Slimlad

Hello everyone,

I was just wondering whether anyone else has experienced/ is experiencing the same symptoms as myself in relation to cervical Degenerative Disc Disease.

Briefly my history so far:

December 2005: Experienced intense itching in various parts of body, sometimes in patches, sometimes all over. I visited my doctor who checked liver functions etc. Everything found to be okay. The itching subsided and vanished, just as it had arrived, after about a month/ six weeks.

June 2006: Started to experience slight tingling sensation on the toes of my right foot. Put it down to sitting at computer too long so started exercising more. Sensation persisted and so in September 2006 went to doctor again who, upon examining my foot and checking circulation, re-assured me there was nothing to worry about. I left with a prescription for anti-depressants, which I did not take. I was worried I may have had type two diabetes and so had a test at a local chemist. The test was negative.

August 2007: The tingling sensation had persisted, in varying degrees, all year. I then started to notice a strange sensation in the thumb on my left hand. This developed into tingling in my fingers (both hands) and into my right foot. It is not just a tingling sensation but also a strange ‘soreness’ as if I have had my hands in a very strong solution of detergent for a long time. The ‘soreness’ is the same on the soles of my feet and my socks sometimes feel as though they are made of sandpaper. Other sensations include cold feet, burning sensation in feet, tingling in fingertips when lightly touching something, as in the keys of the computer, very sensitive patches in various parts of body, which just come and go. My GP referred me to a neurologist after taking more blood tests, which came back okay.

November 2007: Attended neurology clinic at my local hospital where I had a thorough examination. Initial findings were that my reflexes were exaggerated and that I had hyperaesthesia to pinprick in a C6 distribution bilaterally plus patches over trunk. The doctor asked whether I had any neck pain to which I replied no as I had no problems with my neck at all. He scheduled an MRI of my cervical spine and brain, which I had on 27 December 2007.

31 January 2008: Received a letter from the department of neurology informing me of the MRI results.

MRI Brain was normal.

MRI cervical spine shows exaggeration of the normal cervicothoracic kyphosis. There is also degenerative disc disease in the cervical region with loss of signal from all of the discs. At C5/6 there is a shallow posterior disc bulge in a central and paracentral region. Slight narrowing of the left lateral recess is demonstrated at this level. There is also bilateral exit foraminal narrowing at C4/5. No definite signal abnormality is seen in the cord. Slight prominence of the central canal is present at C7/T1.

I have a follow up appointment in six months time where they will assess whether this can be managed using tablets for symptoms or whether referral to a neurosurgeon would be useful for repair of my spine.

If you are still with me after taking the time, and having the patience, to read all of the above perhaps you have had, or are having, a similar experience.

The point I am questioning/curious about is that the main symptom of degenerative disc disease, as far as I am able to ascertain, appears to be neck pain with other symptoms being rare. How come my only symptoms are these weird sensations? Have you been diagnosed with this condition without neck pain? If so how is it progressing with you?

Best wishes to all who are suffering with this condition.