cervical spinal cord compression
 

Hi! I have a possiblity of Spinal cord compreesion in the cervical neck area. My dr said that it is possible for this to cause neuropathy symptoms all over my body. I do have pain, burning, and tingling all over. Has this happened to anyone else? Thanks!

Whenever the spinal cord is compressed, it will cause symptoms all over the body.

What is your doctor going to do about it? Is this doctor a Neurosurgeon or is it just your GP?? Have you seen a Neurosurgeon?

I have had burning, tingling & numbness due to herniations, but I have NOT had spinal cord compressions. Mine was due to nerve compressions. Yours is a bit more serious!

What is your doctors plan for you? Let us know, ok? Hugs, Lee

Hello drwk
 

Yes, these symptoms you are experiencing can certainly be caused by cervical trouble. I hope you get an MRI. These conditions can hurt alot! I had two cervical fusions. Do research into all aspects of the protocal that your doctors want you to do. If there is anything I can do for you, you are welcome to contact me. My last fusion was C3-7. I do wish you all the best. ginnie

Sorry to hear this---it certainly sucks
 

I have a similar problem; however they can't decide if it is cord compression or MS

I've had a C5-7 fusion for prior cord compression and fortunately had over all very little severe pain---now with the plate, they can't "see" behind to the cord b/c of an artifact on the MR

If you've not had one, you should certainly get and MR of the cervical spine---if your symptoms are getting worse, get help immediately!

Take care

Hi eeyore
 

I wish it were not either of those things! Your spinal turned up normal? I also wonder if you can get an upright MRI, where you stand up. They may be able to get the back side of it better. Can they do another MRI with the hardware in? or CT? I did have another MRI after my first fusion,. Maybe ask about the upright to your doctor. How much pain are you in? ginnie

Fortunately pain is not a big problem-hpyer sensitive left arm with mild-mod left shoulder pain

-I do have left sided weakness and sensory problems (I use crutches and/or wheelchair), mild urinary and bladder issues, respiratory muscle weakness and swallowing issues, but they don't know whether this is caused by cord compression (b/c they can't see back there) or if I also have MS or MG

I'm thankful to still be highly functional (I work full-time) and am not epecting "them" to be able to fix anything--even if they saw something compressed back there, another surgery would risk paralysis

--they can call it what they want---I only get hyper when things are getting worse

Hi eeyore
 

I am really glad that pain isn't driving you crazy. What do you do for a living? I lost my function in my neck, so I had to quit, and I miss working very much! Keep going as long as possible, as sitting at home wishing you were working is worse! Are you trying to get a definate diagnosis for ms or mg? Why is it when we all get these disorders they come more than one at a time? sorry you have these conditions. It is good to know that you are pushing forward. My cousin has had MS for 20 years, and is still going good. Hope all goes well for you. ginnie

update
 

Thanks for all your help and encouragement. I have had the MRI and the herniated disc in my C5-6 is indenting the cord. I saw an orthopedic surgeon and he said I need a fusion. I am trying to get a referral to a neurosurgeon right now. It really scares me. I don't have any weakness yet. I just can't walk a lot, I have pain in my shoulders and arms, and th other nuero symptoms of muscle cramps, burning full body. They want to do surgery July 5th. I am only 35 and scared to death. My parents aren't too convinced. This is somewhat an invisible disease. I can get around but hurt inside. What do you guys think?

hello drwk
 

It is indeed a good idea to get another opinion from a neurosurgeon. You want to ask about the condition of the verterbre above and below the proposed fusion site OK? This is important, as any hardware you would have installed, puts strain on those above and below. My first fusion was C6-7. After 6 years however, this situation occured with me, and i didn't know the condition of the other verterbre, I didn't investigate it to begin with. I had to have additional surgery C3-7, as I had the domino effect more or less. I know you are scared. I have been like that too. In the end, after all was said and done, I am in a better place now. I am not 100%, but with a little help I get by OK and certainly have less pain than I did. I wish you all the best, and hope that you get the right physicians to help you. ginnie

I have it and neuropathy pains , swollen neck , pinching neck , neck cannot hold head , nerve pain under neck , headaches , numbness to face and at time spasms to face , have to rest a lot , lyrica helps the nerve pains , but if not careful , like not resting down more oftern , get really weak and fell the nerve pains , need surgery and I think you do . Make hi show you the MRI and have him show all the picture from the MRI . And look on Internet for herniated discs and learn what is healthy and the once torn and causing nerve pains and pinched nerves of the spinal nerves .If not taken care of , will damage the spinal nerves and that is the worst , it does travel down to other extemeties , like spasms to heart and lung compartment . Good luck .

PT today
 

I went to PT today and they did manual traction on my neck for the cervical issue. My burning and pain is worse tonight. I think this helps confirm that my issues with bottom, legs, and feet burning is from the cervical area. So strange to think it does this. i am going to ask the PT not to do manual traction on me anymore. I dont think it will help. what do you guys think? thanks a bunch!

Dear drwk
 

No, my opinion and I am not a doctor. don't do the traction. I cannot believe it is good for you. massage, even acuepucture, not traction unless recommended by neruosurgeon, ortho doc. ginnie

update on neck
 

Hi everyone! I visited a spine neurosurgeon today and he said I definately need fusion non my C5-C6 area. He also wants to do an emg on my hands and arms. He thinks I could possibly have carpal tunnel on the right hand especially. I am bvery scared, but I know it needs to be done before any permament damage occurs. I am scared that my body burning will get worse with the surgery. Of course I hope it takes it away! Thanks for listening everyone! Any more suggestions are welcome!

Hi drwk
 

Hope you go for second opinion on C5-6. One question to ask is how the verterbre are above this site and below it. This is very important, any hardware you have put in, will put strain on those above and below. Your other verterbre need to be in good shape. Also Not every doctor insists on EMG. I got away with not having one. The second opinion said it was not necessary for dianostics in every case. Try to seperate carpel tunnel, address neck first if at all possible. I was fused C6-7. that failed, wound up with C3-7 and that did ok. Still not in good shape however, above and below.
I do wish you all the best as you go forward. I know you are afraid. It is scarry, but you can get through this. Neuro Talk will be here for you every step of the way. ginnie

I agree with getting (at least) a second opinion on any cutting - maybe more. Surgeons live to cut, and cut to live -- we don't.

I wouldn't be so scared/concerned about the EMG. There are two types -- surface and intramuscular; the latter involves tiny needles. It might be uncomfortable, but not as much, as long, or as invasive as any surgery. It might help to read up on these procedures so you can discuss them (and your concerns/fears) with your doctor/s.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electromyography

Your concrns about the surgery are, IMO, valid, hence the multiple opinions; there may be less invasive alternatives, and/or better surgeons for you.

If it were me, I would definitely put the brakes on, research this all very thoroughly, and try every other alternative there is before even considering surgery. Actually, I HAVE been through something similar, followed my own advice, found surgeons who did not agree with the cutters, and I have never regretted opting out for other avenues.

If you do agree that surgery is the best choice/option for you, please consider/remember that, while it may correct the mechanical issues of bone vs. nerve, it may not alleviate the pain or other symptoms, and that you may still have to deal with those thereafter.

I know it may sound like some of us are trying to sway you one way or the other, but that's not it. No-one can decide this for you, and many of us, having been down this road, just want you to be aware of everything the doctors may not be being candid about. We want you to be fully informed and aware of options & possibilities in order to make the best decision for you, and avoid mistakes of the past.

Whatever your decision, we'll support it and you, and hope for a full and speedy recovery.

Doc

Hi Doc
 

You always come up with such good ways to talk to someone.:I-Agree::You-Rock::Good-Post: ginnie

hi again
 

Thanks guys for the advice! I have seen an orthopedic surgeon a couple weeks ago and he said surgery also. So, I have had 2 opinions. I will for sure have the neck taken care of first.
I have tried physical therapy and it just makes my symptoms worse. Also, the surgeon said I don't have any damage yet to my cord. He said i should get this take care of before having any damage in the future. He said the herniation has been there a while and isn't going anywhere. I would love to not have surgery, but I don't want to hurt myself any further. I don't want myleopathy:(
i am also aware of not getting rid of the nerve issues after surgery. I am scared they may get worse. I also asked him about fusing the level above and below and he said no. Only if they are causing pain. Above and below are a bit herniated. It all sticks all the way around. I don't know what else to do.
Danielle

Investigate all of the alternatives. Many surgeons specialize in just one, or a very few, procedures. That makes sense if that's the procedure that's really best for you. In fact, it's the kind of surgeon you want because they have a lot of experience doing that procedure. The question then becomes, is that the right procedure for you, or is s/he seeing your problem as a nail because all s/he has is a hammer?

Early in my journey when I was told how bad my cervical discs were, I asked if they couldn't just replace the bad one(s). The surgeon told me it wasn't possible -- that cervical discs couldn't be replaced. Come to find out later that it indeed is possible, but that surgeon didn't do that procedure -- he was experienced in another.

It could be that the procedure your surgeon wants to do is best; OTOH, I'd want to know for sure. This is where becoming your own advocate, doing your own research, and getting multiple opinions come in. There are different kinds/types of fusion procedures. Some involve a cage, and some involve an artificial disc. Some are anterior (going through the front) and some are posterior (through the back) and I recently heard of one that went through both. Some are quite invasive and some are minimally invasive microsurgeries involving very tiny incisions and done via camera. Again, if it were me, I would want to know exactly what is going on in my neck, about every potential procedure to correct it, and be involved in deciding which one to go with. THEN I'd pick a surgeon. :wink:

Leesa, Ginnie, or others may have more info/input on this.

Doc

Hi. I didn't read all the replies so I may have missed this. But from what I saw a lot commented on having an MRI. But what about an EMG? I think if there is compression and depending on the degree of compression and symptoms wouldn't an EMG be a good idea to see if there is any nerve damage involved? Just a thought.

I see both a neurosurgeon/orthopedic surgeon and a neurologist and when I see the neurologist I question what tests should be done or not done based on the results of the MRI.

I had an EMG done because of symptoms and found that I had severe nerve damage in the cervical & lumbar area; severe arthritis in cervical and lumbar area and peripheral neuropathy. So the EMG was able to tell me a great deal on the extent of the damage.

Hello/ about tests and all
 

Sometimes the damage can be told completely by the MRI. I was lucky in my case, that my second neruo surgeon did not want or do the EMG. He didn't think is was necessary after he looked at the MRI. Personally, I go for as little invasive testing as I can. I turned down multipal tests, lost a doctor over it, and still wound up with a fantastic surgeon who repaired my cervical spine. I just think in general too many tests are given. That second or third opinion, is the best route to go before you submit to the invasive tests. I hope all folks that have spinal issues will research every avenue there is before any kind of surgery. or submit to any kind of painful tests. I will keep all of us in my prayers. ginnie:hug:

Hi Drwk
 

Hello, and just a thought. I would be very careful in your decision to proceed with the surgery. I had the first surgery, and didn't know that verterbre above and below the surgical site were damaged. I was not told, nor did I look at my medical records. You are getting a heads up notice, that the verterbre above and below arn't in such good shape. This is a concern, as they need to be strong enough to handle the brackets, plates, screws, cage or what have you. My fusion did NOT hold up and I experienced the domino effect. Was then fused, C3-7. I now have trouble at C1-2 and T 1-2-3. I will not have another surgery. Just get all the opinions you can regarding this issue. I know that sometimes you have to do the surgery. Ask your doctors more in depth about this subject, and continue to do some research if you can. I do wish you all the best in what every you decide to do. ginnie

I have spinal stenosis. I was Diagnosed with it last year. I hurt my neck and went to the ER. They did a cat scan and it showed i was fine. About a week later i was getting tingling and burning sensations down my left arm and such. So i went to urgent care and the doc there order an emergency MRI.

I had a 2 day follow with my doc. He then diagnosed me with Cervical Spinal stenosis. He then referred me to a physical medicine specialist. He went over the MRI with me and explained that both my nerve roots and spinal cord is being compressed.

He tried all the conservative treatments. Some worked for a bit but now my symptoms is more constant. So I am in contact with him again and see what else I can do.

So they may try pain meds, physical therapy etc... on ya.

This doesn't sound unusual. CT scans are better for imaging bone, while MRIs are better for imaging soft tissues. There's also a series of hoops that insurance companies require doctors (as well as patients) to jump through in specific orders due to cost. MRIs are many times the cost of a CT scan.

Doc

Price ranges vary for most things, and while there are exceptions, IME you generally get what you pay for. Do those $200-$300 MRIs include interpretation by a radiologist, or do they just hand you a discfull of images? (With some discount places I checked, that's what they do.) Cut prices can sometimes mean cut corners.

Other factors that influence price can include whether it's done in-hospital or at an outpatient imaging center, contrasting, body part being imaged, and local competition/going rates (it's kinda hard to email your spine to Lower Slobbovia for discount imaging... :rolleyes:)

It may make sense for someone without insurance to do that kind of shopping, but I was talking specifically about when insurance companies are getting billed and doing the paying.

Google: MRI cost

Doc

Sorry, thought you were old enough to remember Li'l Abner...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lower_Slobbovia
http://www.lil-abner.com/slobovia.html

Doc

Hello drwk
 

Hi! I have had Spinal cord was compressed in the T-1 to T-4 by 90% by what turned out to be a beguine mengeoma tumor. My Neuro Surgeon dr said this was the cause of my neuropathy symptoms all over my body. He also removed the tumor 1 and 1/2 year ago. I still have the neuropathy in both legs and feet and in my right arm. After my surgery I had to learn to walk again and now can do pretty good. I still use my walker out side of the house, mostly for my own security as I stumble and fall a lot. Due to the large percentage of the compression I could have been paralyzed from the neck down. I feel very blessed to just have to deal with the neuropathy. My only advice would be to have a good Neuro Surgeon. Where are you located? I would recommend my surgeon if you are in the Houston, Texas area or if you would be able to travel here. Good Luck and may God bless you.

For your diagnosis, I think you might need a laminectomy and a fusion. That is the first surgery I had. They operated from the front and back. I woke up in something similar to a ergonomic chair. Laying on my face kind of. They used donor bone and lifted the part that was pressing on my spinal cord.

I had pain from surgery but I knew the pain I had for more than 12 years was gone.

I wish you a successful surgery.

Hi drwk
 

Please read my post called whiplash and other posts where I discuss trauma to back causing a long lasting PN flare. I have read all your threads and I remember that you posted a neurosurgeon had reviewed all your MRI's and checked your spine too and did not see any spinal problems that may have caused the PN. Though the discitis seemed to be quite likely. Do you have absolute proof of this compression?? There is a difference in language used. Such as abutting cord, indenting cord, flattening cord,touching cord, compressing cord. They can mean different things or even overlap.

Hi drwk
 

I know by now you have fully investigated your scans etc. If you have cord compression, surgery may indeed be your best route. Please get that second opinion with a good neuro surgeon. I know you may be frightened. It always is when the back has to have surgery. It will be OK. I wish you all the best, and a quick recovery. ginnie

This MAY all be moot...
 

drwk has not posted since 6/7, last activity on 6/10, and was scheduled for surgery on 7/5 -- 5 days ago.

I HOPE all went well.

Doc