CERVICAL SPINE DEGENERATION and PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY
 

I have cervical spine degeneration around the C4-C6 levels (neck) and also have burning heat at the back of my neck (which spreads to my face and trunk).

I have been told that the burning pain is as a result of a severe sensory neuropathy (and have been through many tests -- eg nerve conduction and MRIs - which appear to support this).

However, I am wondering if there is any link between the degeneration in my spine and this burning heat at the back of my neck.

I have asked all my consultants (ie those dealing with my cervical spine problems and the neurologists) and they all say that (whilst nothing can be ruled out in medicine) they do not know of any connection between the two conditions.

There are many nerves emanating from the spine so I just still wonder if there is any connection!

Does anyone have a similar intensive burning feeling at the back of their neck which has been attributed to cervical spine problems?

By any chance did you get a copy of the written MRI report?
If not you can still request a copy.. it's nice to have in case you want to get other opinions later on.. A copy of the MRI images on a CD is handy for same reason..

Sometimes the wording in the report will give more clues as to severity and if nerves are being compressed or impinged..

Mine was lumbar, it to took a myelogram for my neurosurgeon to figure out what I was describing. I had more pain down my right leg & foot while MRI showed it should have been my left leg & foot.

Spinal fusion on L3-4-5 has fixed my back pain and helped some with my neuropathy. Since my neuropathy is from a critical illness I'm probably stuck with it forever in my feet.

Good Luck