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Neurology (Expert Forum)
scoliosis related concerns
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scoliosis related concerns
by ravenskull, Nov 08, 2000 12:00AM
I had a fusion 6 years ago for a lumbar curve of approx 60*. It turns out that my surgeon used hardware which is unstable, so I almost certainly have at least 1 psuedoarthrosis, and which caused flatback. I now lean forward quite dramatically above the fusion (T11-L4, I have 6 lumbar verts) - if I "straighten up" to look at something ahead of me, what I actually do is to bend my knees to throw my weight backward!! I am so crunched up that there is no gap between my ribs and my pelvis - this is borne out by xrays, in fact the fronts of my lowest ribs are below the top of my pelvis.
My questions are:
1. I've read lots which says that this cannot cause the breathlessness I suffer (or the indigestion), and will not in anyway affect my heart. However, even walking slowly up a couple of flights of stairs causes me to be breathless, and I quite often get palpitations when I do more than normal (not the too-much-coffee kind). So, do you think that it is the spine problems (I have shrunk 2 inches, 1/2in in the first 4 years, the rest in the last 2), or do I have a bigger problem to worry about even though I feel well other than this and the pain?
2. I have developed increasing problems with pain in my neck (I think due to the abnormal posture needed to see where I was going - until I took to bending my knees instead, once I realised what I was doing). I have almost continual pain in the centre of my neck, slightly to the right, and occasionally get much worse pain there eg. if I have carried a heavy bag, or slept badly (this tends to go on for days). My grip in my right hand is markedly reduced, so that it is now weaker than the left. When my neck is at its worst, I get pains down my right arm (and occasionally the left, but much more rarely), as though I am being piched, or kicked. These follow a line down the outside of my arm, and down the outside of the hand, almost as if following a path - so it occurs to me that they may follow a nerve. So, the question here, nice and subjective, is how much do I need to concern my self over this - is it likely to resolve if I get the flatback fixed, which will improve my posture, or is it likely a problem in it's own right?
Thank you for taking the time to read this.
ravenskull
My questions are:
1. I've read lots which says that this cannot cause the breathlessness I suffer (or the indigestion), and will not in anyway affect my heart. However, even walking slowly up a couple of flights of stairs causes me to be breathless, and I quite often get palpitations when I do more than normal (not the too-much-coffee kind). So, do you think that it is the spine problems (I have shrunk 2 inches, 1/2in in the first 4 years, the rest in the last 2), or do I have a bigger problem to worry about even though I feel well other than this and the pain?
2. I have developed increasing problems with pain in my neck (I think due to the abnormal posture needed to see where I was going - until I took to bending my knees instead, once I realised what I was doing). I have almost continual pain in the centre of my neck, slightly to the right, and occasionally get much worse pain there eg. if I have carried a heavy bag, or slept badly (this tends to go on for days). My grip in my right hand is markedly reduced, so that it is now weaker than the left. When my neck is at its worst, I get pains down my right arm (and occasionally the left, but much more rarely), as though I am being piched, or kicked. These follow a line down the outside of my arm, and down the outside of the hand, almost as if following a path - so it occurs to me that they may follow a nerve. So, the question here, nice and subjective, is how much do I need to concern my self over this - is it likely to resolve if I get the flatback fixed, which will improve my posture, or is it likely a problem in it's own right?
Thank you for taking the time to read this.
ravenskull
Doctor's Answer
by CCF Neuro[P] MD, RPS, Nov 09, 2000 12:00AM
Dear Ravenskull:
Sorry to hear about your back problems. I think what I would do is get a couple of opinions concerning your back. Maybe two different independent neurosurgeons who specialize in scoliosis. It sounds like you are having effects from the surgery that are not ideal. Whether they are from the previous surgery or exacerbation of the pre-existing problem I can't tell. A 60 percent curve is significant. With the added opinions, then you can make an educated decision about whether further surgery might help your particular problem. I would also see a neurologist concerning some of the arm problems your having. See how this all plays into your health problems. It might be wise to also see a cardiologist for the shortness of breath and heart rhythm irregularities. I hope that you find the best answer to your health problems. But it does sound like you will need surgery of some sort.
Sincerely,
CCF Neuro MD
Sorry to hear about your back problems. I think what I would do is get a couple of opinions concerning your back. Maybe two different independent neurosurgeons who specialize in scoliosis. It sounds like you are having effects from the surgery that are not ideal. Whether they are from the previous surgery or exacerbation of the pre-existing problem I can't tell. A 60 percent curve is significant. With the added opinions, then you can make an educated decision about whether further surgery might help your particular problem. I would also see a neurologist concerning some of the arm problems your having. See how this all plays into your health problems. It might be wise to also see a cardiologist for the shortness of breath and heart rhythm irregularities. I hope that you find the best answer to your health problems. But it does sound like you will need surgery of some sort.
Sincerely,
CCF Neuro MD
