Running out of options and spinal conditions worsening
 

Initially had a cervical herniation (C5 and C6) about 3 years ago. I don't recall what caused it but may have been a combination of over-exercising and sitting on a chair all day at work. I've had constant pressure at the base of the skull. Pain, burning, numbness in my left arm/hands. Pain between the shoulder blades, etc.

For the past 3 years I've been trying to make the best of the condition I'm in. Tried an epidural injection and did not like it at all. Physical therapy didn't help much.

I recently went to 3 separate doctors to see what I could do about my situation.

The first doctor told me I needed to get surgery immediately (laser endoscopic discectomy). The 2nd doctor told me I should probably get a fusion done. The 3rd doctor told me it would probably if I didn't do either and to just to live and manage the pain. Told me that with laser surgery it's still relatively new and there is not enough medical evidence to back it up. Told me there is also a big risk of scar tissue forming. And ultimately that the risks of surgery could possibly make things worse.

To make matters worse I think the conditions may have worsened. To try and keep myself in shape I did some light cardio and some pushups to try and maintain a healthy body. I asked multiple doctors and they mentioned pushups shouldn't be an issue. But lately, my whole arm is numb when I wake up now and the pain frequently travels to my right arm (it never did in the past). I think I may have injured my lumbar (possible herniation?) as well as I have back pains and my left leg frequently has a burning sensation.

I'm about at my wit's end right now. My body is getting worse and I've been very depressed lately. I just feel like lying in bed all day and not moving around. I don't feel that I'm that old yet (30) and already my body is falling apart.

I guess I'm just looking for some help/answers as I'm completely lost right now. :(

It's possible that you have the c spine issue plus the exercise + desk work compounding things.

Have you ever had any repetitive motion injuries? or RSIs?
carpal tunnel, elbow pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, wrist pain?

how is your posture over all & at the desk?
hunched/slouched/ head forward?

If any of those things fit you may want to read on our thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) forum - the useful sticky thread will be a good place to start-
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/thread84.html

even if it doesn't fit - there are many therapies mentioned also


As far as push ups are concerned - the head weighs about 8-14 lbs and with a c spine problem already - putting that much extra weight out for the neck to hold up against gravity is a bit much I think...:eek:

Hi swy05,

:welcome_sign:

Y'know how you got different opinions from different doctors? Same thing can (& does) happen with physical therapists, and also like doctors, there are bad ones, good ones, and better ones.

I have similar problems - cervical & lumbar discs. The first few go-arounds with PT didn't help at all, so I gave up. Later on down the line, I happened to get a therapist who knew a little more, and was better at communicating with patients. In my case, this PT had me doing seated chin tucks (because I had lousy posture sitting at a desk for years). It hurt like heck (HECK, I TELL YA! :eek: ;)) at first, but sticking with it for several months made the difference. This therapist was the only one to explain that, and that it would seem things would get worse before they got better - and they did. Eventually some things got corrected, and some of the pain is much better as a result.

My experiences with surgeons were similar to yours as well. The one I have the most confidence in warned me away from cervical surgery because the risks (being left the same or worse) aren't justified statistically. In time (years) some natural healing has occured, but some further deterioration has as well. Has anyone mentioned DDD (Degenerative Disc Disease)? That's what many of us have, and what many of us weren't told is that DDD is/can be the result of osteoarthritis. (They told me I had severe OA - they just didn't tell me about the cause/effect).

You're at the beginning of a journey - possibly a long one. Learn as much as you can about whatever they tell you. Ask questions. There are a lot of people here and on other groups going through the same/similar, and we're all helping each other. I can say that my learning curve has increased tremendously with the internet and these groups, and my quality of life is better for it.

Try not to lie in bed - staying mobile is better, even if less active than before. Some supplements may help - Glucosamine/Chondroitin for one.

Hang in there!

Doc

Just to add my 2 cents- whenever I hear about someone doing pushups now the hair at the back of my head stands up. Be really really careful that you have perfect technique. Even if you get a personal trainer, not everyone has a good eye. In my case, my left shoulder was way too extended backwards when doing pushups and the result was twisting my whole spine. I was oblivious- not knowing why my left arm hurt. Now it could be chicken and egg- you could have the nerve issue affect the left arm strength- but the effect is the same. Personally, my pushup days are over and I wsih I had never done them in the first place, regardless of age. I think pushups are good for 18 year old male army recruits and that's it. There are other ways of doing these exercises that are easier to make sure my body is aligned. Like a chest press machine that has a seat with a back- etc.

Thx for the replies.

I'm wondering if I do have DDD. But no doc has mentioned that to me yet.

Also I'm done with pushups. I kind of wish I hadn't started. Mymposture was pretty bad and I think I may have made it worse.