Surgery or Not?

[ssiewers]

I have degenerative disk disease in my cervical disks.  I had to have C5-6 replaced in 1999.  That surgery went very well and I had no problems.  Now I have small central bulges in C3-4 and I have a small bulge in C4-5 along with a bone spur, which at this time does not seem to be impinging any nerve but there is some narrowing.  I now have a larger problem with C6-7.  At first it was just protruding (both sides) but now I have a bone spur that is effacing my CSF.  I have neck pain, some headaches and arm pain (primarily left) which radiates from the shoulder to my fingers and when I don't have the shooting pain, it is just a constant ache.  I have noticed in the last couple of days that I am now having some minimal pain with movement in the right shoulder as well; however, I am not yet having the aching of the arm and hands.  Right now the only cervical disk I have that is healthy is the one they obtained from the bone bank and put in C5-6 back in 1999.  I think I have only one alternative at this point and that is surgery to remove the bone spur and replace the disk at 6-7.  However, I am wondering if I should also have them remove the spur at 4-5 during the same procedure; otherwise, in a year or two I may be looking at another surgery. At some point, I believe I am going to be losing the ability to move my head from side to side with all of the plates that will be holding everything in place.  If anyone knows of another alternative, I would be interested in knowing about it.  Thanks.

[TrudieC]

Bumping this up.

[ssiewers]

My doctor just called and indicated I could wait until December 17 for my first visit.  Now I am wondering if I need to look for another doctor and get a second opinion, even though I have seen the first doctor yet.  This first doctor is in an office by himself and does surgeries Mon-Wed and office calls Thur/Fri.  I am looking for a good neurosurgeon in the Indianapolis, Indiana area that specializes in cervical disk problems.  If anyone out there who knows someone I would be thankful for the heads-up (no pun intended).  Any help would be appreciated.

[jake61]

I have bulged discs from C-2 to C-7 and pain in my right shoulder that shoots down the back of my arm. Even though I was on alot of pain meds it did not help completley. I use to get a blood pressure cuff and put it on right by my elbow and inflate it as high as it would go. That was instant relief although only temporarily. I bought me a inversion table for 100.00$ and its a God send. I also have bulged discs all through my lumbar region and this has helped better than all the pain meds I could take at one time. I still am on pain meds but I dont have the pain I use too.  Good luck  P.S.  Always get a second opinion no matter what.