Cervical Radiculopathy

[ponch]

Originally Posted by minst7877

I went thru this about three years ago. MRI confirmed that I had disc's that were putting pressure on spinal cord. Dr did a fusion at C5-6 and 6-7. When I came to in recovery it was amazing and I knew that it had worked. The pain that I had been in was gone. I went from the codeine products and muscle relaxers to an occasional Tylenol over night. For me it has helped immensely. I would caution anyone that it is better to do it early as the longer you let it hamper the nerves the greater chance that the nerves will not heal from it. Mine will never heal totally as I let it go for almost 7 years before I let them do it.

DC

this has been 5 months since I got severe symptoms. I've always had some issues occasionally, but this does it.

[Idaho]

I feel for you guys. When I read all of the crap that you are dealing with I thank God for my health.

[ponch]

Originally Posted by Idaho (High Plains Drifter)

I feel for you guys. When I read all of the crap that you are dealing with I thank God for my health.

Health is one of the few things that is worth something. It's also revealing whose genetics I got with certain things. Trust me, it could be worse than this.

[sturmannderss]

You are totally correct. Nerve damage is slow to heal, because they don't receive a lot of blood flow. I'm hoping and praying for good results. My surgeon is top notch and I trust him explicitly.

[ponch]

Originally Posted by sturmannderss

You are totally correct. Nerve damage is slow to heal, because they don't receive a lot of blood flow. I'm hoping and praying for good results. My surgeon is top notch and I trust him explicitly.

I hope it goes well for you too. I'll find out what the doc says on Monday.

[sturmannderss]

Thanks.

[ponch]

Originally Posted by Blowndodge "Darksider"

Ponch yoyu may have discogenic disc disease of the cervcal spine. this is a slow deterioation of the spine narrowing the space between the discs. the foraminal canals, the narrow openings that nerves pass through are compromised causing the disc to compress against them causing your symptoms. Epidural can provide some relief but in my business (Workers' Compensation litigation) they rarely last or are a cure. Get plenty and I mean plenty of opinions on your treatment options.

Well, just got back from the doctor. Basically my issue is stenosis of the spinal canal. I could see it plain as day in the MRI. The spinal cord looks like a tube with 4 points of constriction. He looked at my MRI and thought that may be they could get away with just increasing the opening of the canal, but after some positional xrays he thought better of it. He said the natural position of my neck was such that it wouldn't be helpful. The other choices involve fusion, either anterior or posterior, depending on how many need to be done. He said that if I needed 1 or 2, anterior would be fine and heals a bit quicker, but with 3-4, posterior would be the way to go. Since he was sure, I have to go for a myelogram in a couple weeks. He did say not to do any risky activities as a fall could injure my spinal cord easier than if I was healthy in this respect. I have a lot to think about in the interim and get another opinion.

[minst7877]

Ponch that doesn't sound real promising as far as correcting the problem. Sure hope they can come up with something to help you out. It's no fun being in that kind of pain and discomfort for long periods of time. Thinking about you and praying that the Dr's will come up with something to help.

DC

[ponch]

Originally Posted by minst7877

Ponch that doesn't sound real promising as far as correcting the problem. Sure hope they can come up with something to help you out. It's no fun being in that kind of pain and discomfort for long periods of time. Thinking about you and praying that the Dr's will come up with something to help.

DC

I believe once the stenosis starts, there's probably not much that can be done outside of surgery. At this point I doubt I will be doing any rallies this year. :( We'll see.

[sturmannderss]

I hope you're able to get relief. I feel your pain, Bro.