Could you advise me what to do next?

[Jennifer1006]

I had a MRI a week ago and found out that there is flattening of the noraml cervical curvature and disc degenetartion at C4-5 and C5-6. My doctor that I am seeing for migraine headaches told me that the MRI showed I was having a spasam in my neck, that I have arthristis in this area and that the fluid in my disc mentioned above was gone. I have had so much pain in my neck. I have awful, debilating migraines and I want help. My doctor  said this was normal. It's just part of the aging process. He started treating me for migraines with Topimax. What about my neck? He said it's normal. I don't feel it is what do you advise?

[kittyluv1]

Degenerative arthritis is a normal process due to the wear and tear on our spines as we age.  If the MRI did not find any evidence of disc herniation or narrowing of the spinal canal and/or foraminal narrowing (where the spinal nerve roots travel), then your pain is probably more related to the intense muscle spasm as stated by your doctor.
Selma is correct in recommending physical therapy and you might benefit from a form of treatment which would include identification of trigger points and myofascial therapy.
In the meantime, it would be beneficial to take muscle relaxants as prescribed by your doctor and use heat/cold compresses (alternating) to help reduce the inflammation and irritation of the muscles.
What has your doctor recommended?  If the doctor you are currently seeing is treating you primarily for the migraines and is not addressing the neck spasms, it might be beneficial to get an orthopedic spine specialist consult.
Keep us informed and I hope you find resolution soon.

[selmaS]

Hi and welcome to the Back & Neck forum.

May I ask if u had a head trauma or been involved in a MVA ?

Whiplash can cause the muscles to twist and pull in the opposite direction and cause a change in the curve of the lordosis.....sometimes PT can help...what did ur dr say??

And the change sometimes is positional...bcuz u r lying down.....so it is the degree of the change that warrents treatment.

Again, I would suggest PT and look for a book on the Feldenkrais Method....posture also can play a role in al this.

And degeneration of the disks is a normal age progression....some of us "lucky" ones tend to get it earlier than others and seem to be affected by it more as well.


Stress will also affect the pains in ur neck...try yoga or some meditation for relaxation.

Keep us posted

"selma"