Renee016

Hi, Ang. Sorry to hear about your neck pain. I'm sure when you see the doctor that he'll order a CT-scan or an MRI but let me share my story. Four years ago I woke up with neck pain so bad that I could not lift my head off the pillow. I had to roll onto my side to the edge of the bed and actually use my hands to pick up my head. This came out of nowhere - no accident or fall or anything. Since then its been on and off neck and shoulder pain. In November I had another bad episode - finally an MRI was ordered and it showed three herniated discs, one of them pressing on the spinal cord. I don't have much problems with my arms but I am told this is very odd - most people with cervical herniations do. (Most of my problems are in my legs.)

Until you see the doctor you could try moist heat and Ibuprofen helped me some. Anyway, rest up and try to feel better.

Renee

P.S. Where did you have the discectomy done? And how were you injured?

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1982 Fusion surgery for scoliosis with stainless steel Harrington Rod (T5 - L3) using pelvic bone for grafting
1999 Neck problems began
2001 Cervical Kyphosis
2002 Diagnosed with Epstein-Barr (level was 7+) and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
2003 3 Herniated Cervical Discs - C4 thru C7. One disc (C5-6) pressing on the spinal cord (no nerve root compression) causing leg weakness, tingling, burning and numbness - diagnosed with myelopathy and ACDF recommended.
2/24/03 One-Level Anterior Cervical Discectomy with donor bone and titanium plate (C5-6)
Post 2/03 - Symptoms returned and worsening. Weakness in my legs is like walking against a 50 mph wind - pain in lower back and all the way down my right leg to the ankle - vertigo, muscle spasms in trunk and legs
7/03 EEG, BAERS and MRI of brain all normal
7/03 MRI of lumbar spine showed mild herniated disc (L4/5) with moderate to severe DDD and edema in the endplates. HOLDING OUT FOR ARTIFICIAL DISC REPLACEMENT!