SCI and source of pain

Question

Anterior cervical fusion C5-C7 following a SCI in 1998 which resulted in teardrop C6 fracture.  Have recently developed severe neck pain towards scapula and left shoulder.  This pain only gets resolved with neck rest and neurontin.  MRI's showed myelomalacia at C5-C6.  Abnormal EMG of left upper extremity suggested old/chronic dysfunctional nerve root at C8.   CT scans showed surgical screws impingement on intervertebral discs at C5 and C7-T1.  One additional screw was completely backed out at C7 and had osteophyte growth at the head.  No impingement of diaphram, but lucency was observed around the screw.

What is the more likely source of my pain:  myelomalacia, dysfunctional C8 nerve root or disc impingement?

anuragsrivastava · Answer

Hi, Thank you for your question. Myelomalacia is a pathological softening of the spinal cord. If you have recent increase in the symptoms then it appears that your impingement of nerve may be worsened. If you are suffering from continuous symptoms in neck and arm please arrange an appointment with a neurologist right away who will evaluate the further underlying disorders by clinically examine you that may be the main reasons of your symptoms and can provide you an appropriate treatment. Hope this information proves helpful to you. Take Care & Regards!!!

Kalvin · Answer

I'm not a Doctor, just a guy like you with a lot of scapular pain. I had ACDF back in 2005, going to be having another one in a couple months. I wonder if Neurontin would help my scapular pain, I've used before, and hated the way it made me feel, but I think I'm going to give it another try.

All 3 of those things you mentioned can cause the type of pain you're having, of course you probably know that.

Hopefully the Doctor will have some answers for you when he replies to your post.


Take Care