Is surgery a good option?

[MVanS]

Has anyone been through something similar???
I have multi level cervical DDD and have had problems due to it for about 4 years.  I am curretnly doing conservative care such as Ibuprofen, muscle relaxers, exercise and PT.  My last imaging study showed:

2 Herniated disc and 2 bulging disc= 4 levels of degeneration that are moderate to severe.

I have been advised that I may need to look at surgical intervention.  I am very wary.  My ortho doc is a spine specialist but should I also see a neurosurgeon?  Based on the study and the fact that I continue to have pain and repeated herniations, can I continue with conservative care or do I need to look into surgery?  Are there any clinical trials that would leave me with more ROM?  Is there anywhere in the US where they are doing multi-level disc replacement?  Any advice would be sooooooo welcome!  

[richmill1]

you are wise to pursue the most conservative treatment first..surgery is the last resort..that said I am way better after 3 level fusion. in Feb.I'm 57 and quite active..the 4 other guys I know are also happy they had surgery...I would see 2 or 3 of the best neurosurgeons and consult (I did) this type of surgery is pretty common and generally
positive...I have not heard of any multilevel replacements...nor have I heard much
good about artificials.  Bottom line, when the pain is too much or you start to lose muscle, see the surgeon..don't let fear guide your actions..good luck

[MVanS]

Thanks for the advice!  So you are happy with your 3 level fusion?  That's good.  Give me some hope that if I do have to have this it will be a good option.  I do have a consult with a Neuro doc next week.  Plus my Ortho guy is sending me for a CT Myelogram to get a bit more info than the MRi provides.  The only place I can find multi-level disc replacement being done consistently and successfully is in Germany but that would cost almost 40k!  So I guess we will see what the Myelogram has to say and go from there.  Thanks again for you comment!

[LLWB]

I don't know of anywhere in US that does multi-level dis replacement. And they will only do it if the other levels are good. So with your DDD that would exclude you. That said, I would go see a neuro-surgeon. They do this type of fusion all the time, with (usually) good results. In my area orthos treat broken bones and sports injurys, neuros treat spine and nerve problems. Does your MRI say you have any cord impingment? If so, you need to see a neuro right away. With this amount of degeneration, any nerve damage going on, ie tingling, weakness, numbness, could be permanent if left untreated. I had a ADCF, with cadaver bone and instrumentation last summer. Single level. But now the level above it, which was questionable at time of surgery, is causing me problems. Headed back to neuro again. He's conservative, didn't want to do more levels if he didn't have to do them, but it looks like more surgery in future, as it's causing problems.  The meylogram should show any nerve problems. Good luck, and don't let this go on too long. There comes a time when conservative therapy has to give way to surgery. Please post your results of your meylogram, and recommendations. But please take your MRI and meylo results and consult a neuro. Good luck.

Hugs & Prayers.  Maggie

[MVanS]

thank you so much fo rthe great comment and info!  i am consulting a neuro doc but am re-scheduling to see him after the ct myelogram is done.  my aunt is joking about sending me over to germany!