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Spinal Disorders & Back Pain For discussion of all spinal cord injuries, spinal issues, back-related pain or problems. |
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#11 | ||
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#12 | |||
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Injections, PT, Chiro and lifestyle changes are the first line of defense in alleviating pain and avoiding surgery. Unfortunately once the nerve pain travels down the arm those nerves are essentially setting of an alarm to warm you that something is really wrong and if left that way it can become permanent or worse both in pain and function. When the formainal opening is closed enough for the MRI report to note "severe" that means it is unlikely that much will help long term. Sure, an injection will help and might even give you an extra 6 months to a year but because it is bone that is closing off that hole until that is corrected through surgery, things will not improve for the long term. Personally I would not get a fusion at your age. I would seriously consider, and highly recommend, the foraminotomy which will NOT stress or cause deterioration to your lower levels like with the fusion. Just my opinion. I would also highly recommend seeing more than one Neurosurgeon for an opinion. I do wish you the best, Tessa |
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#13 | ||
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Thanks both of you
![]() Does that make sense? Cheers ![]() |
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#14 | ||
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Make sure you go for another opinion. When ever your MRI says severe, and there is cord impingement, the doctors do take that second look to see if you can be helped surgically. Please try all known therapies before you choose to do surgery. The surgery can be of benefit. In my non medical opinion, both the vertebra that show damage should be addressed at one time
Sometimes when hardware is used, the weakened vertebra above and below the site are at risk. This is something to watch out for and ask your doctor about. I had C6-7 done, and actually didn't know the ones above were also damaged. I didn't ask or get that second opinion. I wound up 5 years later fused C3-7, called the domino effect. My last surgery did work. Let me know if you can how it goes for you. I also understand about being afraid. It is traumatic to go through the surgery. NT will support you in any decision you make. I came here for the same reason. Those that had the fusions before me, helped to ease my way through the process. I wish you all the best. ginnie ![]() |
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#15 | ||
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Thanks Ginnie
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#16 | |||
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Though I respect Ginnies opinion a great deal, I disagree with the statement taht if the MRI report says "severe" there is cord impingement. In this particular usage (on your MRI) they are specifically speaking to the opening of the foramin where the nerves come thru and it is "severe" in that the nerves are being compressed due to the severity of that opening being blocked off by either bone or disc material. Foraminal stenosis is the closing off of that opening vs. 'spinal stenosis' which is the reduced area or compression in the spinal canal - two completely different areas of anatomy. I do of course agree with another opinion although it sounds like this NS is a good one since he isn't recommending fusion like so many do. Good for you! It is my humble opinion based on my own experience and discussion with many doctors that at that degree of compromise that surgery and a lifetime of continued therapy and preventative protection and conditioning that it is your only chance of recovery long term. Eat well, stay hydrated, exercise daily and stay positive ![]() Best wishes, Tessa |
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#17 | ||
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Thanks Tessa
![]() ![]() One question I forgot to ask him is about the weakness in the left arm. I had little to none resistance against one exercise he did with my bicep. Is that because of the nerve impingement or is it because my arm is weaker since I haven't been using it at all? I wonder if that might get better by itself in time? Thanks. |
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#18 | ||
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Junior Member
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Hi guys,
One other thing..I read about a procedure Peyton Manning had: http://www.dailypress.com/news/crime...1813523.column It says he had a "anterior cervical discectomy and fusion". Now, one thing it also says is he had a: "bone graft goes in the disc space and a small plate acts as a cast to let it heal." "Essentially the two bones that are treated, the disc between those two bones will be connected with a bone bridge as the fusion progresses over three months or so." The NS I saw this morning didn't mention anything about a bone graft. I had the impression once the problematic disc is removed it is just left like that? Any advice? I was starting to feel ok about the surgery and now I read this I am starting to worry again that mine will be missing something. Thanks ![]() |
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"Thanks for this!" says: | ginnie (01-24-2014) |
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#19 | ||
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Elder
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Hi, Just get that second opinion to confirm the DX and proposed surgery. This is just to give you peace of mind that the procedure is right for you. Ask all the questions you can of your surgeon. Things will turn out OK. ginnie
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#20 | |||
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She is also right about getting another opinion - personally I would not have surgery (especially on the spine) without at least 3 concurring opinions and treatment recommendations. |
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"Thanks for this!" says: | ginnie (01-24-2014) |
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