Questions on Neck Surgeries - Spinal Cord Disorders Message Board

chablis3 · 10-08-2007, 12:45 PM

Am posting again and hope this is the right board! I was on the Back Problem board and had some good answers from two board members there concerning my neck problems, and would also like to obtain some info from everyone else. First, to explain my problems a bit: Had X-Rays taken about a year ago and the results were: Severe degenerative disc disease at C4 through C6 intervertebral disc levels with bilateral neuroforaminal narrowing at C5/6 level. Moderate degenerative facet joint change at every level with the cervical spine column. No soft tissue swelling.

All this sounds very scary to me, and I don't know exactly what it all means except that my neck seems to be a mess! I get strange headaches, mostly at the base of the skull, as well as a tight feeling in the neck area. I also have constant ringing in the ears along with a "squishy" sound when I turn my head. I am interested in hearing what other members symptoms might be, and what kind of treatments did everyone try?

I have tried chiopractors and shots, but that didn't help a heck of a lot. Just wondering if I should be thinking of surgery at this point, or is there something else I could try? Haven't been to a neurosurgeon yet, but thinking that might be a good thing to do soon. Hope to hear other's experiences, and hope to hear from Tulip and Sage again to see what they think.

Thanks everyone!

alex12 · 10-08-2007, 01:33 PM

Hi
I sympathize since I am in pain too.
You mentioned an X-Ray did you mean an MRI? If you haven't you should get an MRI and make sure there is no cord compression, if you are having that tight feeling at the base of your neck and it is radiating down your shoulder blade and arm sometimes, you may have a cord compressed which happends from bone spurs growing.
Most of us here have disc degeneration and narrowing of the canals so you are not alone there.

My symtons are exreme pain in my neck that radiates to my shoulder blades...weakness in my arms and headaches.

Sage48 · 10-08-2007, 02:08 PM

Ok...I followed you!!!! Just wanted to check up and make sure you got here!! The headaches are the worst I have ever had...more than a migrane...when I went to the ER with one....HORRIBLE headache...the Dr. said it was a cervogenic headache... Thank goodness, once I had surgery,,,they went away.. I used to have different sounds in my neck and head...like a rushing sound...not very pleasant... Once I finally got to a good neurosurgeon, he diagnosed me...did a mylogram/ct...then a few weeks later did the ACDF... I did not wear a collar...my neuro. said the plate and screws would hold my neck together...not to worry!! I did do a couple of weeks of thereapy after the 6 week mark...but it wasn't really anything major...just got me loosened up a bit.. As I said before, the neck has been pretty good...I do have a couple of other things wrong in there...but I can live with what I have for now. Just wish the lower back could find a diagnosis!! (Remember I fell 5 yrs. ago...and caused all of this for myself....neck and lower back...)...
I do hope you can find some resolution.... BUT, remember if you do go for surgery...get the straws...and only drink very small sips... The throat will be better within a week or so...two at the most.... you may loose some weight...awww too bad on that...(15 pounds for me)...but go for small bites and soft stuff if you can... Good luck to you..

Sage

SpineAZ · 10-08-2007, 07:28 PM

I reccomend you get an evaulation by both a neurosurgeon and an orthopedic spine surgeon. Even though they are surgeons - they will reccomend less invasive treatment if it's appropriate.

chablis3 · 10-08-2007, 08:12 PM

I am so glad I got on here tonight and found 3 good replies! Alex; I haven't had an MRI, just the X-ray. I imagine when I go to a surgeon he would recommend an MRI, which I would think will show more. I don't have any shoulder pain or arm pain, just the terrible kind of numb feeling at the base of the skull, and I get what I describe as "hot flashes" in the head/face area. What have you tried so far for your pain? Thanks for your reply!

Kross; your suggestion is a good one and I will check on both a neuro guy and an orthepedic guy....as soon as I get up my nerve to go see somebody! I sure am hoping my problem can be fixed by a less invasive treatment. Thanks so much!

Sarge; Glad to see you found me, and your posts have been very helpful and informative. Yes, the headaches are terrible, and I too, have gone to the ER...before I knew I had the neck thing going on. All they did was give me some headache pills, not knowing about the neck issue at that time. The sound you described as a rushing sound is exactly what I have, and it is so annoying. Can you tell me what a mylogram is and how do they do that? And, what does ACDF stand for? What scares me the most is that they have to go through the front of the neck to operate; I almost think I could take going through the back of the neck! You sound like me, Sarge, I have a herniated disc in the lower back, and that hurts, too. Sorry to hear about your fall, that is a darn shame. Was the pain after the surgery real bad? I could stand to lose a good 20 pounds, so that won't bother me. The straw tip is excellent, and I will keep that in mind.

Thanks everyone, and hope to hear more. All information will be appreciated and I know it is going to help me make a decision.