A strange topic for this site…but I’ve seen similar. This is really the only place I “socialize” online and this is affecting every part of my life including my motivation and ability to participate in my DIYAudio hobby.
I’ve always been active and enjoyed biking, swimming and my various gym workouts. It helps me physically and mentally. That has virtually stopped all together as well.
My story:
I’ve had problems for many years with pain that first appeared in my shoulder.
Back in 2010 or so I sustained an injury working on a car that resulted in things getting much worse. I woke up and couldn’t lift my head off my pillow. Pain multiplied many times in my shoulder, arm and hand including numbness.
The cycle began with orthopedic doctors. Xrays, Ibuprophen in larger doses, muscle relaxers and referrals to physical therapy.
The therapy incuded heat wraps, light traction and stretching, electro-stimulation etc.
Eventually they had me getting an MRI with contrast of the shoulder (they hadn’t figured it was spine related) and they tried cortisone injection.
Things never really improved that much. The cycle continued to repeat with doctors and physical therapy. At some point someone did determined that I had two herniated discs in my neck.
I got frustrated with the physical therapy that didn’t seem to help. Eventually I was just trying to cope with ibuprophen on a daily basis and my activities started getting limited.
This went on for several years until I was referred to a different physical therapist that was recommended by someone I met that had similar issues.
After working with the new therapist for several months I got “back on my feet”. I was able to swim, bike and take various strength training classes (no more real heavy lifting) even got into trail running. I was still managing aches and pain with some ibuprofen, especially after more intense workouts, but for someone in their mid 50s I felt pretty damn good.
Fast forward to Spring of 2022. My wife and I encountered a new friend on a hike one weekend. A rescue dog named “Thib” that was being fostered.
We immediately fell in love with the playful little guy and for the first time in our adult lives we decided (after much deliberation) that we’d like to make him part of the family.
Thib had an untamable spirit…literally. I worked with him for months on end in classes and on my own to no avail. He was always fighting on the leash and eventually that resulted in me being injured all over again and us having to give him back up for adoption.
Since then, things have been worse. The pain expanded out through my shoulder blade and upper back. I went back to working with my therapist for a while, but made minimal improvements.
Therapy got interrupted this past year with a relocation to a new home. That just made matters worse.
I did get to the point where I could manage the pain with a couple of ibuprophen each day and started pushing myself to get active with some light swimming, hiking etc in the early summer. I almost immediately relapsed.
Since then I’ve been like a bird with a broken wing trying to get off the ground.
I’ve started trying all kinds of things…even CBD. Simple stretching, yoga or massage results in stabbing, nagging aching pain and numbness from the base of my neck out through my shoulder blade, arm and to my hand. I cannot lie on my back. I’m sleep deprived etc.
Back to the cycle.
I see a new orthopedic doctor. He takes an Xray and immediately tells me I have degenerative arthritis in my cervical spine (C4-5, C5-6, C6-7). He says the solution is to perform surgery to fuse these discs. I’ll maintain 80% motion of my head and neck. I’ll be a new man in 6 months. He says I can try Cortisone injections…some people find relief…albeit mostly temporary.
In my mind surgery should be an absolute last measure. I’m scheduled for another MRI on this coming Friday. Injections can’t start until after that anyway.
How can I not try injections? I’m hoping they might reduce inflammation and pain enough that I can achieve some real improvements again with my physical therapist.
Who has been through or is going through this?
I’m hoping I can find some light at the end of the tunnel.
I’ve always been active and enjoyed biking, swimming and my various gym workouts. It helps me physically and mentally. That has virtually stopped all together as well.
My story:
I’ve had problems for many years with pain that first appeared in my shoulder.
Back in 2010 or so I sustained an injury working on a car that resulted in things getting much worse. I woke up and couldn’t lift my head off my pillow. Pain multiplied many times in my shoulder, arm and hand including numbness.
The cycle began with orthopedic doctors. Xrays, Ibuprophen in larger doses, muscle relaxers and referrals to physical therapy.
The therapy incuded heat wraps, light traction and stretching, electro-stimulation etc.
Eventually they had me getting an MRI with contrast of the shoulder (they hadn’t figured it was spine related) and they tried cortisone injection.
Things never really improved that much. The cycle continued to repeat with doctors and physical therapy. At some point someone did determined that I had two herniated discs in my neck.
I got frustrated with the physical therapy that didn’t seem to help. Eventually I was just trying to cope with ibuprophen on a daily basis and my activities started getting limited.
This went on for several years until I was referred to a different physical therapist that was recommended by someone I met that had similar issues.
After working with the new therapist for several months I got “back on my feet”. I was able to swim, bike and take various strength training classes (no more real heavy lifting) even got into trail running. I was still managing aches and pain with some ibuprofen, especially after more intense workouts, but for someone in their mid 50s I felt pretty damn good.
Fast forward to Spring of 2022. My wife and I encountered a new friend on a hike one weekend. A rescue dog named “Thib” that was being fostered.
We immediately fell in love with the playful little guy and for the first time in our adult lives we decided (after much deliberation) that we’d like to make him part of the family.
Thib had an untamable spirit…literally. I worked with him for months on end in classes and on my own to no avail. He was always fighting on the leash and eventually that resulted in me being injured all over again and us having to give him back up for adoption.
Since then, things have been worse. The pain expanded out through my shoulder blade and upper back. I went back to working with my therapist for a while, but made minimal improvements.
Therapy got interrupted this past year with a relocation to a new home. That just made matters worse.
I did get to the point where I could manage the pain with a couple of ibuprophen each day and started pushing myself to get active with some light swimming, hiking etc in the early summer. I almost immediately relapsed.
Since then I’ve been like a bird with a broken wing trying to get off the ground.
I’ve started trying all kinds of things…even CBD. Simple stretching, yoga or massage results in stabbing, nagging aching pain and numbness from the base of my neck out through my shoulder blade, arm and to my hand. I cannot lie on my back. I’m sleep deprived etc.
Back to the cycle.
I see a new orthopedic doctor. He takes an Xray and immediately tells me I have degenerative arthritis in my cervical spine (C4-5, C5-6, C6-7). He says the solution is to perform surgery to fuse these discs. I’ll maintain 80% motion of my head and neck. I’ll be a new man in 6 months. He says I can try Cortisone injections…some people find relief…albeit mostly temporary.
In my mind surgery should be an absolute last measure. I’m scheduled for another MRI on this coming Friday. Injections can’t start until after that anyway.
How can I not try injections? I’m hoping they might reduce inflammation and pain enough that I can achieve some real improvements again with my physical therapist.
Who has been through or is going through this?
I’m hoping I can find some light at the end of the tunnel.
I acknowledge your story. You have been through a lot. I happened to check the forum at "some time" and here you are...so perhaps this rendevous may help in some way. We all have our own stories regarding our interactions with the realm—and contrast is part of game—how can we know what we like unless we experience what we don't like? We control both sides of this equation—my personal experience tells me that accidents don't happen, those are just opportunities that we aren't viewing from a higher/certain perspective. I have witnessed in my direct experience that thoughts make things. This is absolute from my perspective, the story we tell ourselves with our thinking patterns is literally what we create/manifest into our reality. All I can offer you is some broken words that might speak and some books that will confirm through the experience of others what I just stated. Each of us has to step up and do our own work....asking for help when we need it...but ultimately taking the path alone.
Joe Dispenza - Becoming Supernatural
That book stands apart. It doesn't specifically tell Joe's story (which is spinal related)—that is a story that many would use the word "miracle" to describe, and is detailed in a previous book of his that you can look up if you feel inspired—Becoming Supernatural does detail practical techniques for healing—none of it is new—certainly all of it requires a shift in understanding—what is new is how Joe has used so-called "modern" science to show the results of his experince with data to those that need that language to move forward or shift their awareness. There are many many ways to the same source. I will warn you though that the current allopathic medical cartel continues to deny the work of people like Dr. Joe. He is not alone though....
Peace.
Joe Dispenza - Becoming Supernatural
That book stands apart. It doesn't specifically tell Joe's story (which is spinal related)—that is a story that many would use the word "miracle" to describe, and is detailed in a previous book of his that you can look up if you feel inspired—Becoming Supernatural does detail practical techniques for healing—none of it is new—certainly all of it requires a shift in understanding—what is new is how Joe has used so-called "modern" science to show the results of his experince with data to those that need that language to move forward or shift their awareness. There are many many ways to the same source. I will warn you though that the current allopathic medical cartel continues to deny the work of people like Dr. Joe. He is not alone though....
Peace.
Hi. It's always disheartening to deal with such issues, but you perservere, kudos to you my friend! I have not been in the same, but quite similar boat. I herniated my disk, albeit in lower back. Which resulted in pain 24/7, and around the clock diclofenac and nimesulid medication (kind of messed up my stomack). I couldn't walk for a while, went trough all sort of therapies, ultrasound, electricity, workouts etc, which resulted in more herniated disks in my middle spine. Nothing worked. I was scheduled for disk removal and to fuse vertebrae, and i said no. Until i started visiting chiropractors. They helped, very well for a week then back to the old pain. Even Novak Djokovic chiropractor couldn't help me for more than a few weeks. Then i heard of an unlicenced chiro, that learned his skill in Tibet. Visited him, he didn't want mri and xrays, nor what was the issue. He deducted my issues by moving my heels, then he literally adjusted my entire body. It was quite a painful experience, as my muscles were already tuned to new positions. Then he said lay down in bed for three days, till the muscles adjust to proper bone aligment, don't get up (and i literally didn't). They i got up, no pain, nothing, i stood up straight, like it was nothing. It's been over 10 years now and i function 90% of what i would without discus hernia.
Moral of the story, don't just visit doctors, medicine in that regard hasn't really progressed much since Mengele. Try to get some good chiropractor recommendation, and visit him. Whole body, not just the spine adjustment, it's important, as when spine gets distorted out of shape, whole body follows to compensate.
Moral of the story, don't just visit doctors, medicine in that regard hasn't really progressed much since Mengele. Try to get some good chiropractor recommendation, and visit him. Whole body, not just the spine adjustment, it's important, as when spine gets distorted out of shape, whole body follows to compensate.
There is a lot that can go wrong in fusing vertebrae, and in the cervical vertebrae the consequences can be dire. Get at least one other opinion and be absolutely certain it's what you want to do.
Good luck in whatever you choose.
Good luck in whatever you choose.
Thank you all for your feedback.
I realize that this can be as much of a battle mentally and emotionally as it is physically.
I’m trying to maintain some kind of a positive mental balance.
I will continue to try and have an open mind to different treatments and I would definitely consult with other doctors before making such a serious commitment as surgery on my spine.
I realize that this can be as much of a battle mentally and emotionally as it is physically.
I’m trying to maintain some kind of a positive mental balance.
I will continue to try and have an open mind to different treatments and I would definitely consult with other doctors before making such a serious commitment as surgery on my spine.
Man, does your story ever resonate. I was in a car accident in March. My car was T-boned on the driver's side by a pickup truck going 50-70 km/h (says police). This was especially problematic as I was driving my car at the time. I was "fine" after the accident. I had some concussion and bruising, but no broken bones. And no bleeding in the brain either, which was good. I was able to get out of the car just fine. But I think I vastly underestimated the soft tissue damage that resulted from that impact.
I started recovering with the help of physiotherapy only to have this annoying knot form behind my left shoulder blade. The pain travelled down my left arm where it sat as tennis elbow for a while. Then it went away ... only to start up on the right side. This time it didn't go away. Instead the pain became excruciating. You haven't experienced pain until you wake up in the middle of the night and try to run away from it, thereby causing even more pain. Holy cow!
I basically spent my summer in pain. I could type with the laptop on my lap, but if I tried to do any work that involved sitting at a workstation or lab bench the pain would flare up to the point where it was intolerable even with pain killers. Needless to say, this put a severe damper on my work activities this summer, which was a bit of a problem as I'm self-employed.
I almost lost hope and thought I was just going to have to live like this from now on when the pain finally started to subside. Over the course of 6-8 weeks I went from having to rely on pain killers and muscle relaxants just to get through the day to being pain free and the only symptom being an annoying tingle in my right hand at times. I can live with an annoying tingle.
I'm relaying my story to give you a bit of hope. Nerve issues take a long time to heal but healing is possible. I don't know which form of treatment ended up working for me, but I tried just about everything. I ended up switching physiotherapists from one who relied mostly on dry needling and TENS machining to one who uses exercises along with breakdown of scar tissue and dry needling. She also got me started on some nerve desensitization exercises and nerve flossing.
Doctors have recommended vitamins B12 and D along with magnesium and omega 3 oils for nerve issues. Beware that not all vitamins in the store are of good quality. For example, many cheap magnesium supplements contain magnesium oxide, which doesn't have great bioavailability (i.e., isn't readily absorbed by the body), whereas the more expensive magnesium supplements contain magnesium citrate or similar which has greater bioavailability. So do your research first.
I'd also recommend an osteopath over a chiropractor. Osteopathy is much gentler and has worked better for me in the long term than any chiropractor. That said, the chiropractor was able to relieve some of the pain early on.
These folks are worth watching:
I agree that surgery should be the last option. As does The Spine Guy, actually, and he makes a living performing those surgeries. Also, I would ask the surgeon how many surgeries result in significant pain relief. It seems that surgeons will consider the surgery successful if the patient doesn't die. But not dying is not the same as getting significant pain relief. If you don't get relief from the pain, what's the point of going through the surgery in the first place? Also note that you'll be out of commission for a few months after the surgery while your vertebrae fuse together.
Best of luck. Above is just my story and advice that was given to me. I'm not a medical professional or in a position to give medical advice, so please don't take my story as medical advice. As always, consult your doctor.
Oh... And don't underestimate the mental component. It could be worthwhile to talk to a psychologist who specializes in treatment of those with chronic pain. Mindfulness could be helpful as well.
Tom
I started recovering with the help of physiotherapy only to have this annoying knot form behind my left shoulder blade. The pain travelled down my left arm where it sat as tennis elbow for a while. Then it went away ... only to start up on the right side. This time it didn't go away. Instead the pain became excruciating. You haven't experienced pain until you wake up in the middle of the night and try to run away from it, thereby causing even more pain. Holy cow!
I basically spent my summer in pain. I could type with the laptop on my lap, but if I tried to do any work that involved sitting at a workstation or lab bench the pain would flare up to the point where it was intolerable even with pain killers. Needless to say, this put a severe damper on my work activities this summer, which was a bit of a problem as I'm self-employed.
I almost lost hope and thought I was just going to have to live like this from now on when the pain finally started to subside. Over the course of 6-8 weeks I went from having to rely on pain killers and muscle relaxants just to get through the day to being pain free and the only symptom being an annoying tingle in my right hand at times. I can live with an annoying tingle.
I'm relaying my story to give you a bit of hope. Nerve issues take a long time to heal but healing is possible. I don't know which form of treatment ended up working for me, but I tried just about everything. I ended up switching physiotherapists from one who relied mostly on dry needling and TENS machining to one who uses exercises along with breakdown of scar tissue and dry needling. She also got me started on some nerve desensitization exercises and nerve flossing.
Doctors have recommended vitamins B12 and D along with magnesium and omega 3 oils for nerve issues. Beware that not all vitamins in the store are of good quality. For example, many cheap magnesium supplements contain magnesium oxide, which doesn't have great bioavailability (i.e., isn't readily absorbed by the body), whereas the more expensive magnesium supplements contain magnesium citrate or similar which has greater bioavailability. So do your research first.
I'd also recommend an osteopath over a chiropractor. Osteopathy is much gentler and has worked better for me in the long term than any chiropractor. That said, the chiropractor was able to relieve some of the pain early on.
These folks are worth watching:
I agree that surgery should be the last option. As does The Spine Guy, actually, and he makes a living performing those surgeries. Also, I would ask the surgeon how many surgeries result in significant pain relief. It seems that surgeons will consider the surgery successful if the patient doesn't die. But not dying is not the same as getting significant pain relief. If you don't get relief from the pain, what's the point of going through the surgery in the first place? Also note that you'll be out of commission for a few months after the surgery while your vertebrae fuse together.
Best of luck. Above is just my story and advice that was given to me. I'm not a medical professional or in a position to give medical advice, so please don't take my story as medical advice. As always, consult your doctor.
Oh... And don't underestimate the mental component. It could be worthwhile to talk to a psychologist who specializes in treatment of those with chronic pain. Mindfulness could be helpful as well.
Tom
Crikey chromenuts, haven't you been through the mangle! Having to give up pooch is particularly sad and resonates strongly with me... I can only comment on a couple of things, and wish to be clear that although I see some similarities, my condition was orders of magnitude less than yours.
Firstly, my 'instant' diagnosis of chronic shoulder pains was arthritis, following X-rays; within two years I was completely pain-free following a few cortisone injections and physiotherapy - it was rotator cuff damage, diagnosed by a physiotherapist on the telephone!
Secondly, I urge you to try said cortisone injections if you have the option. My pain relief within 24 hours was total (I had been waking 20-30 times per night due to pain), and as time passed I needed them less frequently with targeted exercises.
I wish you the very best, Carl.
EDIT:
Osteopathy has been a huge help with neck and back pain - surely worth a try.
Firstly, my 'instant' diagnosis of chronic shoulder pains was arthritis, following X-rays; within two years I was completely pain-free following a few cortisone injections and physiotherapy - it was rotator cuff damage, diagnosed by a physiotherapist on the telephone!
Secondly, I urge you to try said cortisone injections if you have the option. My pain relief within 24 hours was total (I had been waking 20-30 times per night due to pain), and as time passed I needed them less frequently with targeted exercises.
I wish you the very best, Carl.
EDIT:
Osteopathy has been a huge help with neck and back pain - surely worth a try.
Cymbalta (generic name Duloxetine) is especially good for arthritis. I couldn't move my wrist because of arthritis a few years ago, but now it's almost unnoticeable. Duloxetine is also especially good for neuropathic pain, and, being primarily given for depression, it also helps with the psychological aspect of chronic pain.
There are also heating pads that supposedly emit more deep infrared radiation. That's supposed to penetrate deeper than heat from standard hot pads. I have no idea of the science behind this, if there is any. The pads are kinda expensive, but could be worth trying. My chiropractor and physiotherapist use these: https://www.thermotex.com/
Tom
Tom
You suffer symptoms which are very familiar to me, although I also suffer with very similar symptoms in my lower spine. In my case I have been diagnosed as suffering from spinal stenosis. This is caused by the discs drying-out and the central channel shrinking in diameter thus causing interference with the nerves therein. These problems are made worse by the fact that I suffered from Ankylosing spondylitis in my early 20s. That problem was treated successfully but left scar ossification on my neck and lower spine.
Also I spent a good number of years working with young horses which involved every sort of mishap but mainly left me with bursal enlargement in one shoulder and burial cyst in the other...all complicated by tendonitis in elbows and wrists and one ankle.
Where I am luckier than you is that I have a very high pain threshold so do not have to rely on painkillers. However I cannot work with extended upper arms for more than a minute or two, which fact makes any bench work very slow and difficult. Oh! I forgot a slight tremor in my right hand (NON-Parkinson's) which makes accurate soldering impossible.
In my case I am nearer 83 years old than 82, had open heart surgery about 5 years ago so I think myself lucky to be alive! 😀
Regarding your problems I do very strongly advise you to have no irreversible surgery unless at least three Rheumatologists fully agree that it will bring the desired results.
Best of luck,
Brian
Also I spent a good number of years working with young horses which involved every sort of mishap but mainly left me with bursal enlargement in one shoulder and burial cyst in the other...all complicated by tendonitis in elbows and wrists and one ankle.
Where I am luckier than you is that I have a very high pain threshold so do not have to rely on painkillers. However I cannot work with extended upper arms for more than a minute or two, which fact makes any bench work very slow and difficult. Oh! I forgot a slight tremor in my right hand (NON-Parkinson's) which makes accurate soldering impossible.
In my case I am nearer 83 years old than 82, had open heart surgery about 5 years ago so I think myself lucky to be alive! 😀
Regarding your problems I do very strongly advise you to have no irreversible surgery unless at least three Rheumatologists fully agree that it will bring the desired results.
Best of luck,
Brian
I just used an old fashioned hot water bottle. It worked well for me. Just not too hot 🙂 The heat is relaxing and encourages blood flow.
Thank you all again for your support, stories, advice and especially information about alternative treatments.
I feel like we’ve started a support group. Some pretty scary war stories.
I will say that for years now I have implemented supplements in my diet that are supposed to help with joint problems like a Glucosamine complex, Turmeric, Fish Oil etc.
I also take St Johns Wort daily to help with the stress and resulting depression.
I use an electric shoulder/back wrap every evening to help soothe and relax neck and shoulder.
I feel like we’ve started a support group. Some pretty scary war stories.
I will say that for years now I have implemented supplements in my diet that are supposed to help with joint problems like a Glucosamine complex, Turmeric, Fish Oil etc.
I also take St Johns Wort daily to help with the stress and resulting depression.
I use an electric shoulder/back wrap every evening to help soothe and relax neck and shoulder.
Try Amitriptyline 10mg [low dose] at night for about a week.That will dull the pain and work as a muscle relaxant.Use in conjunction with a good deep tissue massage on day 3 or 4. If pain and stiffness return repeat.
That is an old and cheap multi use drug but for many people can really help with pain and flexibility and other than slight drowsiness in the morning seems to have very few side effects.It also helps you get a good sleep.Also very good for tension headaches.
That is an old and cheap multi use drug but for many people can really help with pain and flexibility and other than slight drowsiness in the morning seems to have very few side effects.It also helps you get a good sleep.Also very good for tension headaches.
Wow. I guess I'll join the club. The timing is amazing. After years of pain, Ibuprofen, examinations, and unsuccessful treatments I got diagnosed with spinal foraminal stenosis last week. That came with a description of spinal fusion surgery, which sounds like a crazy idea to my ears, as my spine looks totally fine otherwise.
LOL - Orthopedic Surgeon here (I do hip and knee replacements). Most surgeons get some degree of cervical spine arthritis due to the work condition of looking down at the surgical field. I am no stranger to your symptoms. I have managed mine with Celebrex, hot treatment (pad, soak, shower), and stretching exercises. It happens to be bad this weekend.
Over time the arthritis can stabilize, or get worse. If instability occurs, then one should consider surgery (this seen on the flexion / extension X-rays. or on CT scan.
Otherwise, avoid surgery unless you are getting nerve pinching causing arm pain/weakness/numbness, or "long tract signs" which would be neurological symptoms in the legs from spinal stenosis in the cervical area.
While you could find someone who would operate on you for "neck pain", I would recommend against it, unless you are miserable, and all the supplements, meds, injections, and other things have failed.
I have had some patients get relief from chiropractic, massage, and assisted stretching. Physical Therapy can be very good, as can judicias use of steroids.
Over time the arthritis can stabilize, or get worse. If instability occurs, then one should consider surgery (this seen on the flexion / extension X-rays. or on CT scan.
Otherwise, avoid surgery unless you are getting nerve pinching causing arm pain/weakness/numbness, or "long tract signs" which would be neurological symptoms in the legs from spinal stenosis in the cervical area.
While you could find someone who would operate on you for "neck pain", I would recommend against it, unless you are miserable, and all the supplements, meds, injections, and other things have failed.
I have had some patients get relief from chiropractic, massage, and assisted stretching. Physical Therapy can be very good, as can judicias use of steroids.
@Bones13 Thanks for chiming in from a professional and experiential point of view!
My pain does reflect down through my arm and into my hand.
I’ve experienced numbness, but it is not constant. It usually follows an event involving more exertion or prolonged strain on my upper body.
It is impossible for me to do any yard work like trimming hedges now. Not one of the activities I miss, but hiring people to do the work has been a nightmare. They charge through the nose and do a half a$$ed job every time. Sometimes I don’t know what causes me more pain!!!
I feel compelled to research some of the treatments being mentioned by members from other countries here. There have been several I have not heard of and I have no idea if they are even available to me here in the US.
My pain does reflect down through my arm and into my hand.
I’ve experienced numbness, but it is not constant. It usually follows an event involving more exertion or prolonged strain on my upper body.
It is impossible for me to do any yard work like trimming hedges now. Not one of the activities I miss, but hiring people to do the work has been a nightmare. They charge through the nose and do a half a$$ed job every time. Sometimes I don’t know what causes me more pain!!!
I feel compelled to research some of the treatments being mentioned by members from other countries here. There have been several I have not heard of and I have no idea if they are even available to me here in the US.
That was in my MRI report as well. Some of that is just wear, tear, and effects of looking down a lot. I never had symptoms like what I had over the summer before my accident, so whatever was worn down definitely didn't benefit from being banged around. There were some other point of note in the MRI report, so I'm waiting to see a specialist. But I expect the conclusion will be to do nothing or maybe to have another look a year from now to check for changes.
A friend of mine went through with the neck surgery to fuse two vertebrae. That just moved the issues to the joints above and below the fused part. In the end physiotherapy provided the biggest benefit.
Tom
See a neurosurgeon. And another as well.
It is a dangerous and complex surgery, not to be done unless direly needed.
Too many major blood vessels in the area, slip of a sharp blade, and you could die or be paralyzed for life.
Orthopedic doctor here told my sister same thing, I sent her X Ray to a good friend, who just happens to be a national level neurosurgeon with about 20 years experience, based in Hyderabad, he has done more than 500 DBS procedures.
He took one look, said normal X Ray, do MRI if you want peace of mind...and the neck is one place we like to hesitate.
MRI was normal, he asked for regular (ask the doctor if special frequency sequence is needed, those are required for DBS, for example).
My sister was very happy, and cursed the orthopedic guy for scaring her...
And my friend says this is at the edge of ability for an orthopedic surgeon, if really needed, get it done by a neurosurgeon or a specialist in spine surgery.
It does involve putting a sort of scaffolding in place to hold the vertebra in place to compensate for disk damage, and some surgeons make it look easy.
But I again emphasis that it is a last resort, not something like a broken arm, here a slip of the knife can be fatal.
Wear a collar or other support, see if it helps.
Best wishes....
It is a dangerous and complex surgery, not to be done unless direly needed.
Too many major blood vessels in the area, slip of a sharp blade, and you could die or be paralyzed for life.
Orthopedic doctor here told my sister same thing, I sent her X Ray to a good friend, who just happens to be a national level neurosurgeon with about 20 years experience, based in Hyderabad, he has done more than 500 DBS procedures.
He took one look, said normal X Ray, do MRI if you want peace of mind...and the neck is one place we like to hesitate.
MRI was normal, he asked for regular (ask the doctor if special frequency sequence is needed, those are required for DBS, for example).
My sister was very happy, and cursed the orthopedic guy for scaring her...
And my friend says this is at the edge of ability for an orthopedic surgeon, if really needed, get it done by a neurosurgeon or a specialist in spine surgery.
It does involve putting a sort of scaffolding in place to hold the vertebra in place to compensate for disk damage, and some surgeons make it look easy.
But I again emphasis that it is a last resort, not something like a broken arm, here a slip of the knife can be fatal.
Wear a collar or other support, see if it helps.
Best wishes....
Started experiencing neck pain over 40 years ago but it gradually went away. Around 2007 I noticed tingling and numbness in the fingers and muscle wasting away between the thumb and index finger. This was associated with some loss of fine motor skills, lack of some coordination in the legs, grinding sounds when moving head sideways and pain around the wrist and hands.
Had a nerve conductive study and MRI which indicated an issue at C5-C6, C6-C7. I was due to have spinal fusion but fortunately I had a heart attack. Then I was placed under the care of a neurosurgeon who eventually performed a laminectomy in 2012 by part removal of C6 and reshaping of C5 and C7. The result has been great with minor deterioration over 12 years instead of a possible loss of mobility. I still have my full range of neck movement but can no longer take part in contact sports as there is no bone protection for the spinal cord at C6. Soldering and sketching is now a thing of the past since 2023 and I can't walk a straight line as I side step every now and then but everything else is fine.
I did discuss a fusion with the staff at the neurologist who made no comment other than we see them after surgery and just shook their head and rolled their eyes. Discussion with my neurosurgeon about fusion ended up being a laminectomy was the best path, less invasion even though more painful recovery, full neck movement and less side effects. He stated the pain would last 12 days and was spot on and the pain became no worse than a bad sunburn on the shoulders where you wanted to levitate the t-shirt. His decision was also based on weekly meetings with several other neurosurgeons who discuss each others case so it just wasn't one opinion.
My understanding and observation is nerve damage does not heal and repair but surgery can stop or slow future deterioration and in my case has given me so far an extra 12 years and still going strong. A note that I was advised not to wear a collar as would weaken the area but was OK to wear where impact or sudden directional changes were possible.
During this period before the laminectomy I was chasing the source of the pain in the hands and wrists so had carpal tunnel release, elbow ulna nerve release, trigger finger correction but none corrected the issue. Apparently it is phantom pain due to poor SNR to the hands. It's there all the time but distraction helps as well as stimulating sensory nerves on the skin which masks the pain with an actual signal. Simply putting the hand between cushions on a sofa removes it completely. I did try TENS but was more trouble than it was worth.
This is my journey and not advice as that should be done with medical professionals and each case is different and has to be personalised.
Had a nerve conductive study and MRI which indicated an issue at C5-C6, C6-C7. I was due to have spinal fusion but fortunately I had a heart attack. Then I was placed under the care of a neurosurgeon who eventually performed a laminectomy in 2012 by part removal of C6 and reshaping of C5 and C7. The result has been great with minor deterioration over 12 years instead of a possible loss of mobility. I still have my full range of neck movement but can no longer take part in contact sports as there is no bone protection for the spinal cord at C6. Soldering and sketching is now a thing of the past since 2023 and I can't walk a straight line as I side step every now and then but everything else is fine.
I did discuss a fusion with the staff at the neurologist who made no comment other than we see them after surgery and just shook their head and rolled their eyes. Discussion with my neurosurgeon about fusion ended up being a laminectomy was the best path, less invasion even though more painful recovery, full neck movement and less side effects. He stated the pain would last 12 days and was spot on and the pain became no worse than a bad sunburn on the shoulders where you wanted to levitate the t-shirt. His decision was also based on weekly meetings with several other neurosurgeons who discuss each others case so it just wasn't one opinion.
My understanding and observation is nerve damage does not heal and repair but surgery can stop or slow future deterioration and in my case has given me so far an extra 12 years and still going strong. A note that I was advised not to wear a collar as would weaken the area but was OK to wear where impact or sudden directional changes were possible.
During this period before the laminectomy I was chasing the source of the pain in the hands and wrists so had carpal tunnel release, elbow ulna nerve release, trigger finger correction but none corrected the issue. Apparently it is phantom pain due to poor SNR to the hands. It's there all the time but distraction helps as well as stimulating sensory nerves on the skin which masks the pain with an actual signal. Simply putting the hand between cushions on a sofa removes it completely. I did try TENS but was more trouble than it was worth.
This is my journey and not advice as that should be done with medical professionals and each case is different and has to be personalised.
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I'm partial to hot baths myself. If I had a hot tub, steam room, or sauna I'd probably use it daily.
Tom