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 reverse cervical lordosis?
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mel333 Senior Veteran  Posts: 649 |
posted 01-15-2003 07:34 AM
  
Hi, My name is Mel and I come here every now and then to seek out support for chronic neck pain. I have a bulge c5/6 and one at c3/4 from whiplash 7 years ago, am 32. I have had 2 lots of facet blocks c5/6 that have helped over the last year and a half, yet still get headaches and neck pain. Dr's either can't diagnose where the pain is from, some say all psycological and a muscoskeletal dr recently suggested (based on my CT and MRI) I have a reversed cervical lordosis, whereby the neck is bending forward due to disc pressure on cord c5/6. This looks sensible and is the case in the pics. I guess it just sounds odd. I am having c3/4 facet blocks tomorrow to see if that helps head and upper neck pain. C5/6 shots got rid of arm pain and lower neck/ shoulder. Any thoughts? I hope all this made sense. Mel IP: Logged |
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melanie dawn Senior Veteran Posts: 529 |
posted 01-15-2003 11:23 AM
Hi Mel, Yes what you are saying makes sense. I'm the other Mel  THe loss of cervical lordosis, can be caused by the spasm and or pain from your neck . As the neck muscles get weaker the head pulls forward. You end up with a bit of a snowball effect. Becuase your neck hurts you hold it differently , and because you hold it differently, you develope the loss of cervical lordosis, and cause other pain because the increased strain on other muscles.Also, you can have painful discs without them being herniated completely. The disc itself has pain fibres, and these can be a source of pain in discs that dont show any abnormality on film. Hope this helps. Mel Per the Guidelines, websites with message forums may not be posted. Mmebers must read and follow them. [This message has been edited by moderator1 (edited 01-16-2003).] IP: Logged |
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mel333 Senior Veteran Posts: 649 |
posted 01-15-2003 11:30 PM
Hi Mel, Thanks for your understanding. How is your neck/headaces? I had some 3/4 facet blocks today and will try 2/3 in a month to see what helps. I am working with a guy trying to fix my posture which is logical for a change. I was also looking at c2 nerve block for my headaches if the facet blocks don't settle it. The neck is so damn complicated. All the best to you. Mel [This message has been edited by moderator1 (edited 01-16-2003).] IP: Logged |
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melanie dawn Senior Veteran Posts: 529 |
posted 01-16-2003 07:19 PM
Hi Mel, today i am on the verge of one of those headaches. I can feel it coming, from the back of my head and then sort of numb to start on the right side of my face and head. It definately seems to be related to increasing muscle spasms. But then so does everything. I'm finding that when one thing starts , it all goes, hand in hand. Im on the verge of the headache, and both of my arms are really heavy and aching, and so on . The shots did help, I just find that the effects wear off about three months before i can have them again. How are you feeling after your shots? Hopefully this note finds you well. Mel IP: Logged |
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Renee016 Senior Member  Posts: 158 |
posted 01-20-2003 08:18 PM
Hi, Mel. I too have a reverse cervical lordosis. I have three herniated discs in my neck - one minor, one torn and one totally ruptured that is pressing on the spinal cord. The kyphosis was discovered about a year and a half ago after a regular x-ray but the discs were only found after an MRI I had a month ago. My orthopedist told me it could go either way - the herniated discs could be causing the kyphosis or vice versa. I also have scoliosis and that my have something to do with the curve in my neck too. Anyway, I know what your going through - hang in there and feel better. Renee IP: Logged |
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Renee016 Senior Member Posts: 158 |
posted 01-20-2003 08:21 PM
Mel, I have a question for you. What is a facet block? I never heard of this. Also, has your doctor said anything about surgery? Take care, IP: Logged |
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melanie dawn Senior Veteran Posts: 529 |
posted 01-21-2003 08:33 AM
Hi there Renee, I'm not sure which Mel you are referring to , but i'm going to try to answer your questions. Facet blocks, are a deep injection of long acting cortisone and local anesthesia injected into the facet area(the joint). It works two ways, the anesthesia helps to deaden the nerve, while the cortisone works as and anti-inflammatory to break down the associated muscle spasms and inflamation.They are usually given in sets of three, with the long acting cortisone, such as depo-medrol they are usually given every two weeks for the set of three. The injections themselves are not much fun, and i find i have increased pain for a day or two. I dont notice much relief after the first one, but by the time i have had the third one, i definately have much less spasm. Which in turn can help to get some of the pressure off of the nerve. For me the effects last approx 10 weeks. I have widespread cervical stenosis, with pronounced cord compression. So lots of symptoms, both arms heavy and aching, right leg the same, burning sometimes. Bladder problems, blinding headaches etc. I have been treating conservativly for over two years with poor effect, so i am flying to Chicago on Feb. 18 for neurosurgical consult. I wont get into the issues in Canadian Health Care ,but lets say I have to leave to get treatment. The general consensus here is no surgery till there is no other option(cant walk). As I am a busy nurse who was working on her masters degree and obtaining my Nurse Practitioner licence, I am needless to say very frustrated. I have been laid up this time since July, no work, school, walking far etc. Hopefully I have answered your questions regarding the blocks. And apparently gave you alot more info than you asked for,lol,  Please take care of yourself, and keep in touch. Mel IP: Logged |
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mel333 Senior Veteran Posts: 649 |
posted 01-23-2003 10:46 AM
Hi Mel, My headaches have been daily nearly since facet blocks one week ago c3/4. I am hoping this may mean they are in an inflamed area and may start to help? If not will try more in a month c2/3 or do 5/6 again(worst disc). What do you take for your headaches? I am taking cafergot and panadeine forte but I do get concerned and feel I need something stronger. I use alot of ice to try and use less meds. Such a vicous circle! Good luck with the study and keep pushing on. I am back at uni and it certainly can bring those headaches on when there is something due, exams etc. Hope your feeling ok today. IP: Logged |
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melanie dawn Senior Veteran Posts: 529 |
posted 01-23-2003 12:07 PM
Hi Mel, I think I mentioned the fact that I did not get relief with the first shot. I had some improvement with the second, and a big difference after the third. I hope you get some relief from the headaches soon, they can be so incapacitating. What are you taking in school right now? Good luck with your studies.Hope this note finds you improving. Mel IP: Logged |
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acousticgroupie Newbie Posts: 1 |
posted 01-23-2003 01:41 PM
hey, I was just diagnosed with this condition. If your disk is herniated, what do they do? Curious and scared! I’d like to talk to anyone who knows a lot about this, [removed].com…thank you! [Please read and follow the board posting guidelines. [This message has been edited by moderator2 (edited 01-23-2003).] IP: Logged |
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melanie dawn Senior Veteran Posts: 529 |
posted 01-24-2003 10:27 AM
Hi there, welcome to the boards. Read back on the posts, there is a wealth of information. How they treat the discs is based in part on the symptoms it produces, and the amount of disc herniation(large or small), and on the length of time.Also on if the spinal cord is affected or not. Conservative treatments often provide healing and relief of small discs. Even large discs are usually treated conservatively at first. conservative treatment can be use of anti-infammatories (NSAIDS), ice, heat, rest, physiotherapy,trigger point injections etc. The place to start is with a referral to a neurosurgeon, and physiotherapy and take it from there. When conservative treatment fails, surgery is considered. for more specific info regarding this, you should find out the results of your MRI, and learn as much as you can. It helps you when explaining your symptoms and asking questions with your doctor. It gives you some power and control over your situation. Take care, Mel IP: Logged |
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mel333 Senior Veteran Posts: 649 |
posted 01-27-2003 09:13 AM
Hi Mel, I am improving and feeling better. Maybe it's true the shots take 7-10ish days to work. Which shot did you have that took 3 times to work? facet or nerve block? Why do you think they take a few times? More questions, hope you don't mind. Your advice has really helped me understand the whole neck mechanics thing which is so complex. I read that article you mentioned on why patients get misdiagnosed( mensana clinic)and found it helpful, thanks. I am studying psycology which I find really interesting. I hope your feeling ok today, take care. Mel IP: Logged |
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melanie dawn Senior Veteran Posts: 529 |
posted 01-27-2003 12:10 PM
Hi Mel, I am glad you are getting some relief from the injections. The injections I had were facet injections. They are usually given in a set of three to achieve maximum anti-infammatory effect, every two weeks. And each time I went they divided the dose into three different sites, because i have multilevel damage. The maximum dose at any one time was 40mg of depo medrol+ freezing, and this was divided between C2-3.C4-5,C5-6. Hope this clears that up for you , let me know how you are doing, good luck with the studies. Mel IP: Logged |
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mel333 Senior Veteran Posts: 649 |
posted 01-29-2003 08:35 AM
Hi Mel, Thanks for that. I have cortosone a long acting block which they can repeat at 6 months, sounds sort of similar to yours. The main thing is it is helping. Yet now I am having arm pain from c5/6 disc bulge and my doc mentioned considering a nerve root block here in a few weeks. I prefer arm pain to headaches yet it is odd and I havent had it before. Hope your doing ok. Take care, Mel IP: Logged |
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melanie dawn Senior Veteran Posts: 529 |
posted 01-29-2003 09:21 AM
Hi Mel, I am glad you are doing better.What a process to have to go through isn't it ? And your right about the headaches, I have joked with my hubby about chopping my head off when the headaches are severe, Or was i joking? lol! sorry to hear about the arm pain. I guess you can try the shot to relieve it in the future. For me the arm pain was a precursor to arm weakness. All you can do is give it a try. If it doesnt help or is only temporary you may have to consider doing something more permanent in the future. Take care of yourself Mel IP: Logged |
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melanie dawn Senior Veteran Posts: 529 |
posted 02-03-2003 09:27 PM
Hi Mel, Just popped in to say hello and see how you are doing.Hopefully this note finds you on the way to relief and improvement. I think I just saw a message from you on another board, if so I left you a hello. Please take care of yourself and make sure you are doing your homework!  Mel IP: Logged |
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jjemartinez Newbie Posts: 1 |
posted 04-02-2003 11:56 PM
Hi Mel and Mel! I recently found out my neck is completely reversed the wrong way, I've been going to a chiropractor for 4 months and have minimal relief. I too have terrible headaches, plus my right ear has been ringing nonstop for 1 year. I hace 4 kids and all this makes it very difficult.It has taken me 6 months to get the doctor to order an MRI. And my insurance won't pay for me to see an orthpedic doc. Do the injections really work? B/c the pain meds they gave me don't seem to. Very frustrating...I pray for ALL of us to get better. Jenn IP: Logged |
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winged phantom Senior Veteran Posts: 958 |
posted 04-03-2003 09:14 AM
Welcome to the board Jenn. I'm glad you were able to find us. You mentioned that your insurance plan would not allow you to see an orthopedic doc, but how about a neurologist or a neurosurgeon? The neurologist would be able to help with a definitive diagnosis and further testing and conservative treatment, and the neurosurgeon (NS) would do the surgery. While some people opt for an orthopedist, most of us with neck problems have an NS. Perhaps you just need a referral from your PCP? wr IP: Logged |
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mel333 Senior Veteran Posts: 649 |
posted 04-05-2003 09:25 AM
Hi Jenn, Glad you got to this board. Everyone here is really helpful and understanding. I hope you can get an MRI soon (this will show the loss of lordosis) and find a Neurosurgeon as WR said. I'm sorry the pain meds arn't helping. Do you have neck/head pain or arm pain also?. I found one injection helpful which was a nerve block at C6. I do think the injections are worth a try. There are a few different ones you could try like facet blocks, epidurals, trigger point injections etc. Most have a steroid componant that acts as a powerful anitinflammatory. Your doing well to get around with four kids. Pain makes everything more difficult. Take care, Mel IP: Logged |
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