I do have DDD in my L5-S1 area. My problem is that I have a uncontrollable amount of muscle spasms in my mid and upper back. My ortho dr said that in the over 10,000 cases of low back pain he has treated he has never seen anyone with my symptoms. Actually, my low back is uncomfortable, but does not hurt all that bad. I tolerated my low back for over 1 1/2 yrs with no meds. Last summer my pain seemed to explode over night and has not let up since. I am on baclofen and soma now, and am basically homebound. I have been to 8 different drs, had 4 xrays, 4 rounds of blood work (for autoimmune disorders), 3 MRI's (both lumbar and thoracic), and nothing but the L5-S1 shows up. I have tried everything to no avail. If my problem is not stemming from the DDD then what could it be? Does anyone know of any other conditions that would cause such severe muscle spasms in my back? I sure hate to risk some kind of procedure to remedy my DDD only to find out later that it was really something else.

I appreciate you taking the time to read this,
Thanks,
Gracie

I don't want to make a guess of what else it might be, but I am wondering why your doctor hasn't done further testing. An MRI with contrast, myelogram, and discogram all come to mind when a plain MRI has not shown the cause of continued pain. You might ask your specialist about this.

Carol

I am awaiting another thoracic MRI. If that shows nothing then he is sending me for a CT scan. If that shows nothing, then on to a discogram. I also am waiting for an appt with a neuromuscular specialist. I am sure all this will take many months to do since I have an HMO and I seem to wait forever for referrals. I was just wondering if my symptoms sounded familiar to anyone.
Gracie