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 .