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Neurology (Expert Forum)
Osteophytes
This forum is for questions and support regarding neurology issues such as: Alzheimer's Disease, ALS, Autism, Brain Cancer, Cerebral Palsy, Chronic Pain, Epilepsy, Fibromyalgia, Headaches, MS, Neuralgia, Neuropathy, Parkinson's Disease, RSD, Sleep Disorders, Stroke, Traumatic Brain Injury
Osteophytes
by MAXNROCKY, Aug 15, 2005 12:00AM
I have never really had any neck problems until on Fathers Day I was in a car accident. 2 weeks following I began to have a stiff neck with severe headaches which seemed to originate from the back of my neck. C-spine - reverse lordosis. MRI - Neural foraminal stenosis @ C3-C4 secondary to osteophytes. C5-C6 loss of signal and height of disc with osteophyte impressing the thecal sac with right foraminal stenosis. C6-C7 moderate paracentral osteophyte impressing the thecal sac. Could these be the source of my pain and could the accident have enahced this problem? What can be done? Am also having left hand 5th,4th,& thumb numbness. Thank You so Much.
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-Neuro-M.D.-PW, Aug 22, 2005 12:00AM
These findings are mostly due to wear and tear of the spine over time. You probably have some degree of soft tissue injury and muscle spasm from the accident also - I cannot tell for sure fro the internet. This predisposes you to the headaches also. There seem to be some pinched nerves by the report that could fit with your numbness, although I cannot say for sure without seeing the scan. The treatment is usually conservative with a soft collar, neck support, analgesia and muscle realxants, and surgery is reserved for a motor/weak deficit or progressive unresponsive unresolving pain/disability.