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Neurology (Expert Forum)
best treatment for c-spine condition
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best treatment for c-spine condition
by Judyadd, Aug 29, 2004 12:00AM
Background-severe head/neck/face injury 1996 (32 y/o female) via assault-includes totally severed left carotid artery,removal of saliva gland,severed facial muscles et al; required reconstructive surgery- Present condition 2004 (43 y/o female)-MRI Impression C-spine-Herniation c5-6/c6-7 left lateral in location with stenosis in the AP diameter & encroachment upon foramina left side,small bulge c3-4. degenerative changes identified with narrowing of disc spaces at c-56 c6-7. Increased signal within bone marrow compatible with degenerative changes - Symptoms include: chronic headache; moderate pain behind left shoulder blade radiate deep in armpit; tingly,numbing left arm to fingers causing hand to curl; mispronounce words; difficulty swallowing and concentration; feeling of something in throat; problematic sleeping-muscle relaxers,anaprox prescribed- no relief after 6 weeks. Questions(s): What does increased signal w/in bone marrow mean? what is AP diameter? What wold be best treatment eg. type of exercise? effective Rx? manipulation? Epidural? other? How can I protect this condition from worsening? Any advice greatly appreciated, I have no insurance. Judyadd
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-Neuro-M.D.-CS, Sep 03, 2004 12:00AM
1) The increased signal within the bone marrow simply means that the marrow is being lost due to degenerative changes
2) AP diameter is the distance from the front to the back of the spinal canal
3)All of your symptoms are not explained by your spinal problem. I would recommend seeing a neurologist who can help you sort through these problems. Without seeing you I could not recommend a specific treatment.
Good luck
2) AP diameter is the distance from the front to the back of the spinal canal
3)All of your symptoms are not explained by your spinal problem. I would recommend seeing a neurologist who can help you sort through these problems. Without seeing you I could not recommend a specific treatment.
Good luck
Regarding the pain medication, what they have prescribed for you is for mild pain, I believe you can even buy this over the counter in the form of Aleve. If your pain isn't being relieved, you may need a narcotic which you will need to request. If the doctors won't prescribe it then you can buy it legally online but you will need to fax your medical records to the online physician who will call in a stronger prescription for you, and usually with a couple refills. Good luck to you and I wish you well. -CM