C5/c6 And C6/c7 Levels - Spinal Cord Disorders Message Board

Sadie14156 · 11-25-2008, 03:58 AM

I had a MRI Scan done on 20/11/08 and
the diagnosis is

There is early discogenic degenerative disease at the C5/C6 and C6/C7
levels but the striking feature is that of focal disc prolapse extending into the left intervertebral foramen at the C6/C7 level onthe left and impinging on the exiting nerve root.

My left shoulder / arm / elbow is very painful
and my left thumb and finger has a numb feeling.

Please help

ms.titanium · 11-25-2008, 07:06 PM

Hello Sadie,
What has your doctor said? Have you had a chance to ask questions? I have had an ACDF and a PCDF for levels 4-6 and I also have pain/numbness/burning on the left side with new symptoms starting on the right. There are so many variables, do you have a more specific question for the board here? There are people here that know a lot more than me about what you are going through.
Take care!!

Sadie14156 · 11-26-2008, 02:52 AM

Will be seeing a Neuro Surgeon on Monday. As per 2 other doctors
it looks like an operation is required. Please advise what is
the best route if anyone has any ideas.

Thanks and good luck
Sadie

Gotheprobe · 12-02-2008, 04:09 PM

Have you heard anything further? I've just joined this site today & are looking for conditions similar to my own. I have a pinched nerve between C6/C7 and similarly have had pain in my left shoulder & arm, extending down in to my first 2 fingers. The pain subsided by itself & was gone for a while but it's recently returned & I can't bare the thought (I'm 38) of going through on again, off again pain for the rest of my life. Hence I'm wondering:
1) Is surgery to fix such a problem risky (yeah I know all surgery is risky but relatively where does this type of procedure fit)?
2) Post-op do you return to 100% or are things never quite the same? (again I know it's different case by case - but generally speaking)
3) What type of op should I expect? i.e. what do they do?
4) How long (typically) is recovery
Anythihng else people may care to add.

Thanks anyone who takes the time to respond.

Sadie14156 · 12-03-2008, 01:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gotheprobe

Have you heard anything further? I've just joined this site today & are looking for conditions similar to my own. I have a pinched nerve between C6/C7 and similarly have had pain in my left shoulder & arm, extending down in to my first 2 fingers. The pain subsided by itself & was gone for a while but it's recently returned & I can't bare the thought (I'm 38) of going through on again, off again pain for the rest of my life. Hence I'm wondering:
1) Is surgery to fix such a problem risky (yeah I know all surgery is risky but relatively where does this type of procedure fit)?
2) Post-op do you return to 100% or are things never quite the same? (again I know it's different case by case - but generally speaking)
3) What type of op should I expect? i.e. what do they do?
4) How long (typically) is recovery
Anythihng else people may care to add.

Thanks anyone who takes the time to respond.

HI
I am going for an op on the 9th Dec, to have the nerve sorted out. They will not touch the C5/C6/C7 - only release pressure on the nerve root. The Dr. believes this will relieve the pain. Will let you know further once I have been thru it. Will only be back online early next year. Take care and pray for me.
Sadie