NeuroTalk Support Groups - cervical spinal cord compression

NeuroTalk Support Groups (https://www.neurotalk.org/)

- Spinal Disorders & Back Pain (https://www.neurotalk.org/spinal-disorders-and-back-pain/)

- - cervical spinal cord compression (https://www.neurotalk.org/spinal-disorders-and-back-pain/166190-cervical-spinal-cord-compression.html)

Quote:

Originally Posted by drwk (Post 881192)

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?

For your diagnosis, I think you might need a laminectomy and a fusion. That is the first surgery I had. They operated from the front and back. I woke up in something similar to a ergonomic chair. Laying on my face kind of. They used donor bone and lifted the part that was pressing on my spinal cord.

I had pain from surgery but I knew the pain I had for more than 12 years was gone.

I wish you a successful surgery.

Please read my post called whiplash and other posts where I discuss trauma to back causing a long lasting PN flare. I have read all your threads and I remember that you posted a neurosurgeon had reviewed all your MRI's and checked your spine too and did not see any spinal problems that may have caused the PN. Though the discitis seemed to be quite likely. Do you have absolute proof of this compression?? There is a difference in language used. Such as abutting cord, indenting cord, flattening cord,touching cord, compressing cord. They can mean different things or even overlap.

I know by now you have fully investigated your scans etc. If you have cord compression, surgery may indeed be your best route. Please get that second opinion with a good neuro surgeon. I know you may be frightened. It always is when the back has to have surgery. It will be OK. I wish you all the best, and a quick recovery. ginnie

This MAY all be moot...

drwk has not posted since 6/7, last activity on 6/10, and was scheduled for surgery on 7/5 -- 5 days ago.

I HOPE all went well.

Doc