as ive said my name is Shirley and im looking for support and information for my son Alan.
He has severe problems with his cervical spine ..bone spurs and narrowing which causes him tingling numbness and dizziness
as if this wasnt bad enough he also has disc compression l5 and l4 which has caused him a lot pain and now has foot drop in both feet.

He is due to see a surgeon shortly with a view to his options. he is in constant pain yet always tries to be upbeat.
he is 52 always been active a carpenter by trade and always played football in the winter cricket in the summer as well as darts and snooker he cant do anything much now but he still tries to walk as much as he can and do some physio therapy
any advice and support is welcomed

Welcome to Neuro Talk. You found a great site for support and friendship. Information is always done with care. If you report the findings of your sons MRI with his permission, there are those here that can help you interpert the findings. Ask your son to keep a pain journal daily. This helps the doctors determine whats steps can be take to help. A pain specialist is sometimes recommended from the neurologist. Surgery is a last resort. Second and even third opinions are always a good idea. I have had two cervial fusions. I did not do that the first time around, and learned from my mistakes. Now I have a successful fusion C3-7. Leesa, is top notch in reading the MRI's. I am OK at it but I have to look up each and every word. I am learning from Leesa. If you choose to look up the MRI via google, it will help you to understand the termonology. I sure hope your son alan, gets some resolution to this painful condition. I certainly understand and remember the pain, and so does leesa. Feel welcome here, respond to any post you want. Neruo Talk for me has been a blessing to find. I hope your mothers day was good. Tell your son he is welcome to post at any time. Take care and know that we will care here. ginnie

Shirley,

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, just let us know how we can help you out. You will find out we are supportive and relaxing place.

Sad to hear about the trouble you son is having. Check into the following forum there will be some wonderful fellow friends to help you.

Thoracic Outlet Syndrome:
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/forum24.html

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