MRI - One week on...thinking about surgery and need some advice
 

Hi everyone,

I did post a thread somewhat similar to this, but I feel like my situation might have changed and I would like some advice :)

I had an MRI done and it came back with the following:

C5-6: Posterior osteophyte disc complex is demonstrated. Mild central stenosis is noted. Severe bilateral foraminal narrowing is present, greater on the left.

C6-7: Spondylitic changes are present. Posterior osteophyte-disc complex is noted. A left paramedian disc protrustion is present.

C7:T1: Negative

IMPRESSION:

1. Spondylitic change at C5-6. Mild central stenosis is noted. Severe bilateral foraminal narrowing is present.

2. Posterior osteophyte disc complex at C6-7 with small left paramedian protrusion noted.


I saw a neuro surgeon earlier this week and he did a strength test on my left arm and found with one particular angle that I had no strength or resistance to him pushing against my arm (in my triceps). From that, he recommended that I would need a partial discectomy on C7 (posterior). He did not think that a fusion would be a good idea at my age (37).

One thing that I want to mention is that the pain I initially felt when I first had the radiculopathy (around 3 weeks ago) has dissipated to a large degree. I can move my head around and bend my neck with relatively little pain. Also, when I first had the injury I would get shooting pain down my left arm to my fingers and that seems to have stopped as well.

However, I do still have the numbness in my left index and middle fingers and of course the lack of strength in my left triceps.

So...what am I wondering is:

i) Does it sound like surgery is indeed a necessity? I have another appointment with the NS on Feb 3rd and the plan is to set up surgery soon after that.

ii) Is it possible I might get better in time naturally without surgery since the pain has improved over time?

Thanks!

Chris