[Ragnar]

Hello, I am a 57 year old male who has exercised all my life. I look much younger and my energy level is not much different than 25 years ago actually. Candidly, I have probably had some level of denial about the aging process in general. 2 months ago I was having pain in my upper back and radiating pain down my right arm. I had been swimming roughly 2 miles a day, 4 to 5 days per week using an improper breathing technique and I was also doing flip turns incorrectly. The combination of these improper techniques probably exasperated the condition I learned of shortly thereafter. I had an MRI in mid February in response to this pain and the results showed that I have spinal cord compression at C-4-C-5 with an abnormal cord signal. I have seen two surgeons, one an Orthopedic spine surgeon and the other a Nuerosurgeon and neither recommended surgery because I have no motor function issues. They did agree that I have a congenitally small spinal passage way. My Spine Rhab physician says I have slight indications of myelopathy such as a positive Hoffman's sign and strength of a 4 in some areas. I have changed my swimming technique and I now have almost no pain in my neck and the pain in my arm is virtually gone as well 90% of the time? I now have more of a tightness in my right deltoid from time to time depending on my neck position. I have made other lifestyle changes as well, mostly dealing with how I move my neck. I occasionally have tingling in my hands, or feet; yet it is usually when I have been sitting on my foot for example, or putting pressure on a part of my body. Now that I have this diagnosis, I find myself trying to evaluate whatever sensations I have. The reality is besides the occasional tightness in my neck and arm, I feel as good as ever. My concern is obviously the MRI, no one is recommending surgery they are just telling me to let them know if I begin to have problems using my hands, or walking etc. they say if those sympotoms begin I will need surgery. I feel much better than I did 2 months ago; yet I am worried about the potential loss of Nuerological functions. I am continuing to swim 2 miles, or so 4 days a week and I feel best after swimming. I also am seeing a PT for neck exercises. I know have the negative potentials of cord compression, an abnormal signal and a small spinal passageway hanging over my mentality, even though physically I feel as good as ever. I believe I have had the pain in my neck and arm on and off for years following a collision I had playing basketball 25 years ago. Does anyone have any suggestions, or insight of any type. Thank you

[jeffntate]

The most concerning information in your above post is the abnormal cord signal. If that was reported from an MRI, it typically means permanent damage has already occurred, and you are at high risk of losing more functions, including a risk of paralysis. I'm not a doctor, but I have cervical spondylotic myelopathy and am having a laminectomy and fusion soon to fix it, and I don't have abnormal signal. Note:

" High signal changes seen in the spinal cord of patients with CSM may indicate myelomalacia or permanent spinal cord damage."

http://www.aafp.org/afp/2000/0901/p1064.html

[Ragnar]

[QUOTE=jeffntate;1065898]The most concerning information in your above post is the abnormal cord signal. If that was reported from an MRI, it typically means permanent damage has already occurred, and you are at high risk of losing more functions, including a risk of paralysis. I'm not a doctor, but I have cervical spondylotic myelopathy and am having a laminectomy and fusion soon to fix it, and I don't have abnormal signal. Note:

" High signal changes seen in the spinal cord of patients with CSM may indicate myelomalacia or permanent spinal cord damage."

Hi, thank you for responding. I have seen three physician ( two surgeons) who have reviewed my MRI. None of them are recommending surgery because I have only slight numerological symptoms and no motor issues. I am going to get another opinion; maybe two. Obviously, the situation is worrisome Do you have neurological and, or impaired motor function symptoms? Whatever the case, I hope your surgery goes well. Let's stay in touch!