Hello and thank you for this valuable service. I am having problems which I think are coming from my cervical spine - I would like your input as to the possible underlying cause as well as whether or not MS can most likely be ruled out.
I have had symptoms for five years now - at the three-year mark I had MRI of entire spine, as well as 3 MRIS of brain over the past three years (most recent 6 months ago). I've had EVPs, spinal tap, normal neuro exam, etc., with only positive tests being a pos. urodynamic test showing neurogenic bladder and a highly positive ANA (all other lupus indicators negative)- all of this to rule out MS.
My main symptom (other than bladder urgency) are severe pains that seem to originate in my neck, at the base of my head and into the area right around shoulder blades - while I am having these pains, my glands in my throat *seem* swollen, I have achy pains in my elbows and hands, and one of my knees gets severe arthritis, and I also have facial pain in my jaw area - I feel like I have a mild "flu" with arthritis. COuld these arm, leg and face pains be caused by cervical spine problems? It is strange that the only time I get the aches is when my neck becomes so stiff and sore - it is always the precursor to other symptoms.
Please advise as to whether or not I should have additional testing (and when)and whether or not MS can be ruled out (after how many years of testing??).
Thanks so much for your advice.
MM