cervical spine bone spurs

Can anyone tell me what treatments or solutions there are for bone spurs in my neck? I only got the results to my MRI yesterday. My doctor appt. isn't until Jan. 8 so I haven't talked to him yet. All I know is that his nurse called and told me that's what I have and he wants to discuss it with me then. I'm just worried about what he may want to do. I'm so sick of the pain and headaches that sometimes I don't care what they do. Then again, I'm chicken! Has anyone had the injections? Any info will help. Thanks.

[justmomrapp]

I too have bone spurs on my cervical spine. I have had 2 unsuccessful fusion surgeries, due to the fact that my body won't grow the new bone. I had the fusion done at c4-c7. The last CT scan I had in Aug 08 showed new bone spurs at c1-2 and the plate is pushing on the vertbrea at c3. I too have daily headaches, some worse than others. I take pain pills and muscle relaxers, they don't help!  My last visit, the doctor did 2 shots and it only made things worse. I go back in Jan 09 to see what my next options are, but without medical insurance I am very limited!
As I look back and think - is it okay to walk around with bone spurs pushing on my spinal cord that could become loose and do permanent damage - or - have the fusion and hope for the best. Well.... I would have done the fusion even knowing the outcome!
Best of luck to you and I know how you must be feeling. If you have a bone spur at one location ask about a disc replacement. My doctor told me that disc replacements can only be used at one location because of the stress that is put on the remaining discs.

[sunny66]

Sorry for all your pain. So, the shots didn't help. That's what I'm afraid of. I would just like to be rid of this headache and stiff, painful neck. Everything I do aggravates it. Driving is terrible. What kind of doctor do you see? I see a neurologist and he has me on neurontin for the headaches but it doesn't work. That was before the mri. Who did your surgeries? Neuro or Ortho? Thanks

[justmomrapp]

Well, I think we neck suffers have a great deal of pain to deal with on a daily bases.  I am on Percocet, Norco and Flexeril. Although not one releaves the pain but it relaxes me for a short time. I see an othro doctor - he is wonderful. In fact since I do not have medical insurance he sees me for free, you don't see that to often escpecially now a days. Maybe the shots might help you, did you get a report from the mri place saying what their findings were. If not you are entitled to get a copy. It may sound like a foreign language, but you can do research on the computer to help to understand their words.  Keep me updated I would like to know how things turn out.... and Merry Christmas! :) Have a couple Margaritas - it'll numb your brain.
Good Luck

[sunny66]

It's good to hear that your doctor helps you out. I have pretty good insurance but can't hardly afford my copays and deductibles. I haven't got a report from the mri but I plan on asking for one when I go to the doctor. I have an orthopaedic doctor that I see for my feet.....another story.....maybe I could see him for this. I will keep you posted and thanks for the advice and the sympathy. People who don't have this trouble can't understand how painful and tiresome it is. You have a Merry Christmas also...I can't believe it's here already! I didn't have the Margaritas, but I did have some Turkey 101 a while ago....it did numb my brain!!! I never, or at least very seldom, drink alcohol of any kind so it doesn't take much. My brother and I made candy and toasted the occasion. It does relax the muscles. For a little while. Then the pain is back. I'm sure you understand.

[sunny66]

I hope you had a nice Christmas. Are your headaches still as bad? When do you see the doctor...early Jan.? It's hard waiting isn't it? The thought of surgery scares me. I've had two foot surgeries in the past two years and thats no fun either.

[justmomrapp]

I had a very nice Christmas - I hope you did as well.  I got a headache Christmas eve just as family arrived I took pain pills and just faked the enjoyment :( When things got too loud I just slipped into my room for quite time. I seem to get my headaches in the afternoon, it's weird. I go to see my doctor on Jan 22 - It scares me because I really don't think he will be able to help me anymore without insurance. I need to get a job (that will be a joke) so I can have insurance. We even tried to get Medi-Cal, but my husband makes $300 too much. I have gain sooooo much weight since all of this happened. I hardly ever leave the house because I am scared if a headache will attack me when I am out. How stupid is that... I use to go to the gym every day and walked, now I feel like I am 90 when I am only 44.
Explore all of your options and be sure to do research before you make your final decision. I bet you are looking forward to finally getting some answers! What happened to your foot?

[richmill1]

you have to remember that most people who visit this site have on going problems..if bone spurs are the problem you may need   acdf surgery or foramnal procedures..
point is most do very well post op...I am 57 year old active male..had 3 levels fused last Feb...95% better...go for it..don't let fear or MD intimidation stop you