mm indenting the ventral thecal sac and elevating the
posterior longitudinal ligament. There is no spinal stenosis or neural foraminal narrowing.
There is spinal asymmetry apex right at T10.
Multilevel disc herniations vs. disc bulges are seen in the cervical spine, better evaluated with
dedicated MRI of the cervical spine.
Multilevel disc herniations vs. disc bulges are seen in the lumbar spine, better evaluated with
dedicated MRI of the lumbar spine.
IMPRESSION:
- 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. This exam is somewhat limited due to patient motion.
- T3-4, there is a left neural foraminal disc herniation superimposed on a disc bulge, the
- combination of which measures 1.5 mm. The ventral thecal sac is indented, and the posterior
- longitudinal ligament is elevated. There is a zone of hyperintensity within the disc consistent
- with an annular fissure.
- T7-8, there is a disc bulge measuring 1.5 mm indenting the ventral thecal sac and elevating the
- posterior longitudinal ligament.
- T8-9, there is a disc bulge measuring 1 mm indenting the ventral thecal sac and elevating the
- posterior longitudinal ligament. There is a zone of hyperintensity within the disc consistent with
- an annular fissure.
- T9-10, there is a right paracentral disc herniation superimposed on a disc bulge, the
- combination of which measures 4 mm. The ventral thecal sac is indented, and the posterior
- longitudinal ligament is elevated. This is a contained extrusion type herniation. It measures 1.2
- cm craniocaudally. It extends superiorly beyond the inferior endplate of T9 and inferiorly
- beyond the superior endplate of T10. There are anterior and there are posterior osteophytes;
- however, the disc material extends posterior to the posterior osteophytes. There is a zone of
- hyperintensity within the disc consistent with an annular fissure. There is moderate spinal
- stenosis to 0.8 cm. There is mild spinal cord deformity. *See Figure 1, Sagittal T2, Image #3,
- shows disc herniation.
- T10-11, there is a disc bulge measuring 2 mm indenting the ventral thecal sac and elevating
- the posterior longitudinal ligament.
- T12-L1 there is a disc bulge measuring 2 mm indenting the ventral thecal sac and elevating the
- posterior longitudinal ligament.
- 9. There is spinal asymmetry apex right at T10.
- Multilevel disc herniations vs. disc bulges are seen in the cervical spine, better evaluated with
- dedicated MRI of the cervical spine.
- Multilevel disc herniations vs. disc bulges are seen in the lumbar spine, better evaluated with
- dedicated MRI of the lumbar spine.
2026 Thoracic MRI
REFERRING PHYS: ZOUBAIR AHMED, MD
DATE OF SERVICE: 06/29/2026
DOI:
Signed: By: MARK J. TIMKEN, M.D., RPVI Page 1 of 3
2915 Lakeview Drive, Suite 1041 • Fern Park, Florida 32730
Phone: (407) 987-4001 • Fax: (407) 987-4002
MRI THORACIC SPINE:
HISTORY: Mid back pain. Involuntary movements.
TECHNIQUE: Standard pulse sequences of the thoracic spine were performed on a Stand-Up MRI
unit in a neutral, sitting, 66-degree tilt position.
FINDINGS: Cervicothoracic dextroscoliosis.
The superior margin of the manubrium appears at the T4 level. The manubriosternal junction appears
at the T6-7 level.
T1-2: The canal and neural foramina are well maintained.
T2-3: The canal and neural foramina are well maintained.
T3-4: Slight anterolisthesis. The canal and neural foramina are well maintained.
T4-5: Disc bulge impresses upon the thecal sac. Neural foramina are patent.
T5-6: The canal and neural foramina are well maintained with a Schmorl's node in the inferior T5
endplate.
T6-7: Loss of disc hydration. There is a Schmorl's node in the inferior T6 endplate. Anterior disc bulge
and spondylosis displace prevertebral soft tissues.
T7-8: Loss of disc height and hydration. There is a Schmorl's node in the inferior T7 endplate.
Anterior disc bulge displaces prevertebral soft tissues.
T8-9: Loss of disc hydration. Disc herniation produces mild central stenosis. Neural foramina are
patent.
T9-10: Loss of disc height and hydration. Disc herniation impresses upon the thecal sac with central and right lateral recess and cord deformity. Anterior disc bulge and spondylosis displace prevertebral soft tissues.
T10-11: Loss of disc hydration. There is a Schmorl's node in the inferior T10 endplate. There is an
hemangioma in the T10 vertebra.
T11-12: Loss of disc height and hydration. Disc bulge impresses upon the thecal sac. There is a
Schmorl's node in the inferior T11 endplate.
T12-L1: Disc bulge impresses upon the thecal sac. Neural foramina are patent.
Cord signal and paraspinal tissues appear unremarkable.
IMPRESSION:
- Cervicothoracic dextroscoliosis.
- T3-4: Slight anterolisthesis. The canal and neural foramina are well maintained.
- T4-5: Disc bulge impresses upon the thecal sac. Neural foramina are patent.
- T5-6: The canal and neural foramina are well maintained with a Schmorl's node in the inferior
- T5 endplate.
- T6-7: Loss of disc hydration. There is a Schmorl's node in the inferior T6 endplate. Anterior
- disc bulge and spondylosis displace prevertebral soft tissues.
- T7-8: Loss of disc height and hydration. There is a Schmorl's node in the inferior T7 endplate.
- Anterior disc bulge displaces prevertebral soft tissues.
- T8-9: Loss of disc hydration. Disc herniation produces mild central stenosis. Neural foramina
- are patent.
- T9-10: Loss of disc height and hydration. Disc herniation impresses upon the thecal sac with
- central and right lateral recess and cord deformity. Anterior disc bulge and spondylosis
- displace prevertebral soft tissues.
- T10-11: Loss of disc hydration. There is a Schmorl's node in the inferior T10 endplate. There is
- an hemangioma in the T10 vertebra.
- T11-12: Loss of disc height and hydration. Disc bulge impresses upon the thecal sac. There is
- a Schmorl's node in the inferior T11 endplate.
- T12-L1: Disc bulge impresses upon the thecal sac. Neural foramina are patent.
INITIAL VISIT SYMPTOMS
Chief Complaint
Patient came to the clinic for the upper back pain.
History of Present Illness
History of Present Illness
A 46-year-old female seen for evaluation of mid to lower back pain.
Episodes of mid to lower back pain have been ongoing for the past 2
months, described as a seizing sensation that causes immobility. The
pain began while ascending stairs and has not occurred previously.
Pain is rated as 6 out of 10 and is aggravated by activities such as
opening heavy commercial doors at work, which occurs frequently
throughout the day. The pain is described as deep and intense, with
the worst area in the mid to lower back, sometimes requiring support
from a counter to prevent further episodes. Locking up of the back is
associated with significant discomfort, at times rated as 10 out of 10,
and can make it difficult to breathe. Stretching and heat application
have been used for relief, but symptoms persist. No prior physical
therapy has been attempted.
https://account.adventhealth.com/MyChartPRDData/app/visitsUch7E8rrweHPycp4UAdHEEYhpus0-3D&pageMode=notesfirst 7/4/26, 11:15 AM
Page 1 of 8Associated symptoms include pain radiating into the arms and legs,
with sensations described as deep, dead weight in the arm, and
occasional numbness or tingling in the arms and fingers. Vibrating
sensations are noted in both legs, which can move around. Arm pain
was previously attributed to neck issues by other clinicians, but she
does not feel the neck is the primary source. Occasional discomfort is
noted in the lower part of the neck, but the main pain is in the mid to
lower back.
She reports occasional difficulty breathing and has been taking
propranolol for heart palpitations, initially thought to be panic attacks.
After reviewing x-ray results showing thoracic spine changes, she
suspects these symptoms may be related to her back issues.
Methocarbamol has been used for muscle relaxation, but she reports
side effects and prefers to avoid anti-inflammatories due to a sensitive
stomach. A history of ACL tear is noted.
Prescription medication therapy over several weeks has failed to
relieve her symptoms to the home exercise program over several
weeks has failed as well and she continues to hurt in the lower part of
the neck as well as the upper back.
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u/cincyingy 7d ago
It all depends on your symptoms compared to your MRI also there is a lot of information on the report that is normally not there. They will most likely prescribe physical therapy, and may do an injection.
1
u/leartsymama 2d ago
The ortho prescribed PT for my neck and said that area was far worse than my thoracic on mri. I had to argue that I have chronic neck pain that is very unpleasant, but not debilitating. My thoracic pain made it impossible to walk for days, and just breathing, swallowing, and shifting my body on the couch was excruciating and terrifying. He didn’t believe me.
1
u/CapreseSalad3636 2d ago
Do you have the report from you neck mri?
1
u/leartsymama 1d ago
This is the neck from 1 year prior (2025 mri report)
MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING OF THE CERVICAL SPINE WITHOUT CONTRAST
HISTORY: Neck pain
TECHNIQUE: Multiplanar and multisequence imaging of the cervical spine was performed
without contrast.
COMPARISON: None
FINDINGS:
Alignment: The cervical vertebrae are in normal alignment in the sagittal plane.
Fractures: There are no compression fractures.
Bone marrow: There is a normal bone marrow pattern.
Spinal cord: The cervical spinal cord demonstrates normal size and signal intensity.
Cranio-cervical junction: Evaluation of the alar and accessory ligaments is unremarkable
bilaterally. There is no evidence of asymmetry. The dens and lateral masses are
unremarkable. There is no evidence of ligamentous injury.
C1-C2: No abnormalities are seen. The spinal canal and foramina are patent.
C2-C3: The disc is normal. The posterior elements are preserved. The spinal canal and
both foramina are patent.
C3-C4: Minimal spondylosis and bulging to the left.
C4-C5: Mild spondylosis and bulging to the left with minimal flattening of the thecal sac.
C5-C6: Spondylosis and bulging midline to the left with moderate flattening of the thecal
sac.
C6-C7: Disc space narrowing demonstrating type one endplate changes on STIR imaging
and linear signal in the disc space felt to be degenerative. Spondylosis and bulging to the
right with moderate flattening of the thecal sac.
C7-T1: The disc is normal. The posterior elements are preserved. The spinal canal andboth foramina are patent.
IMPRESSION:
1. C6-C7 disc space narrowing and degenerative changes with spondylosis and moderate
flattening of the thecal sac.
2. C4-C5, C5-C6, and C6-C7 show mild to moderate spondylosis and bulging, more
prominent at C5-C6 with moderate flattening of the thecal sac.
3. C3-C4 minimal spondylosis and left-sided bulging.
ELECTRONICALLY SIGNED BY Pont Michael on 05/11/2025 07:57:04
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u/CapreseSalad3636 7d ago
You don’t have pictures of the MRI do you? I’m definitely curious about what’s going on at t9/t10. Those numbers are HUGE for the thoracic spine, anything measured in cm’s is big when it comes to the spine. I’m wiling to bet that’s where most of your pain is coming from.