ms with cervical stenosis is this real! - Multiple Sclerosis Message Board

mistymauigirl · 01-06-2008, 02:31 PM

I have been going through the health care system merry go round of you have this that and this.
While the brain MRI showed demylenization the neck MRI showed cervical stenosis has anyone else had this type of diagnosis and what is the prognosis.
I an presenting "classic MS symptoms along with classic stenosis symptoms as well. anyone else out there this mixed up?

taosdaphne · 01-06-2008, 02:44 PM

Yes, possible to have both. How old are you? Stenosis tends to come to older folks, but I know some fairly young people with it. It's pretty common. When I had back surgery they tried to straighten out as much of the thoracic and lumbar stenosis, and did a good job. I do have cervical (is that the right word? Neck area) bit it's mild, and I also have a bulging disk, but it's not pressing on anything or causing pain, so we're ignoring it for the moment.

I'd concentrate on the MS but keep up with what's going on in the C-spine.Stenosis *can* be serious, esp. if nerves are being presed on, but pretty much it isn't.

Daphne

mistymauigirl · 01-06-2008, 03:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by taosdaphne

Yes, possible to have both. How old are you? Stenosis tends to come to older folks, but I know some fairly young people with it. It's pretty common. When I had back surgery they tried to straighten out as much of the thoracic and lumbar stenosis, and did a good job. I do have cervical (is that the right word? Neck area) bit it's mild, and I also have a bulging disk, but it's not pressing on anything or causing pain, so we're ignoring it for the moment.

I'd concentrate on the MS but keep up with what's going on in the C-spine.Stenosis *can* be serious, esp. if nerves are being presed on, but pretty much it isn't.

Daphne

I am only 58 and the stenosis seems to be rather severe. The caveat to all this I am one of those fortunate Americans without any heath insurance and because of excess absenteeism am now unemployed as well! So it is pretty obvious no MD wants to have anything to do with me. I have lost bladder control and at times cannot walk at all! When I am able to walk it is always with a cane or a walker. This is especially a blow to someone who is a marathoner and and avid surfer. All this has taken place in the last 2-3 months. My hope is a miracle from God afterall He is the great physician and if it is his will that I be healed it will happen!

MSNik · 01-06-2008, 04:47 PM

Hi, how do you know your stenosis is severe? Is it because of pain, or because you have seen an orthopedic or neuro surgeon and have been told this?
I have both MS and cervical stenosis, I didnt even know I had the stenosis until my MRI showed it...my Neurologist sent me to an Orthopedic Surgeon who told me to start PT for this...I did, and it helped considerably. I drive in sales for a living, spend 8 hours a day in and out of a car...I was coming home in agony from the pain in my left neck area which everyone said was "MS pain". I was grateful to find out it wasnt..

Stenosis is a closing of the area, or pressing on the nerve...sometimes, PT can help. There are exercises which take the pressure off the area. You should really try to find a clinic or something to see if you can learn these exercises. But, again, how do you know how severe it is? Ive got family members who were told the same thing, recived cortisone shots, another one recieved a spinal block, both helped tremendously.
Good luck, feel better soon.

cyprian1 · 01-07-2008, 06:42 AM

Hi - i have been dx'd with MS going into my 7th year .. and i am confused .. i have disc problems in both my cervical spine and my lumbar spine .. and am planning to ask the neuro to do a full MRI from tip of head to thru my hips ... my brother had just suggested this the other day ...

so i will be better equipped to post info .. but this is an interesting post , and i will ask about it when i see my neuro .. thanks