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Neurology (Expert Forum)
cervical disc herniation
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cervical disc herniation
by Joyce, Mar 16, 2000 12:00AM
hi . in the middle of february i had some severe neck spasm. which i have had for years. but with some motrin it uasually went away. but this time it did not and the pain went into my right arm with no relief form the motrin. i went to my family md and i had a cervical xray and she gave me flexerial and my motrin up to 800mg tid. one week later she called and said i had to have a mri.which i had done on 3/6/00. in the meantime the pain became very severe in my whole arm and numbness in my indexfinger and my middle finger and up my arm to and above the elbow. the pain also was very severe in my elbow finally my md gave me a a med hyrocodone. which did give me some relief finally. i saw the neuro surgeon. and i was very nervous.so i know i did not get all the info straigt. my mri impression. said right sided disc protrusion at c6-7 and left paracentral disc protrusion at c5-6 neural foraminal narrowing. diffuse degenerative disc disease. cervical straightenging which may reflect paracervical muscular spasm. the is some damage to the nerve but iforgot what one. she put men on decadron for thee day. if my pain is better next week i may sart some therapy. i think she said surgery was the best option but will see if conservative treatment helps. i had a similait problem in my elbow last year i thought it was a bursitis. so i waited it out after a fer months it went away. the ns said it was form my neck. then too. what do you think i shold do .i am nervous. about surgery and if i do not have the surgery . the numbness remain. also she said my muscle in my upper arm was damaged and it may take up to a year to get back. i know this lenghty but i need to think about the surgery. -
Doctor's Answer
by CCF Neuro[P] MD, RPS, Mar 16, 2000 12:00AM
Dear Joyce:
Sorry to hear about your neck and arm problem. It sounds like the cervical disc and foramen may be the problem. Usually the best progression of treatment for spinal cord problems is a good trial at rehab, done with a PT and rehab specialist. If this fails then the alternative is surgery. Surgery would be the last option as results can be variable from patient to patient. I think I would also see a neurologist and get his/her opinion concerning the numbness of the index and second finger. Does this happen during the night? Do you find yourself shaking the hand due to numbness? Any itching on the palms? Anyway, this will help identify any other nerve problems.
Sincerely,
CCF Neuro MD
Sorry to hear about your neck and arm problem. It sounds like the cervical disc and foramen may be the problem. Usually the best progression of treatment for spinal cord problems is a good trial at rehab, done with a PT and rehab specialist. If this fails then the alternative is surgery. Surgery would be the last option as results can be variable from patient to patient. I think I would also see a neurologist and get his/her opinion concerning the numbness of the index and second finger. Does this happen during the night? Do you find yourself shaking the hand due to numbness? Any itching on the palms? Anyway, this will help identify any other nerve problems.
Sincerely,
CCF Neuro MD
ending up having a cervical fusion. I have a lot to say about
surgery vs therapy etc. It you would like to call me please
do...415-421-8663 or Email at ***@****
CCF Neuro MD
I feel as if I am falling apart. I have just been diag. with a herniation at C6-7 impringing on the nerve as well as carpal tunnel in both hands. I was involved in a auto accident several years ago which caused me to have left knee surgery and another one causing me to have right shoulder surgery. I have no idea where to begin. I am not working due to the disc problem because of the pain. I suffered with the knee and hip pain all of which I understand the knee pain is caused by the hip. But, now I do not know where to start if I have to have surgery.I hurt all the time. The knee I had surgery on is starting to bother me. I went to see a pain specialist, who has ordered several blood test to rule out lyme disease or other blood disorders. The specialist also stated I could receive injections to relieve the symptoms but, feels I will need surgery. I think I should have seen a neurosurgeon first or a orthopedist. Please advise.
Thank You.