MRI - Bone Spurs Vs. Herniation Disc

[LeoLady]

I was diagnosed with 3 herniated disc C4 - C5 and C6 by a Spine specialist.  The same was confirmed with my family practitioner. I was also advised by an RN of the herniations and I saw them myself compared to online sites left no doubt.  I was advised C5-6 was severe enough for surgery.  I choose therapy to begin with, but it was too painful could not do for very long. Discontinued and scheduled an appointment with a Neurosurgeon.  

My visit with the surgeon was disappointing to say the least, he said no herniations only bone spurs?   Is it possible a bone spur be accidently diagnosed as herniated discs? With all due respect to the man I feel he if way off base.

Please advise your thoughts.

Thank You,
~ D

[Quixotic1]

It sounds like you need a second neurosurg opinion.  Bear in mind that osteophytes (bony spurs) can grow into the spinal canal and cause serious pressure on the spinal cord also.  Did the neurosurgeon disagree with the seriousness of the compression or just with what was causing the compression (disc versus bony growths)?  Did he feel that surgery was indicated?  Are we all talking about severe compression and just dickering about what is causing the pressure?

I ask because my mom had cervical spinal stenosis from severe osteoarthritis and lost a huge amount of sensation and strength in her legs.  She required emergency surgery to relieve pressure on her spine causing the cord to be compressed into a thin crescent shape.

A neurosurgeon spends 7 years beyond medical school just training in the specialty.  An internist spends three and covers all fields of adult health.  Was the spine specialist an orthopedist?  a chiropractor?  an osteopath?  I would consider the assessment of the neurosurgeon fairly heavily.  Anyone who thinks they can read their own MRI's from pictures on the internet is deluding themselves. No offense, but I see it everyday and it gives me the shivers.  It takes years  of training for complete understanding of the complexities of neuro and spinal anatomy.  My opinion, but   I speak from the standpoint of a physician with 23 years in practice.  That is one area in which I feel the internet gives a false sense of "education and empowerment."

Nevertheless, If you don't have confidence in the doc you saw, seek a second opinion.   This is always wise.  When it comes to making a decision on spine surgery even a third opinion is not unwarranted.  

Good luck, Quix

[LeoLady]

First let me say thank you so much for the info, this is helpful.  Regarding the spur vs. herniation, the doctor is denying there is any compression.  I don't understand this, I have constant pain in the back of my neck and on the right side there is a soft tissue swelling which gets larger at times.  It will throb and shoot pains into the back of my head, shoulders, down my spine and periodically both my arms will feel weak, so weak I have can barely lift them.  I recently went to bed with a great deal of pain in the back of my head/neck etc. and woke up with a bloody eye.  I saw my optometrist whom confirmed a herniation of a blood vessel in my eye.  I feel this was also caused by my neck during the night.  Neurosurgeon denies, stating eye herniation not caused by pressure? I have never taken blood thinners, no coughing, constipation, vomiting nor lifting so how to explain herniation but my neck?

The spine doc that originally diagnosed me is a Ortho specialist.  As far as I know the Neurosurgeon, is strictly that a neurosurgeon.  

I am also experience a great deal of pain in my lower back.  I stumble a lot, and drop things constantly.  Recently I had and episode (2nd time) whereas, I have a deep stabbing shooting pain from my back across my buttocks, down my right leg straight behind my knee, with the lower half (outside)first with shooting pains now going numb into my foot (top half effecting on the last three toes to include pinky).  Following this episode I could not raise my toes up and could  barely separate them.  It feels as though some of the movement has returned but I am still have issues. I still have constant shooting pain in my legs (mainly right) and buttocks.

I am scheduled for an EMG/PNCV I hope soon, will this answer all the questions, what if no compression shows?  I am concerned.....

Thanks,
~D

[Quixotic1]

I'm sorry.  I didn't mean to state there was compression, I misunderstood you.  It is quite possible that there is no visible compression on the studies.  This does not mean that there is no pain.  Beyond what I have said about the structure of the back I don't have much knowledge or experience in back pain, results or indications for surgery or even any ability to evaluate the films.  I'm sorry I can't help you more, but I just don' know much.

The electrodiagnostic studies should help show if there is any nerve damage or nerve death.  Good luck, Quix