Both reports back. MRI advice needed - Spinal Cord Disorders Message Board

TracyAlexa · 08-25-2008, 12:26 PM

I've had 2 MRI's.

First one, 12/2007 - c5-6 central and left paracentral disc protrusion present. effacement against the anterior aspect of the thecal sac. Narrowing of left neural foramen. This doc says surgery.

2nd one 8/08 One shows c5-6 mild spondylosis producing minimal dural sac compression and mild bilateral formaminal narrowing. c6-7 mild disc bulge producing mild dural sac compression and mild left foraminal narrowing. This Dr referred me to a pain mgt specialist and said NO surgery.

I am unsure of how to proceed. Has anyone ever tried a chiropractor for something like this? I have an appointment for tomorrow with one, so I am going to at least talk to him and see what options there are.

The pain I am experiencing the last 3+ years has gotten worse, and I cannot just do nothing. I don't know if a pain mgmt person would help...do they "solve" problems? I don't want to be medicated. I have a 3 yr old child and I don't want to walk around in a haze, but if there are meds that could help while finding the actual problem, I am all for that.

Any advice from those who have this issue, or similar is very appreciated!

pattihabs · 08-26-2008, 07:44 AM

hi tracy. sounds too familiar to me. unfortunately, i caved and had the fusion surgury and my problems only got worse. if i had the luck to do it over, i would have went to a pm doc beore i tried the surgury. on the other hand, 3 yrs is a long time. not sure what is true but i have heard if it dosen't fix itself after a year, then try surgury. the good news is now there are other less invasive procedures that are availabe. if i were you, i would seek out a doc who does these as opposed to a fusion. for me, the 1st surgury has led to a second, third, forth and now they want me to have another.... from my understanding of the spine, each surgury leads to weakening of the spine and the other levels will eventually go. this is true for me. well, tracy, good luck to whatever you try...patti