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Back & Neck Community

This patient support community is for discussions relating to back and neck problems, exercise, pain, sleeping, and physical therapy.
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When is surgery ncessary?

by kitesurfer, Jul 23, 2008 12:33PM
A year ago I fell forward, lookig up, while kitesurfing, and had some difficulty walking afterwards. I thought I had hurt my hamstring or hips, as this is where my harness attaches to the kite, so i just avoided physical activities to attept healing my limp. Then I realised I had tingling sensations in my ring and pinky fingers, so I began seeing a chiropractor. This gave some relief to my limp, (wich becomes worse when stressed,) but the tingling remained.
Now 2 months ago a customer of mine who's a neurologist suggested an an exam, noted that my reflexes were all hyper (except triceps) and  my right leg wasn't just stiff or tight, but spasming. The cervical MRI shows a moderate disc bulge or spurs in the c5-6, and a single stage, dual level cervical laminectomy w/ fusion is what the neurosurgeon reccomends. No neck pain at all.
  My problem is that ironically these last 2 months my symptoms have greatly improved, tingling is residing, and my walking is smoother and smoother to the point where I can jog accross the yard, etc. (too stiff before to move quickly)
It feels contradictory as my symptoms improve to have surgery, yet I'm being told that a wheelchair is a possible alternative if I don't go under the knife. It seems that part of a docter's decision making process for surgery is symptom driven. If things keep improving to the point where symptoms diappear, is that all that really matters?
  
  
Member Comments (2)

by Judy1961, Jul 23, 2008 02:16PM
To: kitesurfer
Who says that you will end up in a wheelchair?  
What diagnosis prompted that?  I would get another opinion from a
well-respected neurosurgeon.  

by dlocsista, Jul 23, 2008 04:10PM
To: kitesurfer
You probably need to consult with another neurosurgeon.  I have suffered repeatedly for over 10 years with my back pain.  My surgery is schedule for August 2008.  Continue to do what you have been doing to ease the pain and stiffness. You will know when to have the surgery.  Good luck.
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