question..... - Spinal Cord Disorders Message Board

jorjie2 · 07-26-2003, 05:59 AM

Hi all!!! I stumbled across this board after doing research on protruding cervical discs. I was recently in a car accident (young girl ran a stop sign and broad sided me) and have had major headaches, shoulder and arm pain with tingling and numbness. My MRI revealed protruding discs at C4-5, and C5-6. I also have low back pain which radiates down the right leg. My lumbar MRI is scheduled for next week. Has anyone had success with therapy for disc problems?? What can I look forward to down the road?? Any info on experiences is appreciated.Thanks.

Memer · 07-26-2003, 07:29 AM

Hi Jorjie,

Welcome. By the time I was diagnosed, it was too late for therapy to help (the disks had calcified and broken into pieces). However, I have heard some stories where therapy has helped. I think a lot depends on the condition of the disks (bulging or herniated/soft or hard) and your age. There is a wide range of experience here, so I'm sure someone will be around shortly with more answers.

Welcome

NYFUSED · 07-27-2003, 07:38 PM

Hi,

Sounds to me with your symptoms that you have nerve damage in the cervical spine. Pain down the legs is sciatica. You should ask for an EMG test done for the upper and lower extremities. I wish you luck and hope you are feeling better soon.
I have had all of your symtoms and still expierence them to this day.

Lori

Laminectomy L4-5
ACDF C5-6-7 with own bone 10/2002
Posterior laminectomy-foraminotomy c6-7 6/4/2003
staph inefection back in hosp. 7/4- 7/9/2003

jdog · 07-27-2003, 08:16 PM

Welcome to our motely little group. Sorry you have to be here. You have good information above. I also noticed that you are from PA. There's a doctor in your neck (no pun intended) of the woods that does minimally invasive surgeries on the back. His name is Dr. Jho and his practice is in Pittsburg. Quite a few people on this board have gone to see him with successful results. Should PT or non-surgical methods not be of any help to you, it would not hurt to get his opinion of your case.

jdog

PainInTheNeckJackie · 07-29-2003, 07:47 AM

Hi Jorjie, Welcome! I, like you, was in an accident and have two herniated discs C5-6 and 6-7 causing forminal stenosis on the left. My left shoulder (near the blade) always feels out of place and my arm becomes like pins and needles all the way into my fingers. My accident happened in May, I've been in physical therapy for a little over 2 months and I have had cortisone injections, nerve blocks and NOTHING seems to be helping. My doctor has mentioned cervical epidurals and/or surgery. My therapist feels as frustrated and I do because I am not advancing, as a matter of fact, I'm going backwards and losing range of motion everyday. I try not to take the pain medication because I have to go on working full time and cannot do that while medicated. I will be contacting my doctor today to discuss some other remidies. I wish you luck and I hope the therapy helps you. I am not ready to give up, but everyday I lose hope! The best thing you can do is keep your chin up and vent here, these people are great spirit builders! TAke care, feel better soon... JACKIE