What is "DJD of the thoracic spine"?

Question

Also: "Mild scoliosis in thoracic spine....multiple anterior and lateral osteophytes are seen". Darvoset-100 doesn't relieve the chronic pain. What other pain meds are appropriate? Thanks.

Answer 1

The thoracic spine is in the chest area...the ribs are attached to the thoracic vertebrae.

DJD means degenerative joint disease, which is the deterioration of the joints between vertebrae.  Mild scoliosis is a slight lateral (sideways) curve of the spinal column, as opposed to being vertically aligned which is the norm.  Osteophytes are bony growths and are seen on the front and side surfaces of the vertebrae.

Appropriate medication is that which can be taken on a long term basis, so is non-addictive, and which is effective in relieving pain. Anti-inflammatory drugs may help, and are appropriate. If relief is not obtained from the drug you are taking, other choices are available and should be tried.  A good orthopedist should be working with you on pain management.

Answer 2

DJD is Degenerative Joint Disease  

Answer 3

Darvoset is the weakest pain med on the market. Doctors usually try this first to see if it works. Any pain med can work on back pain. However, some people percocet can make them nauseaous. This goes with a lot of codiene medicine. I know Valium doesn't work on me at all, but percocet works wonders. My husband gets nauseous off of Valium and percocet, but can take darvoset. The only problem stated before, is that it is weak.

Depending on the pain medication depends on which neurons it works off of. This why a drug can work on one person and not another. This is also why Valium doesn't work on me, but percocet does.

To answer you main question, you can be prescribed any pain medication, it just depends on your body.

DJD- degenerative joint disorder....I have this, but I don't take pain med since I am in my 20's.

Scolioisis means curvature in the spine

Your spine has 4 main regions: cervical, near the neck. Thoracic, at your chest. Lumbar, lower back. Sacral, "butt bone" area.

It means you have a curvature in your spine in your chest area.

Osteophytes AKA bone spurs develop because of bone disorders, like arthritis/DJD, etc.

Bone spurs can rub against nerves, etc causing inflammation, than causing back pain. Have you asked a doctor about steriod shots? That is if the spurs are causing inflammation.

Answer 4

Degenerative Joint Disease

If Darvocet doesn't help, there are a number of options available for pain relief. Your doctor should choose what works best. Codeine, hydrocodone, oxycodone, tramadol...all these are commonly used. It all depends on the patient's response. Stronger analgesics such as Percodan and Percocet are extremely addictive