beach117
06-27-2007, 11:16 PM
I'm new on Healthboards and have questions on my MRI's of my cervical spine. This is a little long, Sorry! But I'd appreciate any thoughts or feedback anyone could give me! ......
3 weeks ago, I obtained a copy of an MRI that was done in 2005 (that I never saw) of my cervical spine/shoulder and learned that there were "findings" on this MRI . I had a followup MRI last week , that compared the two(see below)
Incedentail finding of a Hemangioma on C3 (2005 & 2007)
C5 & C6 : paracentral left lateral (what's this ?) protruding discs. (2005 MRI indicates a High signal , 2007 indicates a low signal) That's good right ? Also noted in both MRI's I have moderate to severe neural forminal narrowing (this appears to have progressed since the 05 MRI)
Cervical Spine alignment was "normal" in 2005 ..... 2007 it states that there is a 'reversal of the normal cervical lordosis at the C5 & C6 level (Also Ligamentous injury cannot be excluded) What does this mean, is it fixable without surgical intervention ?
Spinal Cord maintains normal signal (2005 & 2007)
Now ...... for the last 10 years of my life, I have been told my *ailments* are in my head (Fibromyalgia - anyone that's 'got it' would fully understand how maddening & upsetting these words are !!!) Ironically , I was diagnosed with a small meningioma in my temporal lobe in 2006, so now I can say "it's all in my head" (sick humor, couldn't resist!):D .
Anyway, with all *this* stuff going on , along with the Meningioma, I decided to send my films/reports to a "top Notch" :rolleyes: medical center, along with my symptons to see if there was any connection to all these things.
Well, I am distraught! They are saying my pain , weakness, severe & frequent headaches & leg / foot cramping (amongst many other things) is not related to anything they see in the films. Only mentioned that perhaps I may have "arthritis". Great , let's throw more BS diagnoses on the list that's a new one!!!!!
This just doesn't make any sense to me! :confused: I was praying against all praying that *now* I had a *real* situation going on, it would explan everything and they would fix me, Finally !!! I'm just disgusted. I don't know if this is a DR covering another DR's backside ... or it is the medical insurance situation (I am on medicare/disability) but I feel like I am being cast to the wayside , and left to think this must be in my head!
I am throwing the towel in. I give up on Dr's ..... if I never see the insides of a hospital or office again , it will be too soon!
anyway quick couple of questions:
What is the difference between neural forminal narrowing vs. Stenosis of the Spine ? Is the narrowing a pre-cursor to the stenosis ? Is it something that requires treatment ? How do I fix this ???
Also , how does a DR determine if there is nerve compression or damage with the above situation that could be triggering other things, like vision problems, facial/ear pain , etc...... ???? Can they see that in the MRI ?????
Any thoughts , comments or feedback I would really appreciate it !
Thanks!
3 weeks ago, I obtained a copy of an MRI that was done in 2005 (that I never saw) of my cervical spine/shoulder and learned that there were "findings" on this MRI . I had a followup MRI last week , that compared the two(see below)
Incedentail finding of a Hemangioma on C3 (2005 & 2007)
C5 & C6 : paracentral left lateral (what's this ?) protruding discs. (2005 MRI indicates a High signal , 2007 indicates a low signal) That's good right ? Also noted in both MRI's I have moderate to severe neural forminal narrowing (this appears to have progressed since the 05 MRI)
Cervical Spine alignment was "normal" in 2005 ..... 2007 it states that there is a 'reversal of the normal cervical lordosis at the C5 & C6 level (Also Ligamentous injury cannot be excluded) What does this mean, is it fixable without surgical intervention ?
Spinal Cord maintains normal signal (2005 & 2007)
Now ...... for the last 10 years of my life, I have been told my *ailments* are in my head (Fibromyalgia - anyone that's 'got it' would fully understand how maddening & upsetting these words are !!!) Ironically , I was diagnosed with a small meningioma in my temporal lobe in 2006, so now I can say "it's all in my head" (sick humor, couldn't resist!):D .
Anyway, with all *this* stuff going on , along with the Meningioma, I decided to send my films/reports to a "top Notch" :rolleyes: medical center, along with my symptons to see if there was any connection to all these things.
Well, I am distraught! They are saying my pain , weakness, severe & frequent headaches & leg / foot cramping (amongst many other things) is not related to anything they see in the films. Only mentioned that perhaps I may have "arthritis". Great , let's throw more BS diagnoses on the list that's a new one!!!!!
This just doesn't make any sense to me! :confused: I was praying against all praying that *now* I had a *real* situation going on, it would explan everything and they would fix me, Finally !!! I'm just disgusted. I don't know if this is a DR covering another DR's backside ... or it is the medical insurance situation (I am on medicare/disability) but I feel like I am being cast to the wayside , and left to think this must be in my head!
I am throwing the towel in. I give up on Dr's ..... if I never see the insides of a hospital or office again , it will be too soon!
anyway quick couple of questions:
What is the difference between neural forminal narrowing vs. Stenosis of the Spine ? Is the narrowing a pre-cursor to the stenosis ? Is it something that requires treatment ? How do I fix this ???
Also , how does a DR determine if there is nerve compression or damage with the above situation that could be triggering other things, like vision problems, facial/ear pain , etc...... ???? Can they see that in the MRI ?????
Any thoughts , comments or feedback I would really appreciate it !
Thanks!
Sponsor
luvtocamp
06-28-2007, 08:26 AM
Hi
I have been having ear pain and facial spasms for the last two years and seen 2 tmj dentist. My neuro had done lots of brain scans to check for my blood vessels in my head and so on. I do have MS but she and I don't feel this is the true reason for the head ear and facial spasms.
Now they think I should have facet block injections in my neck to see if it helps the facial and head pain. I have a couple bulges and an large osteocyte complex at c 6-7 . They can say if the neck is causing this, the facet block injections might help to rule out the neck. I haven't decided what to do yet.
I can see where you wish you could get a real dx of what the prob. is- I sure understand.
I have been having ear pain and facial spasms for the last two years and seen 2 tmj dentist. My neuro had done lots of brain scans to check for my blood vessels in my head and so on. I do have MS but she and I don't feel this is the true reason for the head ear and facial spasms.
Now they think I should have facet block injections in my neck to see if it helps the facial and head pain. I have a couple bulges and an large osteocyte complex at c 6-7 . They can say if the neck is causing this, the facet block injections might help to rule out the neck. I haven't decided what to do yet.
I can see where you wish you could get a real dx of what the prob. is- I sure understand.
Amanda55
07-08-2007, 12:19 PM
Hi. I am new here also. Oh your situation sounds a bit like mine in some aspects. I am in the process of changing neurologists actually which is no easy task.
My neuro told me I only had arthritis in my neck at c5-6. Hogwash. I have battled with him for years on this issue to the point of simply staying on muscle relaxers for the spasms and mind over matter to deal with the pain and associated increasing frequency of related symptoms. Last MRI of mine showed the reversal lordosis thing which I am given to understand is comparable to a straightening of the cervical spine (often the result of muscle spasms) which is normally curved. I was given a diagnosis of spinal stenosis which my neuro states is nothing more than arthritis. MRI in my case showed mild effacement of the cord at C5-6 as well as formation of osterophytes at that level.
It was related to another issue that I went to see an orthopaedic surgeon who included x-rays of my neck with others. I was informed that I had a very serious condition in my neck that, had I reported <key word there is reported> more pain, I would be on my way to surgery. I further discovered that C5 is as vulnerable to paralysis as C4. So I remain in the process of transferring everything to another neurologist who I hope will accept me as a transfer patient.
Injury history: survivor of multi-trauma near fatal head-on MVA. Neck not diagnosed until three years later to be the cause of persistent muscle spasms - 1986. Second trauma to neck was a handful of years after that when a chair flipped over on me pinning me under a desk. My neck has never been the same since. Third trauma: also at work. Crutch went out from under me, jamming under the arm on one end and under the fridge at the other end. I went instantly numb from the neck down to the tips of my toes. No contrast was used in the MRI in 2003. I suspect that I may have sustained a hairline fracture in one of the vertebra at that level.
Symptoms: constant muscle spasms even though on muscle relaxers for a numebrb of years. Increasing in frequency and torque. Persistent numbness on left side of meck and throat to left finger tips. Increasing episodes of uncontrollable tremors in both hands. Development of facial tics. Muscle spasms in toes (I think you reported the same there) to the degree that my toes literally freeze in the most painful position I ever thought would be possible until the spasm passes. Sleep apnea is worsening. Periodic episodes of extreme pain radiating from neck to left side fingertips - lasting up to a week. Migraines are increasing. increasing difficulty swallowing.
I regret that I didn't get a second opinion sooner. If anyone has suggestions for my situation as well as the OP's - I would welcome any input as this is getting a bit scary actually.
Thanks!
My neuro told me I only had arthritis in my neck at c5-6. Hogwash. I have battled with him for years on this issue to the point of simply staying on muscle relaxers for the spasms and mind over matter to deal with the pain and associated increasing frequency of related symptoms. Last MRI of mine showed the reversal lordosis thing which I am given to understand is comparable to a straightening of the cervical spine (often the result of muscle spasms) which is normally curved. I was given a diagnosis of spinal stenosis which my neuro states is nothing more than arthritis. MRI in my case showed mild effacement of the cord at C5-6 as well as formation of osterophytes at that level.
It was related to another issue that I went to see an orthopaedic surgeon who included x-rays of my neck with others. I was informed that I had a very serious condition in my neck that, had I reported <key word there is reported> more pain, I would be on my way to surgery. I further discovered that C5 is as vulnerable to paralysis as C4. So I remain in the process of transferring everything to another neurologist who I hope will accept me as a transfer patient.
Injury history: survivor of multi-trauma near fatal head-on MVA. Neck not diagnosed until three years later to be the cause of persistent muscle spasms - 1986. Second trauma to neck was a handful of years after that when a chair flipped over on me pinning me under a desk. My neck has never been the same since. Third trauma: also at work. Crutch went out from under me, jamming under the arm on one end and under the fridge at the other end. I went instantly numb from the neck down to the tips of my toes. No contrast was used in the MRI in 2003. I suspect that I may have sustained a hairline fracture in one of the vertebra at that level.
Symptoms: constant muscle spasms even though on muscle relaxers for a numebrb of years. Increasing in frequency and torque. Persistent numbness on left side of meck and throat to left finger tips. Increasing episodes of uncontrollable tremors in both hands. Development of facial tics. Muscle spasms in toes (I think you reported the same there) to the degree that my toes literally freeze in the most painful position I ever thought would be possible until the spasm passes. Sleep apnea is worsening. Periodic episodes of extreme pain radiating from neck to left side fingertips - lasting up to a week. Migraines are increasing. increasing difficulty swallowing.
I regret that I didn't get a second opinion sooner. If anyone has suggestions for my situation as well as the OP's - I would welcome any input as this is getting a bit scary actually.
Thanks!
john449
07-09-2007, 01:14 AM
I apologize in advance but I see a lot of confusion about the anatomy of the spine and how it effects the nerves, etc.. Maybe what I say here will help a little in interpreting MRIs and symptoms.
The spinal column forms a tube that runs its full length from skull to tailbone. The spinal cord runs down this tube and the cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) circulates in there. When the tube is narrowed (at any level) it is called spinal stenosis. This can be caused by arthritis - usually the degenerative or "wear and tear" type seen to some extent in most of us as we age but also earlier in people who have had some neck trauma. Usually it is accompanied by some degeneration of the discs (cushions between the vertebrae) which allows the vertebrae to form osteophytes - extra bone growth due to irritation because of the loss of that cushion. These osteophytes often encroach into the spinal canal, causing narrowing or stenosis. When this encroachment extends to the spinal cord it produces a small impression referred to as effacement (Amanda). Fortunately the cord is flexible so damage is rare but it is always something to be aware of and follow up on.
The foramina are small passageways formed by the bony arch of the vertebrae. The individual spinal nerves leave the cord at each level and go thru the foramina to their respective areas (arms, legs, stomach, skin, etc.). Narrowing of the foramina gives the nerve less room. Here is where the nerve can sometimes be "pinched". Severe foraminal narrowing (Beach) can certainly produce symptoms, most usually in the distribution of the nerve that is being "pinched".
Finally the straightening which you all mention is, as you guessed, usually due to tension or spasm in the neck muscles. If you can get a handle on this often things markedly improve. Know from your posts you've tried - I've had these problems and so far have kept away from the knife. Hope you can do the same - Good luck to you all.
The spinal column forms a tube that runs its full length from skull to tailbone. The spinal cord runs down this tube and the cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) circulates in there. When the tube is narrowed (at any level) it is called spinal stenosis. This can be caused by arthritis - usually the degenerative or "wear and tear" type seen to some extent in most of us as we age but also earlier in people who have had some neck trauma. Usually it is accompanied by some degeneration of the discs (cushions between the vertebrae) which allows the vertebrae to form osteophytes - extra bone growth due to irritation because of the loss of that cushion. These osteophytes often encroach into the spinal canal, causing narrowing or stenosis. When this encroachment extends to the spinal cord it produces a small impression referred to as effacement (Amanda). Fortunately the cord is flexible so damage is rare but it is always something to be aware of and follow up on.
The foramina are small passageways formed by the bony arch of the vertebrae. The individual spinal nerves leave the cord at each level and go thru the foramina to their respective areas (arms, legs, stomach, skin, etc.). Narrowing of the foramina gives the nerve less room. Here is where the nerve can sometimes be "pinched". Severe foraminal narrowing (Beach) can certainly produce symptoms, most usually in the distribution of the nerve that is being "pinched".
Finally the straightening which you all mention is, as you guessed, usually due to tension or spasm in the neck muscles. If you can get a handle on this often things markedly improve. Know from your posts you've tried - I've had these problems and so far have kept away from the knife. Hope you can do the same - Good luck to you all.
neckpatient
07-09-2007, 03:04 AM
Hi welcome to the board. Sorry for your problems.
There is a test called EMG (electromyogram) that can test for radiculopathies (nerve root compression). It isn't pleasant, a little painful at times, but can give more information to the story.
The EMG helps to distinguish between muscle conditions in which the problem begins in the muscle and muscle weakness due to nerve problems like a "pinched nerve" in the C-spine.
There is a test called EMG (electromyogram) that can test for radiculopathies (nerve root compression). It isn't pleasant, a little painful at times, but can give more information to the story.
The EMG helps to distinguish between muscle conditions in which the problem begins in the muscle and muscle weakness due to nerve problems like a "pinched nerve" in the C-spine.
ICC
07-09-2007, 07:12 AM
Morning all.....My last MRI of cervical area shows bulging from the C3 through the C6. Large bone spur on the C5-C6 area and a possible pinched nerve at the C7, and stenosis. I say possible because I had the EMG done 3 weeks post injury and neuro said it was really too soon. Also suffered a shoulder injury at the same time. 14 months later, my neck was doing great just through PT and massage but my shoulder was getting worse. Had shoulder surgery 10 weeks ago. Part of the acromium bone was removed along with 10 bone spurs and a 2 inch rotator cuff repaired. Left side neck pain gone. Doing great until PT started to manipulate my arm to the point of tears. Pulling, pressing, crushing until I wanted to scream and run. Have an anxiety attack before I go to PT now. Saw the shoulder surgeon who said my shoulder froze up ( any wonder) gave me two injections and so far since last week 90% of the arm pain has gone. Also saw the Spine Specialist since after PT i aquired a large lump above my collar bone, collar bone pain is horrible, and the left side of my neck into my pec muscle is in agony again. He ordered an MRI of the Brachial Plexus as he feels I also have a problem in that area. Point behing all this typing is as you can see I have 3 problems on my left upper side. What is causing what? They don't know yet BUT the pain is not just from my cervical spine problems.
ICC
ICC
Amanda55
07-09-2007, 07:12 AM
Thanks John. That helps to clarify the different terms anyway.
Amanda55
07-09-2007, 07:28 AM
Hi welcome to the board. Sorry for your problems.
There is a test called EMG (electromyogram) that can test for radiculopathies (nerve root compression). It isn't pleasant, a little painful at times, but can give more information to the story.
I've had the EMG test back on 2002 which my neuro said was normal. He refuses to re-test and order an updated MRI, stating that I only have arthritis in my neck that everyone gets. I have other issues with my neuro who also treats me for TBI, ADD, Migraine and post-concusive syndrome. Aside from the neck issue, I recently discovered through the TBI rehab work eval that he should have recommended treatment with a neuropsych which he failed to do. Orthopaedist put me in PT for a month with my neck and I couldn't tolerate the exercises as they kicked up my pain for days. Traction was wonderful, but ortho doesn't want to order home traction - wants to have neuro evaluate neck. So...I wait.
There is a test called EMG (electromyogram) that can test for radiculopathies (nerve root compression). It isn't pleasant, a little painful at times, but can give more information to the story.
I've had the EMG test back on 2002 which my neuro said was normal. He refuses to re-test and order an updated MRI, stating that I only have arthritis in my neck that everyone gets. I have other issues with my neuro who also treats me for TBI, ADD, Migraine and post-concusive syndrome. Aside from the neck issue, I recently discovered through the TBI rehab work eval that he should have recommended treatment with a neuropsych which he failed to do. Orthopaedist put me in PT for a month with my neck and I couldn't tolerate the exercises as they kicked up my pain for days. Traction was wonderful, but ortho doesn't want to order home traction - wants to have neuro evaluate neck. So...I wait.
Amanda55
07-09-2007, 07:53 AM
. They don't know yet BUT the pain is not just from my cervical spine problems.ICC
You make a good point, ICC, and it is possible that is the situation in my case. I am also being followed by ENT for a small mass in the parotid gland on the same side as my pain, as well as slight enlargement of multiple lymph nodes in the posterior cervical triangle. I even had one lymph on the upper part of the back of my neck removed as it's location was right close to a nerve in that area. No improvement, btw, on my neck pain.
I am very receptive to the possibility that other issues may be contributing. However, when I spend a day driving my car and am laid up for days thereafter with extreme pain radiating from my neck on down, from a patient perspective, I associate the pain with whatever is going on in my neck. In my case, my situation is further complicated 22 years post-trauma from the MVA and TBI - in that the frontal lobe injury I survived negatively impacts on effective communication plus my neuro, who has also experienced head trauma, assesses me through the eyes of his personal experience rather than professional knowledge and experience.
I only found out that the nerve conduction tests performed back in 2002 revealed mild carpul tunnel bilaterally, although my neuro told me all tests were normal. I further discovered upon examination of my records that my neuro has falsely reported neurological findings in my records. The man has not conducted a neurological exam on me in the past few years, yet reports in my records that he has. Other issues along those lines as well. It is possible that the CPS has progressed which could be contributing to the nerve pain. Either way, I clearly need a neuro that will "hear" that something has changed as well as worsened and someone needs to investigate it more thoroughly. This has progressed to the point that I cannot sustain gainful employment which infuriates me actually.
I never had collar bone pain, but I can imagine it is off the scale painful - as is a fractured rib (did do that!)
Amanda
You make a good point, ICC, and it is possible that is the situation in my case. I am also being followed by ENT for a small mass in the parotid gland on the same side as my pain, as well as slight enlargement of multiple lymph nodes in the posterior cervical triangle. I even had one lymph on the upper part of the back of my neck removed as it's location was right close to a nerve in that area. No improvement, btw, on my neck pain.
I am very receptive to the possibility that other issues may be contributing. However, when I spend a day driving my car and am laid up for days thereafter with extreme pain radiating from my neck on down, from a patient perspective, I associate the pain with whatever is going on in my neck. In my case, my situation is further complicated 22 years post-trauma from the MVA and TBI - in that the frontal lobe injury I survived negatively impacts on effective communication plus my neuro, who has also experienced head trauma, assesses me through the eyes of his personal experience rather than professional knowledge and experience.
I only found out that the nerve conduction tests performed back in 2002 revealed mild carpul tunnel bilaterally, although my neuro told me all tests were normal. I further discovered upon examination of my records that my neuro has falsely reported neurological findings in my records. The man has not conducted a neurological exam on me in the past few years, yet reports in my records that he has. Other issues along those lines as well. It is possible that the CPS has progressed which could be contributing to the nerve pain. Either way, I clearly need a neuro that will "hear" that something has changed as well as worsened and someone needs to investigate it more thoroughly. This has progressed to the point that I cannot sustain gainful employment which infuriates me actually.
I never had collar bone pain, but I can imagine it is off the scale painful - as is a fractured rib (did do that!)
Amanda
beach117
07-18-2007, 12:52 AM
Hello Everyone ,
I wasn't aware that there were posts/replies to my original post , technical glitch I suppose ! ;)
Thank you all for sharing your experiences. I was able to compile enough data to send to MGH in Boston for review. The Tumor Board addressed the Meningioma only , which leaves all the spine related 'stuff' and symptons with no definitive answers, as this was outside their scope of expertise. I'm not sure what I need to do at this point. Would this be a spine specialist or a nuerologist that would address my questions or concerns ?
Thank you again !
I wasn't aware that there were posts/replies to my original post , technical glitch I suppose ! ;)
Thank you all for sharing your experiences. I was able to compile enough data to send to MGH in Boston for review. The Tumor Board addressed the Meningioma only , which leaves all the spine related 'stuff' and symptons with no definitive answers, as this was outside their scope of expertise. I'm not sure what I need to do at this point. Would this be a spine specialist or a nuerologist that would address my questions or concerns ?
Thank you again !
Amanda55
07-18-2007, 01:08 AM
Neck or C-spine falls under neurology. The rest of the spine I believe is orthopaedics but spine specialist should suffice.
Actually if anyone knows of a good neuro surgeon in Central FL - please kick me a name. Looks like I now have moderate degeneration at C3-5 with severe degeneration at C5-6 - per x-ray. Hate to even wonder what MRI would show now. :( ( I am "firing" my neurologist - he should have listened)
Hello Everyone ,
I wasn't aware that there were posts/replies to my original post , technical glitch I suppose ! ;)
Thank you all for sharing your experiences. I was able to compile enough data to send to MGH in Boston for review. The Tumor Board addressed the Meningioma only , which leaves all the spine related 'stuff' and symptons with no definitive answers, as this was outside their scope of expertise. I'm not sure what I need to do at this point. Would this be a spine specialist or a nuerologist that would address my questions or concerns ?
Thank you again !
Actually if anyone knows of a good neuro surgeon in Central FL - please kick me a name. Looks like I now have moderate degeneration at C3-5 with severe degeneration at C5-6 - per x-ray. Hate to even wonder what MRI would show now. :( ( I am "firing" my neurologist - he should have listened)
Hello Everyone ,
I wasn't aware that there were posts/replies to my original post , technical glitch I suppose ! ;)
Thank you all for sharing your experiences. I was able to compile enough data to send to MGH in Boston for review. The Tumor Board addressed the Meningioma only , which leaves all the spine related 'stuff' and symptons with no definitive answers, as this was outside their scope of expertise. I'm not sure what I need to do at this point. Would this be a spine specialist or a nuerologist that would address my questions or concerns ?
Thank you again !
SKZ
07-18-2007, 12:48 PM
I had neck surgery (ACDF c5-c7) in Jan. I used a orthopedic spinal surgeon. They DO do necks. I am real happy with the job he did. I am fully fused now.
SpineAZ
07-18-2007, 04:51 PM
Keep in mind there is a big difference between Neurology and Neurosurgeon. Neurologists can diagnose and treat a variety of conditions but are not surgeons. I saw a Neurologist first who referred me on to a Neurosurgeon. I actually ended up later being referred to an Orthopedic Spine Surgeon who was amazing. So keep all your options open.
beach117
07-19-2007, 01:15 AM
At what point do you know it's time for a nuerosurgeon (or spine/ortho surgeon) ?????? Is nerve damage (due to narrowing) reversable without surgical intervention ?
Just curious ..... I would prefer to fix my neck (if possible) anyway I can avoiding surgery. I'm beginning to wonder if things have progressed to far for this to be an option :(
Just curious ..... I would prefer to fix my neck (if possible) anyway I can avoiding surgery. I'm beginning to wonder if things have progressed to far for this to be an option :(
SKZ
07-19-2007, 06:39 PM
The way I knew it was time for surgery was that I was seeing a PHYSIATRIST and he worked with me for about 6 months and told me I was at the end of the line and I needed to see a surgeon. I thought I would faint. Its weird, I had been in terrible pain for 5 years, saw every type of Dr. imaginable, had every procedure imagineable, but still it didnt occur to me that I would need surgery. I was very grateful that the physiatrist did refer me because the surgery did help me alot. Too bad I have another screwed up level that was not great before the surgery and is bothering me alot since I went on a trip and did the luggage thing. :(
Amanda55
07-19-2007, 07:57 PM
Keep in mind there is a big difference between Neurology and Neurosurgeon. Neurologists can diagnose and treat a variety of conditions but are not surgeons. I saw a Neurologist first who referred me on to a Neurosurgeon. I actually ended up later being referred to an Orthopedic Spine Surgeon who was amazing. So keep all your options open.
Hmmm.... I still need a new neurologist to make the referral then to Orthopaedic Spine surgeon. My current ortho doesn't do necks and referred me back to neurology. My current neuro (since 2001) ignored the progression in my neck, not to mention falsely reported in his record of each visit that he had actually checked reflexes, among a number of other neuro exam type things and the idiot has not laid a hand on me in 2-3 years. Only kept writing scripts for muscle relaxers and my migraine meds. He refused my request for an updated MRI of my C-spine - said I "only have a little arthritis which was no big deal".
At C5-6 for me, vertebrae are inverted towards spinal cord at an alarming angle and pain as well as radiculopathy is 24/7 and the muscle spasms are progressing to other limbs.
Thanks for the tip on the ortho/spinal surgeon. Helps me to understand the process.
Hmmm.... I still need a new neurologist to make the referral then to Orthopaedic Spine surgeon. My current ortho doesn't do necks and referred me back to neurology. My current neuro (since 2001) ignored the progression in my neck, not to mention falsely reported in his record of each visit that he had actually checked reflexes, among a number of other neuro exam type things and the idiot has not laid a hand on me in 2-3 years. Only kept writing scripts for muscle relaxers and my migraine meds. He refused my request for an updated MRI of my C-spine - said I "only have a little arthritis which was no big deal".
At C5-6 for me, vertebrae are inverted towards spinal cord at an alarming angle and pain as well as radiculopathy is 24/7 and the muscle spasms are progressing to other limbs.
Thanks for the tip on the ortho/spinal surgeon. Helps me to understand the process.
pattihabs
07-19-2007, 09:57 PM
hi amanda, i read all these posts and i would try if i were you a pain management doctor. they do many procedures without doing surgury that might help with your pain. i had 4 cervical fusions and on the 4th, developed rsd, my life has been hell ever since. i wish i could go back and never had a surgury. after you have a cervical fusion, the other discs become vulnerable to become bad and thats what happened to me. now i even have discs in my lumbar area that are herniated. once you mess with your spine with surgury, it will never be the same. what ever you decide, good luck, patti
Amanda55
07-20-2007, 03:51 AM
Patti,
In looking up on ****** what RSD is, looks like I already have it without benefit of surgery to bring it on. I have had three siginificant traumas to my neck and the last one was my undoing. I am also considering pain management but my concern is this. Pain management will help with the pain - but not the root cause of the pain. In the last 4 years since the last trauma to aggravate my neck, the degenerative process has progressed at an alarming rate. I also am a TBI survivor and where that impacts is that I am accident prone because of cognitive/spatial/perception issues (although some of the accidents I have as a result are rather slapstick in nature) - I have to consider that aspect also. My quality of life at this point is almost nil. The simple act of driving flares my pain and spasms enough to lay me up for a week - same with turning my head to my left. Speaking of driving - one more incident of someone rear ending me - given the angle of C5-6 towards the cord, right kind of force and it's all over anyway. Muscle spasms are the norm - and I would hate to imagine what they would be if I weren't on muscle relaxers as they are pretty bad on them. I'm progressively losing fine motor skills now bilaterally - both hands. Not all necessarily related to C- spine but also have degeneration at S-spine. Basically, here I am at 51 and while I appreciate having survived a near fatal multi-trauma head-on MVA - the equivalent of hitting a brick wall at 90 mph (both vehicles going 45 MPH) - looks like the consequences of surviving are reaping their due now. What I need first and foremost is a doctor or surgeon that has the brains to plug a gnat's bottom to effectively diagnose and make recommendations there of.
Non-invasive methods have been tried on and off for 10 years, including PT and injections. I don't want surgery - but I am more afraid at this point of not having surgery. Those two vertebrae continue on their present course - it's all over anyway.
For sure, I will check with my primary and request a script to go to a pain management doctor and I thank you for that recommendation. At least managing the pain will hopefully enable me to be more active as my weight is creeping up which only compounds the problem.
Amanda
In looking up on ****** what RSD is, looks like I already have it without benefit of surgery to bring it on. I have had three siginificant traumas to my neck and the last one was my undoing. I am also considering pain management but my concern is this. Pain management will help with the pain - but not the root cause of the pain. In the last 4 years since the last trauma to aggravate my neck, the degenerative process has progressed at an alarming rate. I also am a TBI survivor and where that impacts is that I am accident prone because of cognitive/spatial/perception issues (although some of the accidents I have as a result are rather slapstick in nature) - I have to consider that aspect also. My quality of life at this point is almost nil. The simple act of driving flares my pain and spasms enough to lay me up for a week - same with turning my head to my left. Speaking of driving - one more incident of someone rear ending me - given the angle of C5-6 towards the cord, right kind of force and it's all over anyway. Muscle spasms are the norm - and I would hate to imagine what they would be if I weren't on muscle relaxers as they are pretty bad on them. I'm progressively losing fine motor skills now bilaterally - both hands. Not all necessarily related to C- spine but also have degeneration at S-spine. Basically, here I am at 51 and while I appreciate having survived a near fatal multi-trauma head-on MVA - the equivalent of hitting a brick wall at 90 mph (both vehicles going 45 MPH) - looks like the consequences of surviving are reaping their due now. What I need first and foremost is a doctor or surgeon that has the brains to plug a gnat's bottom to effectively diagnose and make recommendations there of.
Non-invasive methods have been tried on and off for 10 years, including PT and injections. I don't want surgery - but I am more afraid at this point of not having surgery. Those two vertebrae continue on their present course - it's all over anyway.
For sure, I will check with my primary and request a script to go to a pain management doctor and I thank you for that recommendation. At least managing the pain will hopefully enable me to be more active as my weight is creeping up which only compounds the problem.
Amanda