cervical spine issues

[Sudul]

I am 44yr old male and have been having needles and pin sensation on my right hand and fingers for the past few months. Dr. suggested MRI and results showed the following:

There is a loss of cervical lordosis with straightening of spine.

Degenerative changes in the form of prominent posterior peridiscal osteophytes are seen at c3-4, c4-5 and c5-6 level.

Bilateral paracentral protrusion of c5-6 is noted, causing severe rightlateral and moderate left lateral canal foraminal narrowing with resultant compression of bilateral exiting c6 nerve roots and cord.Focal ligamentum thickening is adding to canal narrowing at this level.

Broad based left paracentral protrusion of c4-5 disc causing assymetric canal and left foraminal narrowing with mild compression of cord and left exiting c5 nerve root.

Mild dorsal bulges of c3-4, c6-7 discs are also noted.

Multilevel disc bulges in lumber spine.

Can somebody give his opinion on the above condition?

[Sudul]

Thanks a ton for your kind advice. Appreciate that.

[philnoir]

The medications may or may not help reduce your pain, but physiotherapy may be your best bet.

The medications prescribed are to help with pain, and reduce inflammation.

In the mean time, apply ice packs to your neck, followed by warm-wet compresses. This will sooth some of the pain. Make sure you support your neck while sleeping by rolling up your pillow or putting a rolled up towel between head and shoulders.

Be aware of your postures all day and for sleeping, trying to keep your spine as level as possible. When erect, the spine must support the head. When laying down, the spine must be parallel to the bed. When sitting, the lower back must be supported, and I prefer a high-back chair so that the head can be supported.

Soft-collars used to be prescribed in these cases, but we discovered that a the little muscular movements you make to support your head during the day  is good to reduce inflammation.

Best wishes for the physiotherapy. I have severe cervical disease and had the benefit of a highly skilled therapist who helped my neck greatly. Even 20 years later I have a pretty good range of motion with my cervical disease due to his work.

[Sudul]

Thanks a lot!
In fact my doctor also told me to stop any exercise or jogging and prescribed following medicines:
lyrica( Pregabalin capsules) 75 mg ...twice a day  ......for 2 months
Deflazacort  6 mg  for 15 days with variable dosage
Ace Proxyvon ...once a day for 20 days.

I am hoping to get relief from that weird sensation by the end of it so as to start the physiotherapy.

[caregiver222]

The long and the short is that nerves are being compressed because the passageways that they go through from the spine are smaller than they should be.

The results suggest both traumatic damage from past injury and degenerative changes.

Sometimes the nature of arthritic changes can be identified. Other times it's genetic or the result of autoimmune disorders.

These things tend to be irreversable.

Generally, unless there is pain the rule is to leave things alone, avoid stress by lifting or exercise, and use mild anti-inflammatory medications.

Consult with your doctor as to the advisability of using mild axial traction several times a day, and range-of-motion exercises. I would not start either of these protocols without consultation with your physician.