NECK: Should I go with Surgery or take the Epidurals????

[Willie63]

Based on the following I would like to knnow if i should go for the surgery or just take the shots till they don't work anymore...
Thanks in advance for your input.

At the C3-4 level, a broad osteophyte and disk complexis seen creating a broad bar posteriority.  this flattens the anterior aspect of teh cervical cord effacing both the anterior and posterior cerebral spinal fluid spaces.  The anterior posterior dimension of the neural canalin the midline measures 10mm.  The cervical cord maitains its normal signal.  Uncovertebral joint hypertrophy is present bilateral narrowing the neural foramen bilaterally.

At the C5-6 level, a broad osteophyte and disck complex seen also flattening the anterior aspect of the cord.  The anterior posterior dimension of the neural canalin the midline measures 11mm.  This osteophyte and disc complex is slightly greater on the left side and is seen in conjunction with uncovertebral joint hypertrophy on the left narrowing the left lateral recess and left neural foremen greater than the right.

At the C6-7 level, a broad osteophyte and disck complex is seen partially effacing the anterior CSF space. The anterior posterior dimension of the neural canal in the midline measures 11mm.  Uncovertebral joint hypertrophy is seen bilaterally  narrowing the neural foramen bilaterally.

[Willie63]

Cary, I just have constant pain and discomfort.  I heard your body eventually will become inmune to the shots and I will still have to go for the surgery.  I have also done some research and I hate all the possible side effects from these shots.  I started taking Tramadol, gabetin, mobic, and mentholcarbanol, these pills really are not good for my stomach.  I already have reflux and lots of heartburn and even though I take Dexilant for my stomach I just couldn't take them anymore.....Thanks for you reply...

Willie

[Caryopteris]

Spine surgery depends on the symptoms more than the MRI findings, generally.  Cervical spine surgery has better outcomes than low back surgery, generally.  If you have a lot of pain, numbness, electric shocks going on for more than 2 months, weeks, legs giving way, incontinence, anything like that, it's definitely time to seriously consider surgery.  It is very important to choose the best surgeon you can find in your area.