Congenital short pedicles on MRI after a 2019 injury — anyone else dealing with this?
Back in 2019, I had an accident at work where I was sideswiped by two pregnant sows. When I got my MRI results, the doctors discovered that I have congenital short pedicles. Essentially, I was born with a narrower spinal column than most people—in other words, congenital spinal stenosis.
Ever since that accident, my symptoms have been really difficult to manage. My legs go numb from the waist down if I bend over too many times, which now happens on a daily basis. My feet also get numb whether I'm standing, moving around, or even just sitting.
Climbing stairs has become nearly impossible. I feel constant weakness in both my legs and my arms, and whenever I try to lift or carry items around the house—or even just do basic household chores—it feels like my back is literally breaking in two from the pain.
Has anyone else here been diagnosed with congenital short pedicles or spinal stenosis after a physical trauma? How are you managing the daily pain and numbness?
Hi,
!
I am glad you reached out and shared a bit of your story with us. I am so sorry a workplace injury exacerbated an issue you didn't even know you had. Pardon the nosy question, but were you able to get workmen's comp since your injury happened at the workplace?
And, well, here's more questions so I can better understand your situation. Were you ever referred for physical therapy and if so, did you do it and did it help? Are you on any types of treatment for your symptoms, like pain relievers? Does your doctor do regular check ups to measure your spine health, motility, flexibility, and muscle strength?
Apologies for the questions, but I don't want to offer any insights that won't be helpful, since I am coming from a place of ignorance about your specific situation.
I know that PT can help with maintaining and improving flexibility and strength, which can help with the pain and weakness you are experiencing. The numbness, however, is a symptom that should definitely be addressed, if you doctor hasn't already done so. Numbness can be an indication of another underlying back issue or a progression of an already existing issue, as I am sure you know.
I wasn't able to find any other members of this community living with Congenital short pedicles, though I suspect the likelihood of a member of this community living with spinal stenosis is pretty high.
I do hope you are able to find some options that help with the pain and weakness. I know the recommended advice is using heat or cold to help with localized pain, but for high levels of pain, a heating pad or an ice pack just aren't going to cut it!
Thanks again for joining and for indulging my questions. I hope you find some answers and some community here!
Best, Erin, Team Member.
