Would love some advice please
 

I would love some advice from people who have more experience in this than me. I'm 36yo female with long term back and neck problems.

Below is my most recent neck CT and lumbar xray, I'm sorry, but I don't understand any of this and won't be going back to my Dr's for 3 weeks. I have been having bad headaches that then set off migraines for years now and have been experiencing numbness down the outside of my left leg to just above the knee. Would the reports below explain the headaches and numb leg? If so, is there anything that I can do to fix it?

CT SCAN CERVICAL SPINE
There is no sign of posterior arch or end plate fractures. There are large left paracentral osteophytes at C5-6 associated with circumferential reactive changes affecting the end plates. The osteophytes and prominent P. L. L. cause significant left paracentral cord compression and certainly a potential for compression of the left C6 nerve root as it passes out to its foramen.

At C6-7 there are similar sized left paracentral osteophytes compressing the cord and the origin of the left C7 nerve root. The right C7 nerve root appears normal.

At C7-T1 appearances are normal.

CONCLUSION: Hypertrophie new bone around the C5-6 and C6-7 end plates with left sided cord compression and potential for compression of the C6 and C7 nerve roots.

An Xray today of my lower back (due to persistent numbness in my left leg has the following report:

XRAY LUMBAR SPINE
There is slight scoliosis through the lumbar spine convex to the right. Vertebral heights are preserved throughout and there is no evidence of an acute bony injury. There is the impression of pars defects demonstrated through the L3 vertebral body with a grade 1 anterolisthesis of L3/4. There is mild discovertebral degeneration demonstrated at the thoracolumbar junction and lower lumbar levels.


Thank you

Hi ~ Basically it says that you have bone spurs (overgrowth) that are pressing on the spinal cord, and that's NOT good !! Nerve roots are also being compromised, and that is PAINFUL.

The X-ray shows some scoliosis (curvature of the spine) albeit mild. That wouldn't cause the pain you're in. They mention anterolisthesis, which is where a vertebra overlaps another. They also mention disc degeneration, which is a "normal" aging process. The discs become dried out, and that tends to make them flatten --- then they bulge out or herniate, and that causes pain if they're pressing on nerves.

I would think that your troubles WOULD account for your headaches & numbness, but I'm no doctor and could very well be wrong.

I'm so sorry you're having such problems. I wish you the very best of luck! God bless & take care. Hugs, Lee

Hope this helps
 

The cord compression in the conclusion is probably why you are having headaches. There are sections within this site that would give you a list of questions to ask your doctor. IF you can't find them , let me know. I kept a journal of symptoms and what I took or did to try and help alleviate them. I also put my questions and answers in the journal along with a copy of the MRI report and the laymens translations. This way I had all that I needed in one place and did not have to rely on my memory.
I do not know anything about the back as I only have neck issues. I had a 2 level ACDF 12/9/2010.

Good luck. Keep us posted

CONCLUSION: Hypertrophie new bone around the C5-6 and C6-7 end plates with left sided cord compression and potential for compression of the C6 and C7 nerve roots.

I too had spinal compression in my neck that caused pain down both of my arms and legs. After several months of trying to deal with the pain through therapy, accupuncture, meds, massage, and losing my arm strength, I had to have ACDF surgery. The surgery fixed everything, but not without developing residual issues. None of which are near as bad as it was. Ask your doctor lots of questions and do your homework. Best to be armed with as much informtion as you can get. Best of luck.

This was probably the cause of one kind of my headaches. I went through several courses of PT until I found the right therapist who knew/specialized in this type of headache, and it made all the difference. Many months of seated chin tucks (very painful to do at first, but less so in time). I still get headaches, but not quite as many or as severe.

Doc

no more soccer says it as i agree, all the info u can find. make a well informed decision do you homework leave no stone unturned

wishing a easy way
eva

Re: spine
 

Leesa was right about the cord compression. That is the thing to watch out for. I am sure your doctor will recommend something to you. Please do get another opinion, no matter what. I had C3-7 fused last year, after a failed first C6-7. The whole thing had to be done because of the cord compression at C4-5. Lumbar is usually responisble for lower pain in the legs. Cervical has more problems with the arms and NP in hands etc. I wish you all the best. Keep with this site, there are alot of people who will help you through it. I came here before my last surgery for information. I found help and alot of friends. ginnie

I would expect numbness/pain in your left thumb or weak biceps perhaps?? Muscular tension headaches secondary to your cervical disc issues are a possibility. Your lumbar x-rays and stated symptoms should certainly warrent a lumbar MRI I would think. Try not to read into your imaging findings much else before you see your doc!

Thankyou!
 

Thank you all for your help.

Since making this post a number of things have happened. The nerve in my left thigh has been 'firing' (my Dr's words) almost constantly most days. It causes so much discomfort that I can't sit or stand for more than about 15 minutes. I have found that walking actually helps.

I spoke to my Dad, who is a TPI (Totally Permanently Incapacitated) Veteran. He too has similar issues in the same places in his back, only 20 years more advanced. As a Veteran, he is entitled to various assistance through the Department of Veteran Affairs, one of which is a rehabilitation gym. He spoke to the owner and got me in on his DVA card, a deal done to ensure and encourage Veterans to participate.

I have had an assessment there which shows significant differences in my strength and reach on my left arm, but on the whole I am healthy. I have been going for 3 weeks now and have a special program that helps strengthen the muscles in my arms, back and tummy to help support my spine.

For the first two weeks I noticed very little difference, but after last week I was headache free (I had had a headache for 11 days prior to this) and am able to sit for longer periods. I walk as much as I can and am doing a supervised pilates program, again working on the core muscles.

I can't say that it has fixed things, but I am hoping it will delay any possible operation that may be in the future.

Thank you all for your help and advice.

:)

happy 2 hear that u are able 2 strengthen the muscles as they do work together u go
be careful, under supervision, take it slow but the kind of news we all like 2 HEAR!

HAPPINESS YOUR WAY WITH ALL THE RELIEF YOU CAN GET!