Cervical spinal cord compression
 

Hello, I'm new here and wondered if you can help me with my MRI report. I'm 49yrs old.

MRI Spine Cervical:

There are multilevel degenerative changes with disc space reduction & osteophyte formation predominantly involving the mid & lower cervical spine.
Normal spinal cord parenchymal signal. There is a constitutionally narrow vertebral canal.

At C4/5 there is a neural foramina narrowing.
At C5/6 there is a broad based disc-osteophyte bar which narrows the vertebral canal and causes borderline spinal cord compression, in conjunction with posterior ligamentous thickening. There is also severe foramina narrowing.
At C6/7, there is a broad based disc-osteophyte bar and posterior ligamentous thickening causing spinal cord compression, but without spinal cord signal abnormality. There is also severe bilateral neural foramina narrowing.

I'm currently awaiting surgery which depending on what is found when they open me up, may or may not involve fusion.

Meantime, what physical activities, if any, should I NOT be doing?

I grow my own fruit & veg with help from my spouse. I'm limited to what housework I can do - vaccuuming, mopping etc. I care for my Dad who has AD & lives with my Mum who is severely arthritic. They both have carer's going in to help them. I also have a chronic cough for over 9yrs which is being treated with MST 10mgs bd.

Thanks for any response,
Tenderfoot :)

Well, for one thing, the hole where the nerves go thru to get to the spinal canal is severely narrowed, so it could be "pinching" on the nerves and that would cause severe pain!

You have some bone spurs too with some thickening ligaments that are causiing spinal cord compression, and that's NOT GOOD. This is the same from C4-5 thru C6-7. Plus you have disc space reductiion which means degenerative changes.

Keep in mind that you will NEVER be able to vacuum again, or do any raking, or mopping. It's the forward and backward motion that really does a number on spinal patients. Also you should NOT be doing any lifting, twisting, you should avoid stairs, no extensive reaching, stay OFF ladders, even step-ladders, if you use the bathtub and don't have safety bars, have someone in there with you to help you in and out; you CANNOT lift your Dad!!! Someone else is going to have to do that!!! There's probably a bunch of other restructions, but your doc will have to tell you. ;)

Keep in mind that after surgery, the levels above and below the surgery site will fail -- that's because they have to take on more of the load after surgery. That's called the "domino effect." So somewhere down the road, you'll probably need more surgery unless you take the physical therapy route. Studies have shown that people who have surgery have the same results as those who have just physical therapy!!! Although in this particular case, the foramen needs to be opened. :eek: Otherwise, you'd probably do fine with therapy.

I wish you the very best. Please let us know how you come out. God bless and please take care! And keep postiing! Hugs, Lee :)

Thankyou for your reply Leesa but, GOODNESS ME! :eek:

I hadn't honestly realised my condition was so severe. I only finished lifting my spuds from the ground last week :Speechless:

I guess the MST for my chronic cough is masking any pain very well, as all I feel is pins & needles in my hands/ fingers & a deep ache in my left shoulder, plus a sharp twanging sensation in my neck when I turn my head awkwardly.
My left arm is weak (I'm left-handed) & I keep dropping things.

It's getting harder pegging laundry out, what about driving?
Thankyou again,
Tenderfoot.

I would be VERY careful about driving because if you get rear=ended, that could REALLY damage things! You need to be quite careful. If possible, keep your driving to a minimum. There are some real crazy drivers out there!

Just use your head, and if you don't NEED to drive, don't. And of course after your surgery, you won't be able to drive for some time. Your doctor will give you the time limit. Make sure to ask him cause if he does fuse, you could really mess up the fusing process if you're in an accident!!! :eek:

When do you see your doctor for his decision whether or not to fuse, etc?
I'm sure you're getting anxious. I'll be interested to hear what he's going to do. I hope he's not going to fuse. Let me know, ok? Hugs, Lee

My spouse does most of the driving, but being passenger doesn't make much difference if I was to be rear-ended anyway. My surgeon did say I am an extremely high risk should I suffer whip lash.

What housework / activities CAN I do? I feel a spare part now :confused:

Thanks,
Tenderfoot x

Hi, Tenderfoot.

I have had the almost same problems in my cervical spine. I now have 8 levels fused. (C-2 to T-3) I have a "cage" around fusion and discectomy.

It will take time and PT but before you get that surgery, try to get some time to speak to your surgeon as to his/her expected results. My surgeon said he could reduce my pain by 40%. (thank God he was underestimating his own skills because he's rid me of maybe 60-70%.)

If you get some of the newer lightweight cleaning tools you may be able to clean the floor and do a little more if your doc says it's ok. It will take some time to get an OK from him. At least 6 weeks post op before even physical therapy can start.

I have a lightweight swifter that vacuums the floor and mops it in one swipe. I am post-op since mid April of this year. Just use your head and do what does not hurt you. Of course twisting is out of the question.

(darn, I love twisting! *Twisting, Twisting, Twisting the night away....* old song old dance,, I am old):D

Your doc will probably do some testing with a neurologist to assure him that your spine is the culprit in your nerve damage in your arms and hands. Mine did that to rule out carpal tunnel syndrome.. And yes, it was my spine compressing the nerves. You may see some improvement with surgery and later, but it may be permanent. I have had some improvement but don't' expect anymore.

If you can, go in preop and they can teach you some tricks for just after surgery. Our hospital has all back patients go in then. And after, you will decidedly need a good/great therapist. So far, with fibromyalgia, and two cervical surgeries under my belt, I am just still getting deep massage and light exercise because of the scar tissue. You shouldn't have that. He says I am far away from water therapy which I think is the best as water that is warm is soo good for you. I need individual more therapy. It's a slow process.

I think you should know that in my case and (I think others too) stress can make it hurt worse. I sincerely believe that if you learn some relaxation techniques you will have less pain. If hubs and I argue I tense up and hurt like holy he((. If I leave the room and go into a quiet room I can calm down and relax it takes the edge off of the pain.

Leesa is right, car accidents can be extremely dangerous. My doc said after my first surgery that if I had been in an accident it could have "snapped my neck." Now we stay off of the freeway as much as possible and take the backroads. Just leave a good cushion to the car in front/back and be easy on the gas peddle. I just get over if someone wants to speed.

I wish you well and if you have any more questions, please do not hesitate to post your questions here. My best to you.

Malindak:winky:

Hi Tenderfoot
 

Welcome to Neuro Talk. I read the report that you posted. I hope that you do get another opinion from a neurologist, even if you decided you want to go ahead with the surgery. It is really important to do so. Any time you have cord compression, or severe narrowing, they do alot of times recommend the surgery. You should know Exactly what the surgeon plans to do, before the proceedure, not be told after. That was one things that kind of concerned me. I do wish you all the best. ginnie

Thankyou MalindaK for your reply :)
And thankyou too Ginnie for yours :)

I'm waiting on my pre-op appointment to discuss all of my concerns and as they hope to operate before Christmas, that could be anytime.

At my last appointment in August (my MRI was in July) they estimated a 70% success rate & if fusion was done, I'd lose 10% neck movement.

The borderline compression's at the front & the actual compression is at the back.

I've recently started having goosebump sensations without the goosebumps down my "good" right leg, my affected left arm & up the left side of my face.

I already use a long handled brush & shovel and since the replies I've had on here from Leesa, my poor exhausted DH has hoovered up! He's spent today renovating our bathroom and there's a huge amount of work to be done.

Why have I started to tire so easily these last few weeks & early in the afternoon? We underwent a lot of stress whilst my mum was in hospital & we had my dad, who is mobile with minimal assistance, stay with us. They've both been home 2 weeks, so I should be recovered from that now.

thanks,
Tenderfoot x

Hi all, had a phone-call today telling me my pre-op appointment is this Friday. I go in on the 2nd January, op on the 3rd.

Getting a tad nervous now :eek:

Tender x

Tenderfot---I just wanted to wish you the best of luck !! Are you having acdf ? If so how many levels?

I have to agree with Lee about floor care, regardless of how you feel post op. The bottom line is you have a degenerative problem and it could continue at different levels. Floor care will always be risky regardless of the weight of the item. It is about the nature of the movement as well as the weight. Try to permanently move your pots and pans up to a waist high level. I keep my two most frequently used skillets and pots neatly stacked on the stove top. I use cast iron but would do the same if I used lighter weight cookware. Loading and unloading a dishwasher causes me pain. You will get the knack of doing light housework and picking up with a grabber. I would recomend cleaning and moving defensively on an ongoing basis. The doctor and/ or physical therapist will give you all sorts of activities to keep you in shape. Best wishes.

Thanks for your replies peeps.
ACDF was speculated at my last appointment in August, complete with fusion I'll find out more on Friday about their plans re my surgery.

Meanwhile my DH & me are considering hiring a recliner chair for when I come home. I've read it's a comfier place to sleep immediately post-op. Also looking at button fronted tops, which I could wear unbuttoned back -to-front if need be, rather than T-shirt / jumper types.

He's also thinking of taking my 1st week home off to look after me. Basically we're getting things in shape - food to eat etc.

Please keep your thoughts, suggestions & ideas coming, you don't know how much they are appreciated, thankyou!

Tender x

I found the king sized recliners most helpful. I say king sized so you can stuff all the pillows you need, where ever they are needed. If on your side you will need at least one large one between the legs to keep the spinal alignment correct and the knees more comfortable. A body pillow behind you when on your side gives good support and just feels good. U will feel better with a U shaped neck pillow. Come to think of it, I slept in a recliner for a year post op last time and used a body pillow front and back. I ended up buying the darn thing. I never know where I will sleep these days. :D Front button or zip clothing is easiest to deal with. Heap the praise and thanks on your dear husband. Not all mates are that co-operative and this won't be exactly a vacation for him either.

hello tenger
 

I wish you all the best. I had C3-7. I have an idea that worked for me for in bed. An incline back rest made out of gel, not just the foam. this allowed me to sleep in my own bed. Also if you don't want to wash your hair for a few days, there is a waterless shampoo at walgreens that works great. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. ginnie

Thanks Spiney 95 & Ginnie for your advice :)
Tender x

straws are important most ppl have bad sore throat for a week and soft foods)soup,yougart,pudding etc ---without straws i would have been a mess with the collar (smile)---plus straws helped me shoot down meds quickly without choking. Best Wishes!!:)

Hi all!

I'm listed for ACDF as they intend on removing both of the offending discs & using DBM & a cage in each gap. Have to ring the ward on the day to see if there's a bed for me, I know, that's standard.

No collar post op :( Hospitalised for 3 (usually) to 5 days.

Thanks mg neck prob, was thinking about straws :)

Tender x

Well I am not real familiar with the cages, I had bone graft and then titanium locking plates and screws with pins placed. This was the second surgery and I was able to go home very next morning and NO COLLAR! That was a blessing all of its own! The first surgery I also got to go home next day, but I had to wear that dreaded collar for 92 days!

First surgery with the collar recliner was DEFINITELY a must. Second surgery I didn't need anything, but a Sobikowa cloud pillow REALLY helped!

Forgot about the straws........bendable ones. I need to put those on my shopping list. I use them for consuming my tomoto soup when I get home from the hospital and don't feel like cooking. I live alone and consume a lot of broth and tomato soup for the first week, regardless of whether it's a cervie or a lumbie. I drink my coffee out of a tall mug and use a straw in it so I don't have to sit up if I don't want to. Put a waste basket by your bed/recliner. That should be automatic but I usually forget it until I need it. Same goes for a box of kleenex. Put hand sanitizer everywhere and make everyone use it. I have had three post op infections and they are the pits. Best wishes.

Straws & hand sanitiser x3 now on my shopping list :)
Thanks,
Tender x

Prayers and wishes for a speedy recovery. C4-6 fusion 08/11, no easy at all! Reading this forum helps!

H Nahnie
 

Great that you found Neuro Talk. Welcome. Lots of folks here with back issues for sure. No, fussion like that isn't any fun, and it hurts...I am C3-7. This is a great site to talk about conditions and concerns. Make yourself feel at home. Take care. ginnie

When your spinal cord is being compressed, you really don't have many options because if it touches anywhere, that could mean being paralyzed & some times could lead to death. By the time I had surgery, my left side was numb and I had pins/needles down both my legs and they were giving out on me. So I really tried everything from injections to P.T. to natural meds, wore a cervical collar but in the end, i had to have the surgery. Swallowing is a problem for me still. I guess with the plate and cage, something stops the flow down my throat. I have muscle spasms that feel like something that I will never be able to describe other than to say my body is really ****** at me for allowing the doctor to put something foreign in there...
However, we do what we must do. I have been told that I need to have the fusion extended down 3 more levels! Even though I have 3 fingers numb on my right hand now, I haven't made the decision to have the surgery and pray I can live with what I have without further surgeries. I best to you and I will keep you all in my prayers.

Still trying to navigate the site, the pains of being a newbie.

Thanks Ginnie,

I had spent almost an hour typing a post, I type a few minutes & stop, you know but lost it on a time out!! Fingers don't work as well as they did. But you are right about the fusion, hoping that I'm not going to have the extension of 3 levels that they say I need.

Frankly I'm dreading this op. The fear of not getting through it or coming out paralysed, no matter how low the risks of them happening are, is huuuugge!

I wish you the very best of luck Nahnie & hope you enjoy some relief soon :)
Best wishes,
Tender x

Tenderfoot--- Everyone is diffrent --I can only reply for me-- I have no regrets ---I was in so much pain prior to surgery morphine wouldnt touch it. The pain post op to me was much more tolerable-- actually a relief. I really handled it post op much better....looking back the one major thing I would tell you is dont fear it --- I wasted alot of time ---next thing you know you will be home and bored. When I woke up I actually feel like someone pugged me back in ---it gave me my life back. I wish the same for you !!!

Thanks mg neck problem for your kind reply :).

The thing is, I don't have pain as such. I get pins & needles in my fingers in bed at night & my thumb & hands go to sleep too. Same goes when i try to knit or drive long distance, or I drop a piece of paper I thought i had hold of & my grip & strength aren't great either.

My elbows & shoulders now ache when I've been knitting for any length of time, it's infuriatinigly slow going.

The only pain in my neck is the occasional sharp twang sensation on the right hand side if I tilt my head on an angle. It lasts for about 30-45 seconds then settles.

I guess this is just the lead up to what will happen if they don't operate?
Tender x

hi to all considering surgery
 

I just wanted to jump in and give some hope to those questioning their surgeries. I was at risk of being paralized too, and had the symptoms you describe. I had two fussions. Even though it was hard to go through, there can be successful outcomes. Many on this site have had not such good outcomes. My surgery did releave much of the pain. I too may face more surgery if the ones below my C3-7 fail. I hope that day doesn't come. If this surgery for all of you, has a good chance of helping (after you have several opinions) don't" not "do it because of the negitive things you may hear. Lots of people get a real good outcome like I did. I am not 100% but definately better than what I was shaping up to be. I wish you all the best. ginnie

I left my go for several years in xmas 2009 it started to become 24-7 of pain . Every month I was worse then in 5 -2010 I finally got a mri -- results were severe and all the discs were pressing spinal cord ....doc said no choice without surgery I would become parlyzed so my surgery was scheduled end of july 2010 Then onr 7-4 weekend I went parlyzed on right and my pain level was thru the roof went to e.r my b/p 220/118 .They gave me morphine told my family it will knock me out for the night ---didint touch the pain!! Ginnie is right and I agree --dont let what u read scare you. Were not saying there isnt risks involved but without surgery I would have became parlyzed and no pain relief. I even got to a point I looked forward to the surgery. The longer u let it go the more you risk perm damage to the nerve. I remember the surgeon telling me you only have 18 months on the first onset of nerve damage to have it repaired usually after that it become permanent damage. This surgery gave me my life back --no im not 100% nor will I ever be I would say 90% improvement. I just dont want you to fear it ---because I honestly have no regrets!! :hug:

Thanks mg neck problem & Ginnie for your inputs.

I've no chance of pulling out of the op even if I could & like I've said to my family & friends; I don't want it but I need it & they know I'm scared.

It's got to be done, it will be done so it's up to the powers that be (phew!)

Tender x

Hi Tender
 

I know you are scared. Everyone that is facing this kind of surgeryhas a right to be. Stay close to those that love you. Neuro Talk will be here for support the whole time. That is how I came to be at this site three years ago. I found so many friends I never left. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Be good to yourself while you heal. ginnie

[QUOTE=Tenderfoot;943485]Thanks mg neck problem & Ginnie for your inputs.


No need to thank ---I feel for you ---I just wanted to comfort you because I remember how your feeling as if it happend yesterday. We our all pulling for you and please keep me updated on the date of surgery. Please feel free to ask as many ?? as you would like. You will soon be on the mend and much better for it. You will be in my thought and prayers!!:hug:

Thankyou mg neck problem for your compassion, it made me a little emotional :o

I ring tomorrow to check my bed availability, at the moment surgery is planned for Thursday 3rd Jan, will keep you posted.

Tender x

cervical surgery
 

Hi I'm new here. I've just had fusion from C-3 to C-7. This is my third surgery. The first was C-6 & 7, which was a botched job, it was on the left side of my throat, the second surgery was a zipper down the back of my neck. It took a year to recover. This surgeon corrected what the first surgeon didn't do. Nobody is saying anything about this third surgery at all. As a matter of fact the surgeon only scheduled the surgery. He will not and did not see me after the surgery. So I have to speak to the PA. I am now wearing a cervical nerve stimulator.
I am 63 yrs. old, and this is the worst of the surgeries, because appears I am having more head pain. I need to know what I can and can't do. I was told not to wear the collar anymore on the 31st of Dec. I told the PA what I was experiencing.......difficulty swallowing at times, severe pain in middle of the back of my head area, bilateral pain on neck, and the Pa had no comment, other than maybe I should now have therapy. By the way the surgery was on Nov. 15th. So I really need some input. I live by myself, have no family and no help. So I do as much as I can.

My bed is booked, hope to be back soon :)


I hope someone can help you out Mamafiore,

take care all!

Tender x

Hi mamafiore
 

I am so sorry you had to go through all that by yourself. I can't imagin that. I had failed C6-7 followed by C3-7. Only with two surgeries not three. I am sickened that your doctor didn't follow up well with you. That doesn't seems right. Do you have pain management doc? After a year, how are you doing regarding movement in your neck? I am three years post Op. Not perfect by any means but OK for now. I wish you had more support at home while you go through all this. Do the PT. If it is done right it doesn't hurt, just a bit of ache. It helped me alot, and I got some good massage as well. Let me know how you are. ginnie

will be thinking of you tenderfoot
 

I will be thinking of you tenderfoot on the 3rd. I hope they provide enough pain meds in the hospital, and that this all turns out OK for you. Be good to yourself while healing. I will be waiting to hear from you. It will be alright. love and prayers are coming your way. ginnie:hug::grouphug:

Hi mamafiore--- 3 surgerys. The first I assume was acdf (front of neck) 2nd was [posterior in the back of neck) super hard to recover from they had to cut thru all that muscle. Was the 3rd re-done is the front? What was the reason for the the 3rd surgery?? was it non -fusion from the 2nd? Do you mean your wearing a bone growth stimulator?? --not a nerve stimulator?? does it look like a horse collar your wear for 4 hrs a day? If so that's to help assist in getting a soild fusion. I had that 2. ...it worked to get me a achieve a soild fusion. I think its truly horrible to be left in the dark on what your going thru ---I would call the office and make a list of questions you have for the DR. You have every right to know what happening to you & to have your pain controlled to where you feel comfortable. Im sorry your going thru this ----it make it harder to do it single-- I know. Let me know if I can help answer any ?? We have alot of neck patients on this forum that will jump into help as well. Sometimes you may want to re-post your ?'s on a new thread that way more people will read and help you. Im here if I can help in anyway--Please let me know!!

Tenderfoot

Your in my prayers on the 3rd===Please post when you can I will be anxious to hear how your doing!!:hug: