Another Question About Fusion C5-6 & C6-7 - Spinal Cord Disorders Message Board

PastorRobbie · 03-26-2009, 07:37 PM

I have one other question, there'll probably be more later. But, I read someone mention that they had chest pain, on their left side. I have herniations with Cord Compression at C5-C6 & C6-C7. Most all of my pain and symptoms seem to be on the left side, from my headaches, arm pain, numbness and loss of grip in left hand. I'm also having chest pain on the left side and I've had it checked with heart tests and stomach tests, but no diagnoses. It really hurts though and nobody has ever mentioned a relation between my neck and chest pain. Can anyone tell me more about this. I'd love to know that it truly is related, because I have been concerned that it may be a heart issue, but nothing shows up.

Also, I told you I'd probably have more questions later, but I thought it would be later than this. I'm having some lower extremity problems, Legs going to sleep and Pins & Needles. Can this be neck related as well? Just curious, as I don't know.

Thanks again for all of your help. You folks are a Godsend!

Pastor Robbie

Bobbyboo · 03-27-2009, 08:39 AM

I am not sure about the chest pain but I too have had numbness and tingling in my legs. When there is cervical cord compression from a herniation it can manifest itself in the lower extremities as well as the arms. I have heard that there are quite often lumbar spine problems in those with cervical problems and your symptoms could also be coming from some sort of compression lower down.

In my own case the numbness and tingling in my legs remained post op and I strongly suspect from an X-ray (recently got an MRI too but no results yet - surgeon on holiday (which I partially funded ha ha)) that I have herniations, osteoarthritis and possibly some sort of inflammatory condition in my lower spine/pelvis.

You should mention your symptoms to your consultant at your next visit.

cjlivinlife · 03-27-2009, 05:10 PM

Before I had my acdf C5-6 C6-7 with hardware I did have pain in the side of my neck that sometimes radiated down the front in my collarbone area and a little futher down the chest. It didn't feel like chest pain though it would sometimes go down the front of my shoulder down to my arm pit and out into the chest a little. Post op I don't have any of that pain now...just my muscles are weak from not doing anything but that will get better once I can start PT. Good Luck and take care.

jennybyc · 03-27-2009, 06:00 PM

Hi Pastor. As I mentioned in my post to you, you operate for numbness not necessarily pain. Pain means the nerves are alive and numbness means they are dying.

Cord compression in the neck quite often shows up in the feet and legs first. My very first symptoms were pins and needles in my toes then stiffness ad some numbness in my legs then it hit my arms. I was worst of the left but had cord compression affecting both sides. So yes, your leg problems are from your neck and it can cause bladder and bowel problems too...urgency or lack of response. Think of it this way.....any nerve that leaves your spinal canal below the area of compression is at risk. The risk is that if the blood supply is suddenly cut off by the compression, your spinal cord dies from that level down.

As for the chest pain, pain is usually caused by compression/pinching of the nerves exiting the vertebrae, not cord compression. If you have a problem within the canal, it's very possible you have some arthritis or disk bulging compressing the exiting nerves on the left side and therefore, chest pain. Your doc should clean all of that up when he operates. Just keep remembering that pain means a mad nerve not a dying one. Sometimes we have thank God for pain. As one who narrowly escaped paralysis of my whole left side thanks to a brilliant surgeon, I thank Him every day!

good luck and ask away!

gentle hugs.............Jenny

PastorRobbie · 03-27-2009, 07:28 PM

Hey BobbyBoo,

Thanks so much. I had my right hip Fused when I was 14 years old, due to an accident that I'd had and I was on the verge of leg amputation, but in '82 the doctors decided to try a total fusion as a last resort. Since you mentioned low spine, which I have tremendous pain in as well due to a 2 1/2" leg length deficit from the accident, it may be from another spinal or nerve issue in my lower spine. Thanks and I will get the Dr. to look into it.