[roybean88]

I had an MRI of c-spine it is to straight. Will not have follow up with doctor until April. However could this cause arm paint etc? I have a twin sister & they told her the same thing. Seems strange. I know we both work on the PC allot so that may have something to do with it.

[Jomar]

The loss of the c spine curve "might" be one of those chicken & egg things.
Like did the loss of curve have something to do with ending up with TOS or did TOS problems cause the loss of the curve..

For myself I do believe losing the natural curve was an indicator that something was going on. When I had each of my RSI injuries {hands/wrists,, shoulders, neck, upper back..},, the PTs would always mention the loss of normal curve. But no mention that this could be an indicator of thing to come...in the future.

If they would have stressed how important keeping these curves were, I would have paid more attention to my overall posture and work postures & habits.
And if they had told me about the foam roller use, to open the chest and drop the shoulders - that it reverses the bad postures of forward work...
I would have been using that the whole time and probably been OK.

But never heard of anything like it at all until after seeing about 10 different PTs. Finally the last one I found on my own - had RSI & TOS listed on his info,, he was the one that helped me the most , along with my chiropractor.
I have a video link in the sticky thread about using the foam roller, also a rolled towel will work for starting or trying it. I also lean over my large exercise ball front & back to stretch both ways.

Of course listen to what your body tells you - start easy ,if it is too much back it down,if pain or symtoms are high start by laying out on the floor only.
I did the stretches multiple X's a day when I was in bad shape, and now depends on usages if I feel tightness then I do more to regain & maintain.



But I think a straight c spine alone shouldn't be a cause of arm pain, unless you also have something misaligned, herniated or slipped and impinging on the spinal cord area.

[Kyphosis is outward curvature of the thoracic spine (upper back). Abnormal kyphosis results in the appearance of a hunchback, which is accompanied by back pain, stiffness, and muscle fatigue in the back. There are three types of abnormal kyphosis: postural, Scheuermann's, and congenital kyphosis. Postural kyphosis is caused by poor posture and a weakening of the back's muscles and ligaments. Scheuermann's kyphosis is caused by a structural deformity of the vertebrae. Congenital kyphosis is caused by an abnormal development of the vertebrae prior to birth. Treatment of kyphosis depends upon the type of kyphosis the patient has.] http://www.medicinenet.com/kyphosis/index.htm


[The stability of the cervical spine and its ability to stay in the lordotic position depends on other parts of the spine. The vertebral bodies need to be strong enough to support the head and keep the normal shape of the spine. The facet joints, ligaments, and soft tissues in the back of the neck and back must be strong. And the muscles in the back must be able to resist the effect of gravity pulling the head forward. If there is damage to any of these three areas, a kyphotic deformity can develop, and the weight of the head can cause reversal of the normal curvature of the spine.] http://arthritis-symptom.com/fractur...l-kyphosis.htm

a bunch more links-
http://www.google.com/#hl=en&q=cervi...bc9ba0718e9555

Looks like it goes back to posture, useage, alignment and keeping the head balanced over the body.
Retraining those muscles in the upper back while loosening/opening up the tightened muscles that are pulling forward in the front of the chest.

A good PT should be able to get you going in the right direction, but if you have lots of pain then extra care and pain relief modalities should be the first focus for PT before moving into any active muscle work/weights.


Unless you have a very severe case or a congenital cause anyway.
That is something the Dr should address - how severe and if congenital caused.

[(Broken Wings)]

Welcome to NT

Jo*mar has written her heart out. That's a lot of great information to digest.

I totally agree with her. The "POSTURE" is most important. I'm stronger now so I can hold myself upright and in better alignment. It's been almost 10 years. So I've been trhough a lot. Baby steps if you have to. Crawl if you have to, but try things as your body tells you. I've also found that I had to wean myself off of things.... supports, meds, PT, balls, nests...

I also found that I could do something for a while and I would plateau for whatever reasons. I would discontinue and then later find myself going back to it to gain a little more.

I have placed a long dressing mirror at the side of my workstation as my "POSTURE POLICE." this has done wonders for my posture. I also have to use balls in my chair to keep aligned. whatever it takes, just do it. The foam tubes, towels, balls, king sized pillow turned up and down the spine - as soft, squishy one, all these work too.

My therapist/friend got me a twist board for Xmas that I can use at my workstation. It is making my core/stomach stronger so I can support my back better.

I do think it has helped.

And inhale water... drink as much as you can tolerate. It helps the whole body, brain and bladder.

Lots of info here. So plan on spending some time looking around.

I know you'll find lots of caring people here.

[Jomar]

LOL, Had a burst of energy

If you are able to describe some of the most bothersome symptoms we might be able to pinpoint a bit better some more specific tips & helps for you.

plus the search tool is great for finding specific info too.
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/search.php

[roybean88]

Thanks to everyone. I have five bad dics total in my spine so far. Two in the Lumbar & three in the thoriacic area. So I know allot of my issues are due to this. I also had the doppler ultrasound test done & it shown a pinched nerve when I would raise my arms above my shoulder. I think the blood flow was fine, just not the nerves. To add to that I have an autoimmune nerve disorder. So who knows for sure what is causes my pain etc. At times while in bed my arms will hurt when holding a book up to read. Its paperback so its not heavy. Ohter times my pinky and ring finger will go numb (that only happens on the really bad days) I get allot of headaches, eye pain you name it. However thank you for your post I will read up on the information & threads.

[roybean88]

Hi, I have the MRI results. Straightening consistent with muscle spasm. A minute disk ostophyte comples with minimal indentation upon the thecal sac at C5-6 without neural enchroachment