[mg neck prob]

Hi everyone, Im new here and have some questions. I have been in pain for several months with neck and shoulder. I had acdf 2 yrs ago and was doing well for 1 1/2--the last 6 months extreme shoulder, neck pain and numb on right hand all my fingers go numb accept thumb. My right hand is always cold. I cant sleep more that 1 hr at a time and wake up all night. I recently had mri even though I have small herniations every level of spine the only thing that come but a bit of problem is around c5-c6-- but the surgeon isnt concerned and stated no further surgery is needed. Never saying anything accept im sorry your in pain. I never asked for drugs. I said isnt there anything you can do? He said not sure why your in pain but i dont like to put patients on drugs it leads to more problems. He said hopefully in time it will get better.Im two years post surgery???? Then why all of a sudden do I in chronic pain. Im starting to wonder if it could be TOS? Below is what MRI Indicates small problem according to him. Any advice would be extremely appreciated.

at level c5/6 the right side heriated nucleus pulposus with resultant right spinal cord,right lateral recess and right neural foramina narrowing as been partially relieved. There is a resdual focal indentation of the midline spinal cord(27/44) There is mild bilateral recess and neural foramina narrowing,

Impression: status post spinal decompression with anterior fusion. Interval improvement in canal stenosis at c5 thru c7with mild residual indentation of the spinal cord at c5-c6

[Rrae]

...... And WELCOME to NT!

I'm sorry about this pain you are experiencing. You'll find many caring people here and the support is wonderful.

You might want to check out the TOS forum. Here's the link to take you there...

http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/fo...aysprune=&f=24

Also, it might be good to look into the Spinal forum...

http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/fo...aysprune=&f=22

I hope you will begin to get answers soon!
It's great to have you!

Caring,
Rae

[(Broken Wings)]

Hi,

Welcome to NT.

Sorry you have these problems. I know it's not easy for you.

Even though it's small, it's an abormal finding, and can be causing you symptoms. Maybe consider a second opinion.

There was a radiologist around the forum that was willing to help with questions, but I haven't been on so much lately, I never saw any of his posts. Someone else here may remember and get that for you, and NT.

I would also suggest you keep a diary of your complaints, meds, activities, sleep patterns, any workarounds you're having to do, because of limited mobility and/or pain.

There are other things to treat symptoms with, besides pain pills. I did find there's always a trade, and to grade things I try, preferrably one thing at a time, as a positive or negative.

Keep asking questions. Understanding is half the battle.

[Leesa]

Hi ~ All I can see about the MRI is that from C5-C7, there is "leftover" indentation of the spinal cord at C5-6. That was from the previous herniation. Other than that, I cannot see anything else. The right sided neural foraminal narrowing has been PARTIALLY relieved, so perhaps that has something to do with it, but I kind of doubt it. The foramen is the hole that the nerves pass thru to the spinal cord. It says you have "improvement" in the spiinal canal stenosis (narrowing) at C5-6, but I don't know how MUCH improvement that means.

I suppose you could still have a good deal of pain from this but I just don't know. Why not ask your GP to refer you to a pain management doctor? These doctors can do procedures to help relieve pain. They are usually anesthesiologists, and are well versed in pain management. So ask him for a referral. You'll be glad you did. I wish you the very best!! Take care & let us know how you do, okay? I'd really like to know what happen, ok? Hugs, Lee

[pabb]

to the best of your ability, document what changed in your life for ~ 3 months BEFORE the onset of pain. Did you change jobs? become more active with the kids/grands? change living arrangement? etc There is nothing in your MRI that addresses TOS. totally different area. do you have hx of elbow/shoulder issues. Have had to alter your way of doing things d/t your neck suregery? good luck.

[mg neck prob]

Lee, I really appreciate the advice. Im going to seek out pain mgmt as well. I spoke to my surgeon twice the 2nd time he stated. The surgery was a success but not perfect. He stated c5 nerve is open but very minimally and the nerve is compressed and he feels thats where the shoulder pain is coming from --and he wouldnt risk a revision because before surgery I was paralyzed on right side --and now i have function again. One of the disc crumbled during surgery and had to fish out from back of neck. He said my herniations were one of the largest he has ever seen c5 thru c7 he was very pleased with my outcome. I feel very lucky and appreciate everything he has done. Im working so Im very lucky. If i could get some relief from shoulder pain I would manage better with the rest of the pain. The shoulder on right is a killer---sleeping driving, simple task. Im extremely independent person and I worry sometimes ---who doesnt. Sometimes I feel guilty bitchin about pain --where I know people who cant do half the things I can. Lee, when I read thru all the things you been thru and your online helping people like me make me feel I have no right to complain. Your a real inspiration!! Thanks again for taling the time for me!!!

[Gracemary]

Go to ER . They will give u some kind of pain meds. It is a start. All the Doctors that I went to wanted to give the steroid injections. I have herniated & degenerative bone disease in C 5 & C 6. I finally went to ER on Monday. Than to a internal medicine doctor. She did write out scripts for me. Plus I had a toxic screening. Whatever.....now I will see a pain management doctor. That does write out pain meds. Took forever....but at least I have some relief.

[(Broken Wings)]

Welcome to NT

So sorry you're having so much pain to deal with.

There's lots of people here who can identify with that you're going through.

I pray you find relief soon.

Take care and keep us posted.