Anyone with similar problem? - Spinal Cord Disorders Message Board

rejohnson20 · 09-08-2003, 11:46 AM

After suffering with poor since of balance, weakness, pain and numbness on the left side (hand and foot) was diagnoised with herinated disc at C4-5 and C6-7. Also had spots on the spine, now diagonised as Myelomalacia. Surgery done March 2003, first removed bones from rear of neck, removed bone spurs, than from front removed disc at C4-5, and C6-7 put donor bone in and plate with 6 screws.

Today pain in hands, thumb and first 2 fingers still persist. After returning to NS several times with pain carpal tunnel came up. I do not experience the pain as coming down from the neck, it starts in the fingers and goes up, sometimes arm is painful. Went to Neuro for nerve studies, his report said 3 possible causes, Diabetes (Type II, meds only) spots on spine, Carpal Tunnel.

Went thru PT with ultra sound, medication into hand with use of electrical, manual massage and exercises with no relief from pain.

Now must decide if surgery for carpal tunnel is the thing to do. NS recommends it.

Has anyone experienced similar problems?

Thanks for the advise.
Bob

schragie · 09-08-2003, 07:24 PM

Hey there,
I had herniated 5-6 and 6-7 and experience the pain and weakness you mention. Also, my balance was off and I had some wetting problems--all from spinal cord compression at the time. I did have the neck surgery/fusion and the worst of the problems subsided. I don't know anything about carpal tunnel, but as is the case with all types of surgery, it would be best for you to get a second opinion.
Best of luck,
Lisa

PainInTheNeckJackie · 09-08-2003, 08:32 PM

Hey Bob. I have a herniated C5-6/6-7. I am awaiting the EMG/NCV results from Friday. I possibly have carpal tunnel along with the nerve damage. Keep up the hope... WE've all got to get better

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Jackie
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Left paramedian subligamentous herniation C5-C6 causing left foraminal stenosis and cord compression;
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Right paramedian subligamentous herniation at C6-C7, abutted against the vetral aspect of the spinal cord

lifeonhold2003 · 09-09-2003, 12:22 AM

Please see my post on 6/24. I would definitely get a second opinion before have the carpal tunnel surgery. Good Luck.

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AKA: Julie

4/23/03 - Anterior Cervical Discectomy w/Fusion C5/6 - donor bone with titanium plate, 4 screws, no collar post-op

PainInTheNeckJackie · 09-09-2003, 06:52 AM

Julie, I've also been told NOT to get the carpal tunnel surgery because the problems just come back with a vengeance. Not advisable! After the carpal tunnel release, the pressure just builds back up again.

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Jackie
***************
Left paramedian subligamentous herniation C5-C6 causing left foraminal stenosis and cord compression;
------------------------
Right paramedian subligamentous herniation at C6-C7, abutted against the vetral aspect of the spinal cord