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Neurology (Expert Forum)
Cervical Fusion C5-7
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Cervical Fusion C5-7
by DDiaz, Feb 03, 2005 12:00AM
In 1998 a filing cabinet fell forward on me. There were computer printouts stored on top that hit me in the face and jerked my head back. I went for PT and was released. In 2000 I lifted files overhead and felt a pulling/tingling feeling go down my neck and into my shoulder. Since the earlier accident I had trouble with my R shoulder and needed surgery on my rotator cuff. It was determined that my neck pain was coming from my shoulder. Was released, but last year started having more pain and spasms in my neck and pain in my R shoulder. Have arthritis in my shoulder. I sit in front of a computer all day and have neck pain while working and while sleeping at night. Had 3 months of PT. Had an mri that showed C5-6 is herniated. Had a discography/cat scan that showed C6-7 is also herniated and that's what is causing the pain in my neck, and shoulder blades. Saw an ortho spine dr and was told to think about surgery. I have an appt with a neuro-surgeon later this month. I am not sleeping well, have changed my computer mouse to the left side, driving bothers me. I have weakness and pain in my bicep/tricep. What is your suggestion? Should I have both C5-6 & C6-7 fused? I am usually very active and would like to return to a normal life. Any suggestions would be helpful. Thank you.
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-Neuro-M.D.-CS, Feb 03, 2005 12:00AM
Unfortunately without seeing your MRIs and the severity of the disc herniation I cannot tell you whether surgery is indicated or not
An EMG of your right arm, if not done already, would give an indication of the severity of pinched nerves from the disc. This may help you in your decision making. A pinched C5 root can cause pain in the scapular, and shoulder area along with weakness of movement around the shoulder, and possibly flexion of the elbow.
Your other shoulder tissue problems may be complicating the clinical picture, but an EMG is specific for a nerve problem.
Certainly if the EMG is abnormal in that area, surgery should be considered.
Good luck
An EMG of your right arm, if not done already, would give an indication of the severity of pinched nerves from the disc. This may help you in your decision making. A pinched C5 root can cause pain in the scapular, and shoulder area along with weakness of movement around the shoulder, and possibly flexion of the elbow.
Your other shoulder tissue problems may be complicating the clinical picture, but an EMG is specific for a nerve problem.
Certainly if the EMG is abnormal in that area, surgery should be considered.
Good luck
Member Comments (2)
by mick2, Feb 05, 2005 12:00AM
I have an acute herniation at C6/7 and it was recommended that I have open surgery/fusion/plate. After much research (and drugs, PT, epidural injections, acupuncture, massage, Osteopathy, etc.) I came across Physicians Neck and Back Clinic in the Minneapolis area. They advocate for aggressive muscle building physical therapy of specific muscle groups. I've been at this for two months (5 mo. since the injury) and my pain is down by 70%. I now have reduced the possibility of surgery (had settled on micro-endoscopic discectomy) to only about 25%. I'll give this another couple of months and see where I'm at then. The above mentioned clinic has terrific printed materials explaining their view. Their website is at www.pnbc.org (www-dot-pnbc-dot-org).
by sharlott1, Jul 23, 2008 05:08PM
A related discussion, What to do and also what can I do was started.
