I was was having pain in my chest and abdomen and a band like feeling coming from my back to my front, the mri shows a central herniated disc @ T9-T10 level , i get stabbibg or a shocking pain just under my rib cage that comes and goes, the neurosurgeon sent me to a pain clinic to try ESI we did one with no help, they now want a new MRI , anyone ever dealt with a issue like mine? any input is very helpful, ( what should i expect for the future?) i am 47 years old... Thanks (mark)

Doctors can often tell if someone is going to have difficulty with breathing by examining the upper body. If the rib cage is small or fixed in such a way that it can't expand on breathing, this can compromise respirations and the amount of oxygen that is taken in. This evaluation can be done with x-rays and with imaging such as computed tomography imaging, or CT scans.

Researchers recently did a study of patients who had a disorder called spondylothoracic dysplasia. One of the problems that people with this disorder have is a smaller torso and a rib cage that can compromise the breathing.

Spondylothoracic dysplasia (SD) is an inherited condition that results in dwarfism (short trunk), a prominent back of the skull, broad forehead, and wide nasal bridge, also results in severe respiratory problems from thoracic insufficiency syndrome. The skeletal deformities (ribs and spine) compress the area where the lungs should expand, making it difficult to breathe.

Scheuermann's kyphosis is an excessive forward curvature of the thoracic spine. The thoracic spine is located midway between the neck and the lumbar spine (low back).

Scheuermann's kyphosis is an uncommon condition that begins in childhood. It affects less than one percent of the population. Boys and girls are affected equally. When it occurs, it is usually diagnosed by the time the child is 11 years old.

Scheuermann's kyphosis is an abnormal forward curvature of the thoracic spine. Patients with this condition have a very rounded mid-back. They appear to be very stooped forward. Kyphosis is a term that refers to this position of the spine and resulting posture.

When the kyphosis is more than 70 degrees and getting worse, then surgery is considered. Back pain and cosmetic appearance are two other reasons to manage the problem operatively.

In this study, surgeons take a look back and review the results of 78 patients who had surgery for Scheuermann's kyphosis. The results of this study provide updated outcomes using current implant systems and surgical techniques.

Scheuermann's kyphosis is the name given to a condition of increased rounding of the thoracic spine. Structural deformity of the vertebral bones is involved. As the spine curves forward, the front part of the vertebrae become wedge-shaped.

Other changes may also occur. The cartilage around the discs can get pushed up into the end-plate of the vertebral body. There is a distinctive change seen on X-rays to suggest when this has happened.

Doctors from the Mayo Clinic provide this review and update on a condition called Scheuermann's kyphosis. Kyphosis refers to a forward rounding of the thoracic spine. The deformity was first described by Dr. Scheuermann based on X-ray findings.

Vertebral compression fractures (VCFs)can be completely asymptomatic. Asymptomatic means there are no symptoms. The person doesn't even know they have the problem until it shows up on an X-ray. In such cases, there is no pain but deformity of the spine is possible. Over time, the shape of the spine changes because of the bone that is collapsed.