Needing info & support - Spinal Cord Disorders Message Board

Anna48 · 04-29-2006, 02:10 AM

: Last week I woke up with severe neck and left shoulder pain extending through to my left arm to my pinky. It was nearly unbearable but I though it was just a pulled muscle (from workouts) so I toughed it out for a week. When it didn't get better I knew I needed to see a pro. Went to the orthopaedist and he said the xray showed a unusual curve in C5 & C6 and he suspected herniation or compression. With no knowledge of the spine and my pain on the increase I found ways to pass the time at night(couldn't sleep because of the pain) so I surfed every site possible for answers. Knowledge is power! Armed with some info I marched back into the office and asked for my xrays and an order for an MRI (the office had drug their feet for over 2 days in scheduling), and before leaving to handcarry the orders the doc passed by and asked how I was doing. I told him what I had thought it was (hernation of C8, C5, C6) and possible spine compression because my feet became numb and tingley as well as my face, left side of lips and hands that alternate from no feeling at all when I awoke to tingles and numbness on the pinky and next finger. I also experience tightness in my left chest, which thanks to this message board, helped my know this was probably part of the hernation symptoms. I am scared because I have always been an healthy, active person and I can't control this. How can I know if I should go with surgery and with what kind of a doc? Neuro or orth? Can you have permanent nerve damage if nothing is done quickly? Does this change an active lifestyle? I can sympathize with so many of you now that I have experience this where before I had no clue. I could use your experience & knowlege!

jcjwillis · 04-29-2006, 07:25 AM

Dear Anna48
I am sorry to hear you are having so many problems with your neck. You were right about having as much knowledge as you can about any health conditions. As far as what you should do next, I would if I was not happy with who I was seeing now seek the opinion of someone else prefably someone who specializes with the spine.(they have orthopaedic doctors that specialize in the spine) or a neurosurgeon. I think it is a good idea not to wait to long to do this, because symptoms sometimes can get worse. If you find the right doctor and get the right treatment, you should be able to get your nice healthy self back.
Hope all goes well and please keep us informed!

Kissa · 04-29-2006, 10:30 AM

Most individuals tend to opt for a Neurosurgeon rather than an Orthpedic surgeon because not many Ortho's do spine work. Much of it will depend on what doctors are on your plan and in your area. Getting a second opinion is a wise thing to do. Surgery is always scary no matter the operation but ACDF's are generally pretty sucessful for most individuals and offer prompt relief from the pain for the most part.

As far as the compression goes, yes the longer a nerve is compressed the higher the risk for permanent nerve damage and your pain will also most likely increase as the herniations continue to expand or grow.

SpineAZ · 04-29-2006, 12:07 PM

Be sure to see a Neurosurgeon or an Orthopedic Spine Surgeon. I have chosen an Orthopedic Spine Surgeon who specializes in spine surgery and is skilled in cervical surgery. Some damage can be permanent if not handled quickly. We have someone who recently posted on the board who had severe symptoms and had surgery about a week or two later to avert possible long term damage. Keep doing what you are doing - take charge and do research - and keep us informed as to how you are doing.

Part of the research will lead you to the right physician. That's how I found my doctor (along with a strong reccomendation from my primary care who is excellent).

FYI - I am having a C5-C7 fusion with hardware on 05/18.

ThoreauFan · 04-29-2006, 10:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Anna48

I am scared because I have always been an healthy, active person and I can't control this. How can I know if I should go with surgery and with what kind of a doc? Neuro or orth? Can you have permanent nerve damage if nothing is done quickly? Does this change an active lifestyle? I can sympathize with so many of you now that I have experience this where before I had no clue. I could use your experience & knowlege!

Anna,

Do you have an MRI scheduled?

I'd love to give you some answers.

A good physician should be able to connect the dots among your symptoms, a clinical evaluation, and the various tests.

There are many very good physicians. Many times it is an issue of personal preference. There are Orthos who specialize in spinal surgeries. Some people prefer a Neurosurgeon. I am under the care of both a Neurologist and a Neurosurgeon. Everybody's situation is a little different.

Most of us, or at least me, can get pretty anxious and start thinking all sorts of terrible thoughts.

Being alone in your head can be scary - don't stay there.