Demyelination

[shferolie]

I have spinal stenosis in my cervical spine with symptoms of on and off numbness in my fingers and sometimes tingling in my arms.  I saw a spine surgeon and he suggested doing a laminaplasty to relieve the pressure on my spine especially because he saw an area he believed to be a myelomalacia. I was all set for surgery and when I was sent for a more current MRI and the radiologist believed that area to be something other than a bruise.  I was sent to a neurologist and he came to the conclusion that it was just an area of demyelination from me rubbing on it.  He felt very strongly about me not having surgery because he feels this will heal with weight loss, better posture, and taking it easy (not reaching or doing anything that causes the numbness)
My question is: Does myelin heal itself?  It's been a few months and it's not getting worse, but I'm wondering if I made the right decision.  It's always difficult when two doctors disagree.

[monobry]

hi everyone, i was recently diagnosed with a demyelination disorder and am curious as to the cause of it, i noticed a mention  of posture and was wondering if bad posture or rsi may be a cause, trigger or catalyst for demyelination.

[CCF-Neuro-M.D.-PW]

I cannot give you a formal medical opinion on the internet, but in general, surgery for spinal stenosis is done when there is a risk of progressive or furhter neurological injury such as weakness or loss of function of a limb. Surgery for sensory symptoms only is generally to be avoided. It is a big surgery, and can make other parts of the spine more unstable. Also this type of surgery does not gaurantee resolution of pain or sensory complaints. MRIs should be monitored over time for identification of worsening stenosis. Conservative treatment as you describe above will usually suffice in the majority of patients in the short to medium term

Sometimes we see areas of signal change in the spinal cord if there is severe enough compression - this is caused by 'gliosis' - a sign of damage to the nerve tracts, this may indicate surgery in the right setting, but the diagnosis of the MRI must be accurate.

[Duchess47]

Ditto that. Especially when it involves that particular area of the body.

[lmroswell]

I've never met a surgeon who doesn't love his job.  But, when you get conflicting opinions from different doctors, it can make for a difficult decision.  Surgery should always be last resort.  If your tingling and numbness aren't interfering with your everyday life from a functioning standpoint, why not try the suggestion to lose weight, better posture, etc.  I am not sure about myelin healing itself.  I guess it depends on how it was damaged.  I myself had been told that I possibly had one single demyelinatin episode, and after one year the MRI was clear and I have no tingling symptoms.  But, I have never been given a definitive answer on that.  Couldn't hurt to get another opinion.  Good luck.

[Gold24kt]

You are very brave.... however NEVER accept even 2 opinions when it comes to spinal or back (neurology) surgery !!!
- keep seeking more medical advice. Thank-You pazman 1 (listen to him!)I've been through numerous situations where we all believe the MD's have made intelligent medical decisions based on our best interests ... Yes, I am a firm believer of the combination along w/ the Lord's Holy Devine Word. You are sure to be steered on the right path seeking a balance of nutrition, exercise, supplementation/pharmeceutical balances, 8 hours of sleep,and the Soul food for the Spirit.
My friend whom was also a exercise instructor lost the use of her body for years after a growth on her cervical spine. MD's said it was a relatively safe surgery - she jumped to it.
I'm not sure whatever happened to her. She went through heavy rehab for years.
Anyhow...LAST RESORT!
Thank-You Duchess47! Enough said.
O.K. The not reaching stuff??? I'm not sure I understand?
The body has to have movement to repair itself. It's a strong way to naturally help replicate the exact healing properties required for repair.
O.K. get on a treadmill - watch the upper extremities movements.
Gentle Yoga w/ healing breathing w/ lower extremity use only~ or even just the breathing for healing properties.
You need to fight this. I'm not God nor are the MD's.
I've prophecized youth pastors that "YES" they will have kids- lets apply "ALL" the principals.
She now has 3 boys with the ultimate MD ruling out- "not capable of having children."  God Bless You!

[pazman1]

You never want to get Surgery unless it's the last resort. Get a third opinion............