Medical problem of 54 yo female in San Antonio, Tx Prior medical conditions -Injured L-3/4/5, S-1 Dec 2003 -Degenerative disc problems since + muscle/nerve pain, weakness -Fibromyalgia, sleep apnea, urinary urgency, hypereflexia Current medical condition -Injured neck Aug 2013 (don t know how, although I did go to fitness conference around this time) -numb/tingling hands/feet since Aug + stiffness with neck pain (dull ache) -lost strength in left arm/shoulder (thought was due to shoulder - maybe related to neck) -Cervical spine MRI 10Jan14 shows large Lft+Cntr paramedian C-6/7 disc extrusion compressing Lft side spinal cord Neurologist referring me to Neurosurgeon. I picked up copy of MRI just in case I need it. Neurosurgeon s office has not scheduled appt since I was referred last Wednesday...should I be concerned? I may be getting ahead of myself. However, I do not want discectomy with fusion. What else may be done? Artificial disc, Dynamic Stabilization (flexible fusion)?
Hi, Thank you for posting your query. I can understand your concern about your condition, as you have not been able to consult your neurosurgeon.First, let me reassure you that there is no need to get concerned about these findings. The decision to surgery depends on the symptoms. If you have severe leg pain, which does not get better with medications and physiotherapy, then, operation may be needed. Medications helpful to relieve the nerve pain are pregabalin and gabapentin capsules. Physiotherapy includes IT, ultrasound and back extension exercises. The choice of surgery can be made after seeing you and your MRI reports. I hope my answer helps. Please get back if you have any follow-up queries or if you require any additional information. Wishing you good health, Chat Doctor. Ly/