[Pensive one]

First time poster here...... Here's a brief rundown of my story and I'm hoping another member with similar issues might be able to offer some insight And share their experience.

I started experiencing a deep ache in my left trapezius area about seven months ago which worsened usually at the end of a long shift (nurse). I figured it was a muscle strain; I don't have the best posture and my job is both pretty physically and emotionally draining so I'm familiar with neck strain. I decided to be pro active and get into PT for treatment. Unfortunately the stretches and strengthening exercises only seem to exacerbate my problem and I began having spasms. After three months of trying several different approaches, traction, ultrasound, joint mobilization, electro stimulus without improvement, I stopped PT.

I finally had an MRI which showed the following:

Reversal of cervical lordosis

C3-C4: Small left paracentral disc osteophyte complex with effacement of ventral CSF and no cord compression

C5-C6: Small to moderate right paracentral disc osteophyte complex with efface net of ventral CSF and bare contacting of the right side ventral margin of cord.

C6-C7: Minimal broad-based disc osteophyte complex


I just received these results so I haven't had a chance to discuss it in detail with a knowledgeable care provider. The PA who ordered the MRI just suggested I see a spinal surgeon. I'm certainly no expert but "bare contacting of my central margin cord" doesn't seem to warrant a surgical approach at this time. Yes, My neck feels stiff and achy all the time but I don't have any radicular symptoms.

The PA agreed to put in a referral for me to a local pain management specialist with a good reputation. I am hoping that some type of cortisone injection can ease the inflammation enough so I can do some neck strenghtening exercises

Does this sound like a reasonable plan? From the minimal research I've done so far it looks like surgery for osteophytes is a last resort.

Has anyone had cervical injections for a similar condition with good (fairly lasting) results?

Thanks for reading!