questionable c-spine problems

[char]

Hi,

I have had 3 spinal operations in an 11 year span. Two lumbar discectomies at L4/L5 and a lumbar fusion at the same level with bone graft and no instrumentation.  I am left with perineural fibrosis, moderate to severe LeL5 nerve root distribution pain, and I have mild diabetic neuropathy in my right leg. Insulin dependent with blood sugars ranging 80-140 24/7.

About 3 months ago I was sent to see a rheumatologist, a orthopedic surgeon for a second opinion and a pain specialist.  I have been chosen as a good candidate for a SCS to help reduce my left leg pain.  During the time of all my evaluations with these people I was told that I have severe and what sounds like chronic myofascial pain syndrome in my neck , shoulders, chest, arms and intercostal areas.  PT was prescribed.  I went to a PT who has known me thru all my lumbar spine problems, she feels quite strongly that I have more than mysofascial stuff going on in my cervical and upper t-spine area.  She feels that I may have some DDD and possible cord compression.  These are my symptoms.....and thank you in advance for your thoughts.  I am wondering if I should ask my doctors for an MRI, ctscan, or x-rays.  EMG did not demonstrate any c-spine nerve root damage.

Constant back of neck ache and pain radiating down to scapula and up into head.  Tight head band like sensations with pain on both sides of neck, and into eyes at times.  Arms feel heavy and sometimes stiff to move at any given time during the day.  Many nodules in c-spine, t-spine areas/scapula and arms signifying mysofascial syndrome. Arms and upper back sensitive to light touch...feels like someone is running glass and super hot materials over them.  Numbness and coldness in right arm down to 4th and 5th digits. 4th and 5th digits demonstrate discoloration and severe ice coldness in the mornings and sometimes during the night. Both hands swell often after writing or doing any fine intricate. My right hand cramps up often. (I have had bilateral CTS surgeries with good success)  Cannot hold either arm over my head or stretched out in front of me (but right is worse than left)without severe aching and hot searing pain going into my shoulders and neck.

again thank you

Char

[Amber Ross]

I have TN and am considering surgical intervention of some
sort.  I have been reading about the Gamma Knife and have
a couple questions regarding the "helmet" you are fitted
with.  How is this fitted on your head?  Do they use
screws or something? and would I be anesthetized or do
they put that on without any anesthetic?  This is something
that frightens me.  Also, is this the best way to go
with the least side effects? and is this procedure long lasting? I am having quite a bit of breakthrough pain on 4800mgs of Neurontin and 30mgs of Baclofen. I am tired of taking the drugs. Thanks for your time.  

[Charleen again]

Thank you for responding, but "may be associated with some rheumatological disorders such as" *what* I think your sentence got cut off some how.  On a further note, I saw my PT Today who did some neurological testing including reflex testing and strength.  All are within normal limits.  All I Know is that alot of pain seems to originate at around C5-C7 area.  Again thank you...I see my PCP on Dec. 8th, I am going to request an MRI then.  Happy Thanksgiving.

[CCF neuro MD MM]

I think it unlikely that there is only one problem here, your symptoms definitely suggest problems in the cervical spine area
and this should be imaged with a goos quality MRI.
The coldness in the fingers could be a circulatory problem called Raynauds phenomenon which may be associated with some rheumatological disorders such as