[Colleensm]

Hi all,
I'm new to this so please bare with me, my story goes like this:
I'm 39 years old, exercise regularly and in good health. I have never had neck/ back problems.
About six weeks ago I had a very nasty fall whilst on Holiday abroad ( was accidentally shoved from behind), I was thrown forward at speed and my neck in turn went forward and back with the force. Once I was helped up I immediately felt a sharp pain in my neck, I was given a neck cream and took some paracetamol.
Next day neck was sore but tolerable. Two days later I woke up with a severe pain in my left arm going into my hand and fingers, my neck was very difficult to mobilise and was also very painful. I saw an on call Dr who gave me an injection for pain and put me on painkillers and a muscle relaxant to be taken at night. I was booked for cervical X-ray for the next day. Had X-ray and my husband and I were taken to see the Dr to discuss findings. We were told that my neck vertabrae had lost its c curve and was straight ( due to spasm), c3 was pushed forward, c6 and c7 were showing loss of disc space and some compression. I was referred for treatment with a Physio/ Osteopath. She carried out regular treatments which I found very painful. Throughout this process I continued to have severe pain in my left arm and progressive weakness, she recommended that I have an MRI scan once I returned home.
Once we arrived back home I saw my own GP who saw X-rays and report, he prescribed ( in addition to other meds), nerve blockers and strong anti inflamatory drugs. He referred me for urgent MRI . At this stage I was 5 weeks since accident. Had MRI last week ( week 6), got results today ( week 7), they state:
The cervical lordosis is attenuated, which may reflect paravertebral muscle spasm.
C5/6 Broad based central/ left posterolateral disc protrusion, causing mild Thecal sac indentation.
C6/7 Broad based central disc protrusion, more so to the left causing moderate overlying Thecal sac indentation.
Moderate disc degeneration at c5/6 and c6/7.

What does this mean?, I am in agony on 5 lots of meds, my neck movement to left and forward is minimal. My worst symptoms are pain, numbness and reduced power in my left arm and hand and into fingers. I am unable to return to work and can't drive.
Sorry for the long post hopefully someone can advise me.
My GP has sent urgent referral to spinal orthopaedic Dr.

[Darlene]

Colleensm,

It is great to have you come and be with us. You will fine a great number of dear friends to listen when you are in need of ears. Please let us know how we can help you out. You will find out we are supportive and relaxing place.

Click onto the following forum for some assistance:

http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/forum22.html

Please keep us up to date on her condition. Again welcome, looking forward to seeing you around. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Darlene

[MelodyL]

Hi there. Welcome to Neurotalk.

I see you have been given the correct forum. I hope you post there and get some answers.

We are a very nice bunch of people and I'm sure you'll get lots of good info.

Take care, and again, Welcome!!

Melody

[charmed1199]

I had a cervical injury back in 2009 and like you I experienced a lot of pain. I am doing much better but still get numbness in left hand and the fingers. My pain is moderate compared to what it was back in 2009.

The only hard part I deal with is the AD from cervical injuries. I have spells and it is scarey.

Hope you will find your answers.