spondylosis questions. Please help. - Spinal Cord Disorders Message Board

mishyl · 09-02-2004, 11:14 AM

Hi,
I have had neck and arm pain constantly with tingling in my fingers sometimes for about 2 1/2 months. I am taking 900 mg neurontin, cyclobenzaprine, vicadin, and flexeril for pain and I can still feel it. I've had 2 mri's. One on my arm and one cervical. When I saw the doctor for my results he told me that my neck was perfect(I didn't see the report from mri), but I just picked up my report to take it to a neurologist and it says I have minimal anterior spondylosis and mild scoliotic positioning. No focal disc herniation or impingement is seen and no intrinsic cord lesion. My question is, could this be causing all my pain? Is this a common thing seen in a lot of people? I'm very upset with my Dr. for not giving me this information. Even if it is minor, I think I should have been told. I also had an emg done and it shows a pinched nerve on my left side.
Also my arm and shoulder mri discovered a 3 mm mass identified as phleboliths or injection granuloma. The mri recommended plain radiograph for possible calcification. Anyone out there have this problem. My Dr. never told me to get the plain radiograph. I didn't know about this until I picked up the mri's. Any help or advice would be appreciated. Thankyou,
Michelle

Murphy · 09-02-2004, 02:08 PM

Most Dr's see spondylosis as dx. frm radiologist. MRI w/ dye hopefully was done. This
term is a generic word they read & don't read on. Most Dr's let a nurse ck. reports &
they never read. Get all copies uncluding blood/labs etc. for a hm-hlth file. I U R flat
on mri so many times impingement is overlooked. I suffered yrs. till I did own research.
The 3mm mass is located where? It may be a disk bulge & pretty good sz. Anything @
C4, 5,6, like a bulge or inflammation will cause off/on pain. I think Neurontin is a total
rip-off. There is a lawsuit going now w/ the co. getting docs to prescribe. It did zip 4
me. I finally bot hm-traction set-up to stretch neck/spine & separate disks when
things start to swell. Started slow & after 6 weeks 2xday, my hand no longer is numb
until I over use upper back & curve neck too much. We seldom get what we pay for
frm MD's anymore. Also try memory foam pillow instead of 1 that curves neck. A back
massager helps too. Wasn't that emg fun!

mishyl · 09-02-2004, 03:00 PM

Hi,
The mri was done without dye. I'm hoping the neurologist will look at things more thoroughly. The mass is actually in my arm. I don't know if it related because of muscle or nerve damage or totally unrelated. Unfortunately, my appt. with neuro. is not until Oct.1. I'm on a cancelation list to try and get in earlier. I'm finding this entire process crazy. In the meantime, I'm trying to cope with the pain. Thanks for the info.
Michelle

Calboy · 09-15-2004, 10:12 AM

Michelle,

Shouldn't the docs do an ultrasound of your arm for the lump?

lynns · 09-15-2004, 10:25 AM

michelle,
scoliosis rarely causes pain unless their is other problems in spine. as for your lump an ultra should be done. your arm could be causing your pain if mass is blocking nerves.
as for the scoliosis you also need to get that checked out and find the degree.
i will tell you from experiance not doing nothing about it will haunt you later.as for spondylitis it goes hand in hand with scoliosis. you need to find out what level it is.
if your in pain dont they have you in pain managment? if your doctor isnt being straight with you or you feel he's not being completely open than i would highly recommend a new doctor. asap. your health is important and with out a caring doctor you will never have the right treatment you deserve.
i hope you understood what i wrote. keep me and us all in touch on condition.
sincerly michelle