Cervical stenosis-weird sx's

[iambus]

Hi! I just found out I have Cervical Stenosis.  I'm 30 years old.  I have an appointment to see a neurosurgen in 2 weeks.  I'm a little baffled because I am not experiencing much pain (I have in the past , both in neck and lower back but that pain comes and goes, some times pain free for several months) I'm only experiencing minor pain right now.  But I have severe muscle fatigue in both arms and legs and I've started having a difficult gripping and ungripping things (I'm a groomer and have been having a hard time  holding the brushes while grooming) (I also have numbness in less, bladder problems, and tons of other weird symptoms)  

I was wondering if there is anyone else who has cervical stenosis (disks pressing against spinal cord) where you have issues with muscles but not much pain.  It seems weird to me that I'm not experiencing much pain (*knocks on wood* I'm glad to not have much pain!) but wondering if that can be normal?

[erin183]

At 27 an MRI showed the same dx for me: cervical spinal stenosis. I had many of the same symptoms. I went to get a second opinion and second MRI with a more respectable hospital and he saw no signs of stenosis at all. I had a few bulging discs, one that had ruptured and a couple of bone spurs. I ended up having surgery at age 30 after determining the ruptured disc was what was causing the majority of my pain. I'm just saying, get a second opinion...ALWAYS. It won't hurt if they're right or wrong but it will give you peace of mind :) Good luck!

[selmaS]

  HI sorry NL = neurologist

I was in my early 20's when I first learned of my stinosis...at that time, there was no other issues mentioned.

In fact 6 months prior to a major surgery I had a MRI and  and my stinosis was stable as far as it was not an issue...but a yr post  op, things shifted and now it  is......

I have not had surgery for the stinosis.
  

  "selma"

[iambus]

Thank you for your response! It was very helpful!  What is an NL? I do have an appointment with a neurosurgen next week though.  I:m glad you informed me of the spinal cord forum b/c I was looking for one but couldn't find it.  Now I will look again :)

How long have you had cervical stenosis (or well, known about it) Have you had to have surgery?

[selmaS]

  Hi I also have cervical spinal stinosis...and here is some info I found on it~~

  Spinal stenosis in the neck

Numbness or weakness. Spinal stenosis in your upper (cervical) spine can cause numbness, weakness or tingling in a leg, foot, arm or hand. You may drop things more often or have a tendency to fall.
Neck or shoulder pain. This may occur if the nerves in your neck are compressed. However, cervical spinal stenosis often causes no pain. And neck pain can be caused by problems other than spinal stenosis.
Loss of bowel or bladder control. In severe cases of cervical spinal stenosis, nerves to the bladder or bowel may be affected, leading to incontinence.

  I also have a bulging disk in the area of my stinosis, and this creates a CSF obstruction, and that can cause drop attacks too.

Keep in mind, a nerve that is pinched over a long period of time can develop perm damage..as such, a damaged nerve may not transmit the way a healthy one would so to not feel pain is not a good sign.

Have u been to see a NL lately?
We have a new Spinal Cord forum here on MedHelp., u may want to pop in : )

http://www.medhelp.org/forums/Spinal-Cord-Conditions-Disorders/show/1227?camp=msc

   "selma"