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Neck Pain
This is my first posting on this forum.
My neck pain has become much worse with time. I initially had a pinched nerve and then the pain started in my neck and went down my arm. I feel fine when I hold my arm over my head.
I got x-rays and MRI done at OrthoTexas. The doctors over there said I have cervical neck pain and it needs to be treated asap.
I am looking for a second opinion. Please help.
This discussion is related to Back pain after fork lift accident.
My neck pain has become much worse with time. I initially had a pinched nerve and then the pain started in my neck and went down my arm. I feel fine when I hold my arm over my head.
I got x-rays and MRI done at OrthoTexas. The doctors over there said I have cervical neck pain and it needs to be treated asap.
I am looking for a second opinion. Please help.
This discussion is related to Back pain after fork lift accident.
Hi Keith. Welcome.
W/o knowing much about your condition, it is difficult to make suggestions.
If surgery is being suggested, you need to ask a lot of questions.
What is wrong with my neck?
What is my diagnosis?
Why do I need surgery now?
What are alternatives to surgery?
What are my chances of a successful outcome?
What happens if this surgery fails?
Does surgery now mean more surgery later?
To discuss any of these questions, you need to be knowledgeable. First, you need to learn the anatomy of the cervical spine. You need to learn the terms used to describe disease of the spine.
This information is available on the internet -- you can get a medical education online these days.
Certain sites, like spineuniverse.com offer information on conditions and treatments.
Other sites like spine-health.com, also offer info, but are owned by powerful surgical conglomerates, and are very pro-surgery. I used to get kicked off of sites like this because I would tell patients to ask questions, become knowledgeable.
I was bad for business.
So look into it.
Many PCPs do not know how to deal with pain. If you don't respond to a few weeks of NSAIDs and some mediocre PT, then off to the surgeon you go.
I am a sexigenarian, and have had spine disease since my 20s. It started in the neck. I've had many surgical consults, but I've yet to submit to the knife.
I have a surgeon I see occasionally -- he helps me keep an eye on certain growing problems, and I will probably have to go with the knife, eventually, unless I choose not to.
His name is Vic, and Vic says "spine surgery is a non-reversible procedure that should only be considered when all more conservative means of treatment have been exhausted." Or something close to that. I'm paraphrasing.
You've just begun on your journey to find the best treatment for your neck pain.
I can tell you -- it's a long and winding road.
Best wishes.
W/o knowing much about your condition, it is difficult to make suggestions.
If surgery is being suggested, you need to ask a lot of questions.
What is wrong with my neck?
What is my diagnosis?
Why do I need surgery now?
What are alternatives to surgery?
What are my chances of a successful outcome?
What happens if this surgery fails?
Does surgery now mean more surgery later?
To discuss any of these questions, you need to be knowledgeable. First, you need to learn the anatomy of the cervical spine. You need to learn the terms used to describe disease of the spine.
This information is available on the internet -- you can get a medical education online these days.
Certain sites, like spineuniverse.com offer information on conditions and treatments.
Other sites like spine-health.com, also offer info, but are owned by powerful surgical conglomerates, and are very pro-surgery. I used to get kicked off of sites like this because I would tell patients to ask questions, become knowledgeable.
I was bad for business.
So look into it.
Many PCPs do not know how to deal with pain. If you don't respond to a few weeks of NSAIDs and some mediocre PT, then off to the surgeon you go.
I am a sexigenarian, and have had spine disease since my 20s. It started in the neck. I've had many surgical consults, but I've yet to submit to the knife.
I have a surgeon I see occasionally -- he helps me keep an eye on certain growing problems, and I will probably have to go with the knife, eventually, unless I choose not to.
His name is Vic, and Vic says "spine surgery is a non-reversible procedure that should only be considered when all more conservative means of treatment have been exhausted." Or something close to that. I'm paraphrasing.
You've just begun on your journey to find the best treatment for your neck pain.
I can tell you -- it's a long and winding road.
Best wishes.
You mention raising your arm up relieves the pinching sensation. I wonder if you get any relief over a week or so, from trying flexing routines (such as shoulder rolls and doing windmill motions with your arms)? If that were the case, you might ask (given that result) if that might be an initial conservative treatment you might try for awhile.
Hello and Welcome to our Community,
I'm sorry to hear about your cervical spine pain. I was recently DX (diagnosed) with a structure issue of the cervical spine and know how painful it can be.
What did your MRI say? Is this a disc issue or something else? Normally a MRI will provide you with at the least a tentative DX. Cervical Neck pain is not a real DX as it can be anything from a whiplash to spinal stenosis, DDD, cervical facet disease or similar conditions. A bit more info would be helpful.
What did Ortho Texas mean when they said you needed treatment asap. What treatment was suggested?
Obviously a second opinion is always good. Before agreeing to any procedures or surgeries you need to know all the options - and the talent and experience of the physician you have selected.
It's very important to know your DX, the terms associated with it and their meaning. You'll be able to obtain the best care by researching your condition - by doing so you can make educated decisions.
When the nerves of your neck are pinched, raising your arm above your head (called Shoulder Abduction) often opens the area where the nerves may be "pinched" (entrapped - or compressed). It will also reduce the pull on the irritated nerves. Cervical Nerve pain, inflammation or irritation is often referred to as Cervical Radiculopathy.
I know I've asked more questions than I have answered - but in order to provide you with the best suggestions additional information would be helpful.
I'll look forward to hearing more from you.
Peace,
~Tuck
I'm sorry to hear about your cervical spine pain. I was recently DX (diagnosed) with a structure issue of the cervical spine and know how painful it can be.
What did your MRI say? Is this a disc issue or something else? Normally a MRI will provide you with at the least a tentative DX. Cervical Neck pain is not a real DX as it can be anything from a whiplash to spinal stenosis, DDD, cervical facet disease or similar conditions. A bit more info would be helpful.
What did Ortho Texas mean when they said you needed treatment asap. What treatment was suggested?
Obviously a second opinion is always good. Before agreeing to any procedures or surgeries you need to know all the options - and the talent and experience of the physician you have selected.
It's very important to know your DX, the terms associated with it and their meaning. You'll be able to obtain the best care by researching your condition - by doing so you can make educated decisions.
When the nerves of your neck are pinched, raising your arm above your head (called Shoulder Abduction) often opens the area where the nerves may be "pinched" (entrapped - or compressed). It will also reduce the pull on the irritated nerves. Cervical Nerve pain, inflammation or irritation is often referred to as Cervical Radiculopathy.
I know I've asked more questions than I have answered - but in order to provide you with the best suggestions additional information would be helpful.
I'll look forward to hearing more from you.
Peace,
~Tuck
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