cord compression

I had spinal cord compression due to a disk bulge at c5-c6 with weakness in arms and legs, burning in legs. I never had any bowel problems. After 11 months the doctor could diagnose everything correctly and I took prednisone and now I started feeling better.  My question is if the doctor would not have diagnosed this problem and if I had ignored it then does anyone think this could have resulted in permanent disability like getting paralyzed ?. I am just concerned if things were not favorable then that could have happened. Is there a possibility for that.

[Fernando Roque, MD]

Hi.  If your cord compression persisted because the doctor failed to diagnose it earlier or if you had ignored the symptoms, it could very well have progressed and resulted in a permanent disability.  Nerve damage due to cord compression becomes irreversible after some time.  Usually, if decompression is not done within 2-3 weeks, some permanent damage can already be seen.

[noops01]

Hi,

Yes if the doctor somehow missed the diagnosis it could have resulted in permanent disability. I would also suggest you to do some neck exercises.