Cervical Spine Disaster

[Will9837]

I am 24 years old and two years ago I fractured the facet capsule in the C5 disc and herniated the C4, C5, and C6. All discs have very progressed degenerative disc disease and the C5 is bulging into my spinal cord compressing it about half the diameter. I have been on valium for the intense muscle spasms, which worked but took for 3 months and the spasms went away for alittle but then the horrible withdrawals took over. After that I have been on lyrica,celebrex, naproxen, lodine, tramadol, percocet, vicodin, and zanaflex. Not a single one worked at all except the tramadol. But it made me feel to stimulated and I couldn't sleep and then I couldnt wake up once I did go to sleep. After going through all the processes with insurance and doctor visits I started getting fact cap block injections. The first injection lasted for 6 months and it was the first time in a year I was pain free. Then it came back and fast. Within in week I was back to experiencing gut wrenching agony 24/7. I recently got another shot but my body has gotten used to the steriods and it only lasted a few weeks. Prior to my injury I was active 7 days a week at the gym, surfing, running, you name it. I was benching 225, squatting 345, and deadlifting 345. So last week I started to lift again, very light. I was doing shrugs with only 30lbs dumb bells and I felt a crack and something slide in my neck. Now I cannot even move my neck. My neck clicks when i move it to far back, and I literally cannot move it to the back left if my life depended on it. I went to the doctor and he gave me baclofen 10mg 3x a day and Opana ir 10mg 3x a day. Horrible side effects though. The baclofen makes my small motor skills and hand eye coordination a complete joke. Makes my vision blurry and makes me feel very dull up until about 3 in the afternoon. The Opana really takes the edge off  the pain even though I can feel it still. It is just less defined and the shooting, stabbing pain has subsided somewhat. At first i had no side effects but no i realize my vision has started to get blurry, and i get very itchy. The next is kind of embarrassing .. urinating is very hard and takes a very long time to just begin the process and then keep it going. I have worked very hard to stay hydrated and I am still extremely constipated and overall very dry. My face has started to break out in pimples and my eyes are bloodshot. Does anybody with a similar injury have any advice as to what may be an alternative. I cannot stop taking either pill right now because without them I can't even get out of bed or move because the pain is so strong. I had an MRI yesterday and have to wait 2 weeks to see a neurosurgeon. I also was given lidocane patches which do absolutely nothing. The doctor also gave me cymbalta 30mg to help me get my mind off of the pain to try and stayed focused on school. But it has given me terrible nausea. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[Tuckamore]

Hi Will,

I appreciate all the information you have provided. I must congratulate you on your choice of career. I am a nurse and may have sought more medical education had circumstances been different in my life.

I cannot tell you the great respect and admiration I have for D.O.s. My PCP back home is a D.O.  My new (and only) PMP told me a good physician is a good physician, rather they are a D.O. or an MD. I agree. However I believe most D.O.s  have a better appreciation of the structure, function and alignment of the human body. After years of living with horrid undiagnosed pain it was a D.O. that had a tentative DX me in one appointment....and followed it up with confirmation. So I am very glad to hear of your career choice.

With your Dad a physician and your Mom a nurse I am sure you obtain great information and support from them.

I know how an injury and chronic pain can take us by surprise. I was in a MVA that nearly ended my life. They pulled the seat belt off my spine. I was very active in my career, still taking classes to advance my degree and playing softball on several leagues..... a loaded dump truck changed my entire path.  

You will find ways to deal with chronic pain. I am sure you know of Dr Elizabeth Kübler-Ross pioneering model of the five stages of death and dying. Ppl with extreme chronic pain experience those stages. Understanding that fact and adjusting as you can may assist you in the years ahead.

I am happy to hear that surgery is not an option as of yet. Hang in there and please keep in touch. I'll look forward to your updates.

My Best to You,
~Tuck

[Will9837]

Hey Tuck,

                I got the MRI results today. I am very fortunate that my mother is a Registered Nurse and my father is a M.D. Upon graduation next year with my bachelors I plan on attending medical school myself to become a D.O. I think it would be best since I will be dealing with this my entire life and making my career a part of it will only help me as I go on in life.
               The MRI shows the C4 and C5 to be very compressed and pressing into the spinal cord. Also the DDD has gotten worse since two and a half years ago. The facet capsule that broke has actually disintegrated and their is a lot of scare tissue around the area. It also looks that the TI is bulging into the spinal cord but not as significant as the C4 and C5.It also shows that I have cervical lordosis which is when the cervical spine is straighter than it should be. This is not good because a natural shape is more curved to act as a better shock absorber. I am thankful to just be alive since I injured it wrestling with a friend. My nose hit my chest and I blacked out for a few seconds and when I blacked out I saw a pitch black and a quick flash of lightening. When i came too I just laid down, not realizing I almost died. I also found out from the doctor that the only reason I lived is because I have extremely flexible ligaments and was in very good shape at the time. I can place both of my palms on the floor while standing straight and also bring my foot to my nose while standing. As well as many other extreme stretches, the doctor said that my neck extended and snapped back into place because most people who experience this type of injury are examined on the autopsy table not the doctors office 6 months after..

             Sorry for being so elaborate with my story but since the injury it has been very difficult to explain to people because most people have trouble relating to my condition  and most just don't care to even listen. The friend I had that I was wrestling with when it happened isn't friends with me anymore because I really can't take part in sports, weight lifting and other things we would do, along with many other friends. Even driving some days can be difficult, especially now that i hurt it again. The muscles in my right shoulder have gotten very weak and i was told by my doctor that I will have to wait 6 months before returning to any type of activity besides normal walking, sitting, and only lifting objects less than 10 pounds. Also as of today surgery is off the table. Even though I am in horrible pain it is still referred to as a stable injury and they say I am not in immediate danger. Eventually if the discs keep degenerating at the rate they are I will need either a fusion or complete disc replacement on the C4 and C5. I never imagined something like this could happen and it has taken such a toll on my life, forcing me to withdraw from college for a year and making it difficult to even get out of bed some days. Thankfully I am still in good shape and have a sound mind.
          

[Tuckamore]

Hi Will,

Welcome to the Pain Management Community. I am sorry my response is a bit tardy. Thank you for writing such an informative post.  My heart goes out to you as you are so young to have such a extreme cervical structure disorder. If it's any comfort you've come to the right place. We understand the havoc chronic pain can reek upon us.

All the symptoms you describe from the medications are fairly normal. However be sure you discuss these with your prescribing physician. Just a question... the rash is not hives is it? That would be a concern as it would indicate you are experiencing an allergy type of reaction to one of the medications.

Lidoderm (Lidocaine Patch 5%) has not been effective for me either. Most of us could not stop taking our medications either....it comes with the territory.

I assume the neurosurgeon will provide you with some answers. If surgery is offered as an option I have heard of some very good results..and obviously not so good. My uncle had a cervical fusion approximately ten months ago and is doing very well. He is older then you.

You seem to be doing all the right things. Educating yourself on all options is the best way to make an informed decision.

There are numerous OTC aids for the constipation that often accompanies opiate therapy. Your pharmacist will have suggestions for you. You may contact her via phone or in person, which ever is more comfortable for you. You might also want to tell him/her about the nausea you are experiencing from the cymbalta. He/she may have suggestions.... and of course be sure to inform your physician.

I do not have personal experience with your particular condition. I do have lots of experience with pain and related issues.  You are young and should heal quickly whatever the treatment(s) decided upon. We extend you our support and hope that you will keep in touch. I will be very interested to learn the results of your MRI and options.

Best of luck to you. I'll look forward to your updates.

Peace,
~Tuck