In Reply to: Neck bone spur posted by Danny on October 25, 2000 at 14:04:03:
: I would like to know if there is any technique that can help in any way in a case neck bone spur, committing pressure on the esophagus and the trachea. I was diagnosed with this a few days ago, rather large one, and I'm looking for alternatives for surgery
: Thanks,
: Danny
Dear Danny: I had a rather large neck bone spur along with a herniated disk at C5-6. I ended up having fusion. However, in your case, MAYBE cortisteroid shots in the neck area could help. I say MAYBE because I tried them and they did not work for me. I DID have a herniated disk, pressing on my main spinal nerve as well. When I had the cortisteroid shots, the doctor who did it said that the steroids bring swelling down. Sometimes the swelling (due to my disk and the bone spur) only has to be taken down a tiny bit and I could possibly get relief. I had a series of three shots and it didn't work for me and I had neck fusion due this past June. Neck fusion is a very common surgery these days. You probably wouldn't need fusion, just a doctor to file down the spur. Ask your doctor if these cortisteroid shots could be an option. They do help my low back (I've got problems there, too). Who knows, maybe it will work. Take care, Pat G.