Hello. Im looking for info and what my next move should be. I have been dewing with this for 4 yrs and have done everything. Physical therapy 3 yrs epidural that could of caused paralysis due to Von wille brands ds and RFA. Chronic pain positive EMG MRI 2mm of anterolisthesis of c3 upon c4. Loss of signal throughout inf disc space with loss of disc space height @ c5-6 and c6-7 finding degenerative disc ds. @ c3-4 mild facet jt degenerative changes with narrowing of the lt neuroforamina. @ c4-5 small disc osteophyte complex without mass effect there are lt sided facet jt degenerative changes. @ c5-6 there is diffuse disc osteophyte complex which partially effaces the ventral CFS space ur doesn't reach cord. There are I covertebal jt and facet degenerative changes with mild narrowing of the neuroforamina @ c6-7 there is a focal rightward protrusion which partially the ventral CSF space. At 40 yo should all these changes be taken place? Was this caused by injury such as MVA? Should surgery be an option at this point due to pain and disruption of life? At a lost. Please help. Any feedback appreciated.

Hi there and welcome.....

May i ask, have you seen a neurosurgeon for surgical direction and options? Your age doesn't matter that much, I have had a spinal fusion (C5,C6,C7) last March and I'm only 41 years old. (My problem is repetitive strain injury, 20 years as a graphic designer, too many hours and years on a computer. Our bodies just aren't meant to handle some things for hours, days, year on end.)

Anyway... back to you....

Where is your pain located? Are you having issues with your hands or fingers, numbness or tingling? What is your profession?

Only a surgeon should give you direction for surgery, but you will gain a lot of information on this forum to learn about options. I dealt with my issues for years before surgery became necessary, and just so you realize surgery won't necessarily eliminate the pain, I still have a lot of pain after my fusion, and I still need more surgery (which seems to be the case in a lot of people, domino effect). Surgery will only correct mechanical problems, so you need to be clear on what you expect a surgery to accomplish also.

I hope you can fond some answers and direction, good luck with your journey, wishing you some pain releif soon.

Take care
Cathie