Cervical spine questions

[tink07]

I have a mild diffuse annular bulge with endplate spondylosis that does not cause central canal stenosis. there is mild bilateral foraminal stenosis due ti the foraminal component of the disc bulge, disc noarrowing and uncinate hypertrophy. No facet arthrosis. This is at my C5-6. Will this cause my left arm to go numb and feel so cold that it burns? Will it also cause really bad headaches and my neck to hurt? All of this started after and auto accident. Could that accident have caused this damage to my cervical spine?

[plasmagirl]

i had cervical spine surgery last year and they put a titanium plate in my neck. For about a year, i have had nothing but burning and pain with bad headaches. i just had an mri done and it states, "Endplate incorporation along the interbody fusion graft is suggested", does anyone know what this means.

[Weffette]

Hi tink07,
The buldge could be a result from sudden "jarring" of your neck in the accident. I have major issues with my cerviacl spine too.  The neurosurgeon I saw did not seem concerned that I have tingling in both hands, radiating pain in both arms and extreme chronic muscle spasms in my upper back/shoulder area. That was frustrating for me.
I do agree that physical therapy would be beneficial to you, BUT you should see a neurologist first, just to rule out nerve damage.  Any neck issue can cause headaches, mainly because you are tensing those muscles in response to the pain and the natural reaction to protect the area.  I wish you luck.

[Weffette]

tink07 has issues with her CERVICAL SPINE...not lumbar.  JUST an FYI.

[Dr Sharma]

Hi there. Foraminal stenosis can produce radicular pain, which radiates to the lower extremity including thigh, calf, and foot directly along a specific spinal root. It is deep, and aggravated with walking, sitting and follows the area of distribution of the leg by a specific nerve. It can be accompanied by numbness, tingling, muscle weakness and loss of reflexes. This is usually secondary to compression, inflammation, and injury to the spinal root. Management would include rest, physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medicines, traction to encourage healing, mild stretching exercises weight reduction to avoid excess pressure on joints, etc. You need to consult a neurologist at the earliest for these. Hope this helps. Take care.