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Herniated cervical disc

I am a 53 year old male. I have left cervical radiculopathy. My family doctor noted absent reflex in the left arm and ordered an MRI. She prescribed Lodine and I have seen a Chiropractor for spinal manipulation with no relief.
MRI CONCLUSION:
1. Left foraminal HNP C4-5
2. Right C3-4 bony spur
3.Mild degenerative disc disease C5-6
I am considering a percutaneous micro-decompression cervical discectomy with laser thermodiskoplasty. Do you have an opinion of the efficacy of this procedure? My symptoms seem to be coming from the herniation at C4-5.
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Avatar universal
I have radiating pain down the left side of the neck, and radiates down into my hand and fingers, burning sensation in my fingers feeling like someone is sticking needles in them.  I also have severe back pain which the doctor says is a herniated disc in the C5-6.  The neurosurgeon had recommended an anterior cervical diskectomy, and states that 90% of these surgeries are successful.  I want to know of anyone who has had this procedure, and want to know the recovery period, as the surgeon has told me that I would be able to return to work (as a correctional officer) in two weeks.  How successful is this surgery for these particular problems, and is it advisable to have it done.
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A related discussion, Preventing Nerve Damage? was started.
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A related discussion, Confused about my back pain Dx. was started.
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jj
Just had an MRI two days ago. The results aren't in yet but I looked at the films, C-7 is pressing up against the spinal cord severly. An emg was done 2 weeks ago and the results: abormal electrodiagnostic Emg findings consistent with Right C7, Bilateral C6 nerve roots irritation. There is evidence of early ulnar neuritis affecting the segment across the right elbow. Can anyone explain what this means? Talk about pain, it radiates in my neck, shoulder, arm, hand, and fingers on the right side. Also pain in lower back to my knee on the right side. Would all these areas be related to one specific cause? I refuse to take any pain medication. The headaches last for days and all I pray for is that all this will be taken away or I wish I could die because weakness and numbness is getting progressively worse.The neurosurgeon wants to operate by taking part of the hip bone and fusing. He continues to tell me that because C3-4 C5-6 and C6-7 which is a severe spinal stenosis with moderate bilateral foraminal narrowing due to spondylitic ridging and disc bulging the surgery should be done. I have dealt with this situation of pain, numbness, and weakness for over ten years. It is getting more severe and on top of this, I have Fibromyalgia. PT sessions with cold packs are a temporary fix, about 3hours. The manipulation therapy makes the pain worse with spasems. HELP, does anyone have a solution for a complete recovery or is this situation going to be a living hell until I am parylized. I keep pray to God to cure me, possibly my only cure.
thank you for reading and listening.
jj
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Avatar universal
I just found out that I have a herniated cervical disk.  At first, the first couple of weeks) I was in some seriuos pain.  As of late, I have some pain, but not too much.  I can do day to day activities, run and play golf.  Again, about the fourth week, I could be active again. At times, I feel no pain at all.  Other times, I feel slight pain/irritation.  Is this a mild case of a herniated disk?  Is there such a thing?  What will my Doctor (on Thursday) suggest?  Surgery?  I hope not.  Please advise to email above.

Thanks.

RW
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should i get a operation on c5 c6 and what is the percent of successfull operations and if not what is the percent of pei raiting.
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My "reply" is for the CCF Neuro MD:
Would you please reply to the questions and comments by Frank on Sunday, January 09, 2000. I did not see his answered.  There are some similariaties between several of his problems and my husband.   Thank you in advance.
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Avatar universal
Hi Sue,

I believe that weakness is consider a serious condition because, If it continues it could lead to loss of use of that part of your body that is weak. You are losing motor function.

Loss of motor function would get me to surgery quicker than pain. Particularly, if it is getting worse.

Surgery will hurt - no doubt about it.







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sue
AFter reading all the posts above I wonder: What is the criterion for a neurosurgeon recommending surgery?? I have herniation of C3 (mild)and C5-6 (severe) compressing the left side of the spinal cord. One neurologist did a strength test ( good one ) and even I noticed weakness on the left side compared to the right. However, I am not in pain! At least not yet from what I am hearing! What's the scoop? Why is my neurosurgeon recommending the possibility of
disc removal with bone graft when I am not in pain? Could having the surgery cause pain? What would you recommend? The MRI showed the above results. I am having an EMG in late September and was told that if that came out positive then surgery would be discussed. Why? If I am not in pain....does the weakness signs supercede any others? I need to be informed and your answers would be much appreciated. Please email me (if possible) at ***@****.

thank you!
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Avatar universal
I have been dealing with the neck, left arm tingling, numbness in fingers, etc. for 4 years.  I've done Physical therapy, Traction, Chiropractor, EMS, you name it!
I was referred to a Pain Managment Clinic and the Doctor there
wants to do a series of 3 Epidural Steriod shots. I am afraid of these shots.  I'll tell you 4 years ago, I would have tried anything!!!!  These shots weren't available.  And I am just now researching them.  USE SURGERY as YOUR LAST option.  I have not have surgery, but from my research, surgery patients and deligent Physical Therapy (continued at home on your own)  
you come out the same at the end of 2 years.  Some days I just have to lay flat on my back.  Other days (a lot more now) I am able to drive, which I couldn't do 4 years ago.  I am limited to lifting only 10 pounds and no over head lifting.  SURGERY will come with restrictions and Rehab as well.  Get as much information as you can.
Good luck to you, and if you know anything about the epidural steroid shots please email me at ***@****
Whatever you decide, make sure it's not one that is irreversable.
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Avatar universal
read the one to Patti, I had your names mixed up.
Email me at ***@****
I have been through a lot of different treatments.
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I have empathy for all you fine people out there with herniated discs. I also have a herniated disc at c6-7. I will be having outpatient surgery in Ca. in August. The procedure is called CED which means cervical endoscopic discectomy. The bulge will be sucked out with a scope-only 10% of the disc is removed and it is local anethesia. Has anyone here had this procedure? I have pain and weakness down my right arm. I have seen a chiro and done 8 weeks physical therapy without much success.
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My reply is towards the comments of Chiropractors.  I was in a car accident in November of 1999. I have had all the symptoms and pains and annoyances. After being pushed and moved around between 3 different doctors, and Physical Therapy for 6 months,  Ultram Hydrocodine naprosyn and ibuprofen, Finally the 4th dr. a rehab/physiatrist gave me my options for my herniation of the L4 L5, and C3-4 C4-5 C5-6. Chiropractor, Pain management, Cortizone shots, Or Just deal with it ( since I WILL NOT have surgery ) I just finished up my 2nd visit with the chiropractor and I see a difference in the pain in my lower back.  Yes after the first visit I wondered if this was doing me more good than not.  But I figure after 7 months of "squat" getting accomplished What do I have to lose. Also in my dealings with the drs. and insurances You are going to get the run around, no one wants to "diagnose" the patients problem or order tests or etc. because then the insurance is going to "dock" them kick backs.  First and up-most thing to remember is YOU ARE THE EMPLOYER of these doctors. You are the one paying THEM.  I completly know better now that I am the one in charge of my health and body. NOT the doctors. It took me 6 1/2 months of complaining and trying to figure out what was wrong with my neck until Finally a MRI was taken of my neck and Wouldnt ya know it, I wasnt faking it, I just wasnt wasting their time, I did have something truly wrong , So who was wasting whos time here. I say, If you have tried the meds, the Pt the drs. I would definatly NOT do surgery for a mild herniation  or buldge, if you question it, just ask someone in your Pt facility that has had the surgery and see what they say. It will scare you to death about the surgery. Good luck all!
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Avatar universal
I have a disk problem of the 5-6-7th. I have had this for problem
for 10 years, but it started at just the 5-6. I had another MRI on 5-19-00 and found out that the 6-7th was affected to and they both are herniate with possible fusion. The neurosurgen that I am seeing is saying that I am a candidate for surgery. I have read all the notes here and it dosen't sound to promising, but I have had this for along time and it affects me so bad that just getting out of a car, turning my head the wrong way, or just stretching in bed makes my neck go out, I mean I can't even move my neck. Are the success results of getting rid of the pain really that bad! I go to PT now cause my neck just froze up in May, and one year it froze up 4 times. I just feel that I can't go through this all the time, but if it's really that bad I might have secound thoughts. Do they really have to take a bone to replace your disk and put a plate and  screws in your neck? Thanks for listening. Pamela
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jsh
i was involved in a low impact collision approximately one month ago.  i was a passenger in a taxi cab and we were stopped at a traffic light when we were rear-ended by another vehicle.  I don't remember the accident because i was so intoxicated at the time, and there was no damage to either vehicle. about two days after the accident i developed intense pain in my neck and had numbness in my right arm. the insurance co. has refused to pay my medical bills because they say that there is no way that the accident could have caused my injuries.  i don't remember much about that night, but the accident is the only thing that i can possibly think of that could have caused my pain.  can an accident of approx. 5 miles per hour cause a herniated cervical disc?

jsh
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jsh
i was involved in a low impact collision approximately one month ago.  i was a passenger in a taxi cab and we were stopped at a traffic light when we were rear-ended by another vehicle.  I don't remember the accident because i was so intoxicated at the time, and there was no damage to either vehicle. about two days after the accident i developed intense pain in my neck and had numbness in my right arm. the insurance co. has refused to pay my medical bills because they say that there is no way that the accident could have caused my injuries.  i don't remember much about that night, but the accident is the only thing that i can possibly think of that could have caused my pain.  can an accident of approx. 5 miles per hour cause a herniated cervical disc?

jsh
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thanks for your comments.

CCF Neuro MD
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Avatar universal
To Warren,
As a 40yr. old I had anterior cervical diskectomy in July 1999. I had fission and plating.( C4-5 and C5-6) I had 2 reputured disc.I had neck/back pain. I also had pain and numbness in my left arm and  hand. I am still recovering. I began therapy at 6 weeks post-op. I began a work conditioning program. Thats really when I went down hill. I started getting awful headaches with much dizziness. My left arm & hand were still numb and painful. An E.M.G. showed carpal tunnel syndrom. I have large knots behind each ear causing much pain. I have quit the work conditioning and only doing therapy for the carpal tunnel & myofacial release for the tightness in my neck. All symptons are improving at this time. I also got T.M.J. from the surgery. They prop your mouth open and have your head in an odd position for the surgery. The T.M.J. also causes one to grind their teeth while sleeping. I had to get a tooth repaired and now wear a mouth piece while sleeping. I was told I would return to my job 2-3 month post-op. Its been 6 1/2 months and I'm a long ways from returning.
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Avatar universal
HERNIATED CERVICAL DISC:  My MRI Conclusion:C6-C7 broad Herniated Nucleus Propulsis; C5-C6 retrolisthesis*** and suspected cord gliosis from myelomalacia; multilevel spondylosis and uncinate process degenerative change; multilevel mixed spondylotic and soft disc disease--as described in the "body" of the MRI as follows: (***Grade 1 only retro.)At C6-C7, broad H N P superimposed on spondylotic change causes cord flattening and moderate central stenosis, bilateral uncinate process causes high grade neural foramen encroachment and mass effect on the exiting bilateral C8 nerve root complexes; At C5-C6 bilateral uncinate process spurring causes high-grade neural foramen encroachment and effacement of the C7 nerve root complexes bilaterally;anterior spurs, most markedly at C5-C6 and C6-C7.The high level chronic pain radiates across my left shoulder,down the left arm to the end of the left index finger, with numbness on the underside of that finger and mildly to a small part of the left thumb.

I am a surviver of three surgeries at my L4-L5, L5-S1 only AFTER ALL of the various modalities of rehab therapies offered at "world class" Pain Clinics did not solve the low back  problem.
Surgery,  then, for my L-spine and is now a "last resort" for my C-spine, BUT this begs a question.

I was told a chiropractic physian in my community had a very similar C-spine problem like mine described above. He tolerated the pain for an extended period of time, the amount of time not known by me.They tell me HE WAITED TOO LONG until he had to have "plates" put in his neck. By waiting, his muscles shrunk so significantly that he lost the strength and use of his left arm and hand. I have been told that I have lost 10% to 15% of my strength in my left arm/hand with only a slight measurement difference of left arm/right arm. My relentless acute pain episode started in July 1999 and continues to date, without a break.

(AT LAST) MY QUESTION IS: What is the "range" of time one can use medicines, epidural shots and non-invasive therapies and still feel comfortable that the risk of "loss of use" or atrophy is in the low risk probability range?

Perhaps with your answer you could refer me to further specific information related to my problem or to a location that I can research. Please accept my sincere appreciation of your expected reply.


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Avatar universal
Dear Warren:

Without seeing the films and doing the neurological exam it is impossible to tell you.  If you have read some of the postings you would know that surgery is the last resort, and many times things are better and many times they do not change.  Alot depends on the surgeon, the lesion, the patient's adherence to rehab, and ....  

CCF Neuro MD
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Avatar universal
I am a 32 year old male with mild HNP C4-C5 and moderate HNP C5-C6 (per MRI).  I was extremely active until approx. a year and a half ago when pain associated with running and jumping has forced me to slow down tremendously. Moderate to heavy exercise and job related stress trigger extended periods of pain and discomfort. I am trying to avoid meds although they have been prescribed. I am also hoping that the next 5 years will bring about surgical advances that will make surgery less of a crapshoot.  Are there any surgical procedures on the horizon that you can tell me about that might offer pain relief with less muss and fuss? Something less invasive and more effective?
    I would appreciate any help you can give?  If you can refer me to any med. journals that would be a great help also.
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thanks for the comment.

CCF Neuro MD
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Avatar universal
Dear Nancy,

I know the pain sometimes is unbearable..( i too have multiple
herniations (cervical) arthritis, bone spurs etc-one surgery
under belt) but pain medication seems to actually make the pain
worse-it's true!  I take hydro-codiene a couple times a day for
a month or two and then get right back off it again because of
constapation problems, addiction and it doesn't solve the problem.  Get off the medicine gradually and use it only when
REALLY needed.  What helps me just as good is the over the counter NYQuil type medicine for nights that  pain kept me up-
but don't overuse that either.  Most of all remember that your
pain can be put  to good use-offer your pain up for the conversion of sinners-unite it with Jesus's on the cross.
Thank you med help for all your help and may God bless you this
holy season.  

jo-ann (***@****)
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Avatar universal
Dear Nancy:

I would see a pain specialist.  Viocodin is addictive and is likely the source of your bowel and bladder problems.  Micro surgery is a toss up and it depends on the surgeon and the lesion they are operating on.  I would also see your neurologist and see if there are rehab specialists in your area to help you manage your problem.

Sincerely,

CCF Neuro MD
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