I am so convinced now that the SFN and autonomic symptoms happened from my cervical spine!
I am remembering little things over the past 2 years and putting it all together. I really think I have cord compression.

Problem is... I've had 2 MRIs in the past 4 months and the first one shows straightening of the normal lordosis, c5-6 central disc herniation resulting in flattening of the ventral aspect of cord.
C6-7 left paracentral disc herniation resulting in deformity of thecal sac without spinal stenosis.

This particular MRI was looked at by several neuros and a spine surgeon who are all saying it cannot be causing my problems.

My local orthopedist says yes though (as far as my extreme pain in neck, shoulders, arms, and muscle spasms).

One NYC neuro looked at this MRI and actually referred me to the spinal surgeon, so she thought something was possible.
A rheumatologist looked at it with his radiology department and said they could see mild compression.

THen... the second MRI says: straightening of the normal lordosis, c3-4 mild uncovertebral and facet degenerative changes,
C5-6 broad-based disc osteophyte complex, uncovertebral and facet degenerative changes without stenosis. Bilateral perineural cysts are noted.
C6-7 Broad based disc osteopphyte complex, uncovertebral and facet degenerative changes causing mild spinal canal stenosis.

So... two different MRI's. Should I see another spine surgeon? How many opinions can someone get?? I am so sure that all of my ailments crept up on me at the same time and relate to my neck. I have done some reading on positional cord compression being studied as a trigger for fibromyalgia (which often coexists with SFN, they are finding more and more that fibro people are misdiagnosed and it really is neuropathy.) It would make sense of why the compression doesn't show when I am lying down in MRI. The only position I can get my neck and shoulders to calm down is when I lie flat on the ground and hug my knees in.

Anyway check this out http://www.positionalcordcompression.com

It's really interesting for anyone with fibro/ autonomic problems.
What do y'all think?

about MRI positioning. Risking info-overload, search engine here for MRI position and perhaps Double-Crush Syndrome. Good Luck, Ken in Texas

Umm, info overload?? Yup. I just did a brief search and I don't even know what to do. All I can say is Holy $*i

This is it! I don't know how I feel right now besides helpless and hurting, but I am also validated that there is a theory that goes along with what I have suspected for months. I am wigging out!

Gosh....
I am remembering how when I was playing my guitar how my left hand started losing coordination and how my neck would feel strange when I'd look up from the strings. Oh how I miss playing the guitar.

I am remembering so many things as the neuropathy crept up all in sync with the worsening of the neck pain and how it all went full blown through out my body shortly after I woke up and couldn't move.

Is their a doctor on this planet who will entertain this?

Do you feel best when you first get up in the morning, and then get progressively worse throughout the day? This seems to be what happens with most people, but it's definitely the case with me.

I've often considered being a couch potato all day to see what happens.

Oh, I should mention, neck problems is one of my top contenders for being the source of the problem, but no doctor I've seen will entertain that based on MRI results.

Healthgirl,

Mine started with neck pain and eventually arm pain........had surgery complications for TOS and now Fibro as a result.
I actually found in my ongoing search for resolutions I also found Dr. Holmans theories and even corresponded with him as to his MRI protocol. I was able to get my local hospital to follow Dr. Holman's protocol for the positional MRI......mine actually showed compression on the extension & flexion views at a few levels that were not visible on the neutral position......just need to be our own advocate cause some docs just don't want to think outside the box !

Good luck on your search & keep us updated

chloecasey

P.S. My pain was especially worse at night and during the day when my previous day was busy. Even now I have strange sensations, body wide pain , major fatigue, etc. even with meds & rest, etc.............but grateful that I have a doc who understands and does not doubt what I am feeling like.