Now it's in my neck? - Spinal Cord Disorders Message Board

Vuitton70 · 03-23-2009, 03:39 PM

I have a torn/buldging disc at L4/L5 and a degenerated on at L5/S1 + messed up SI joints from a 20 ft fall back in 03-04. I've tried everything my doc has said that is available to combat the unbelievable pain in my low back & down my legs.

All along I have had some pain in the cervical area but doc kept brushing it off as "strain". It has gotten worse and everytime I raise up my arms or shoulders a terrible pinch/burning sensation goes across the neck area and down my right arm.

FFWD I had a recent MRI that showed a degerated disc at C5-6. Could this cause the pain I feel? I wish he had just MRI'd the whole spine. Also, could the disc have degerated in the fall or could it be DDD?

I really don't need another area that hurts KWIM, the lumbar is enough, thank you

SpineAZ · 03-23-2009, 05:23 PM

Depending on your age - some degenerative disc disorder is normal as one gets older (even starting in the late 30's and early 40's). But yes, some of your symptoms, specifically the burning down the arm, could be cervical disc related. My primary symptoms were a searing pain (some may call it burning) down the left arm with some numbness in a few fingers.

Vuitton70 · 03-24-2009, 03:13 PM

Ok, I forgot to add that my right pinky & tip of my right thumb go numb as well. And yes it IS a searing pain that travels across my right shoulder & down the arm.

Goodness, now I have another issue to battle! I suppose treatment would be the same as my lower back, ESI's, trigger point inj & meds? Do you have any experience with neck treatments?

SpineAZ · 03-24-2009, 06:16 PM

I've had the ESI's, meds and surgery. The ACDF (surgery) did relieve a significant amount of my pain. I've since had other problems (more related to stenosis) and ESI have worked well for this.