[DebKay]

Joined because I have a friend with a problem that I'd like to discuss with folks that just might point me in the right direction. Then I can pass that right direction on to my friend.
Friend's name is Tony and she is being told by a spinal doc that she needs surgery for cervical stenosis. The problem that I'm having is that the doc didn't suggest other possible causes for her numbness and tingling. Because the symptoms that Tony describes are pretty much exactly the same as the ones I had before carpal tunnel surgery, I'm not understanding why the doc didn't have an EMG performed to rule this out. There was no suggestions of medication or physical therapy to minimize the discomfort associated with the cervical stenosis. Actually, there are no other symptoms except the tingling and numbness in hands and fingers and discomfort in one shoulder......no headaches, no neck aches, no balance problems, no bladder incontinence. I do not doubt that the EMG shows the CS - I just feel that surgery is being jumped into too fast. Wouldn't surgery be a last resort?
Of course, I want what's best for Tony, but until she sees a neurologist or has a 2nd opinion about options from another spinal doc, I'm not going to let up with my misgivings. I thought that input from y'all would help back up or alleviate my concerns....at the very least.
Thanks for your time and effort and this forum.
Deborah