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I dont know what to do about my pain
This is probably a long one, but I've been having so many issues with my back and neck for literal years. I've done all the things...PT, injections, pain meds, massage, chiropractic care. I had a recent MRI of my entire spine showing:
Osteophytes and neural foraminal narrowing and decrease in diameter of the thecal sac at C3-4
Posterior disc bulge, slight facet arthrosis and neural foraminal narrowing at C4-5
Posterior disc bulge, slight facet arthrosis with osteophytes and annular fissures at C5-6
Posterior disc bulge with osteophytes at C6-7
Posterior osteophyte formation with slight narrowing of the left neural foramen at C7-T1
Posterior disc bulge at T3-4
Posterior disc bulge with small left paramedian disc protrusion (no cord impingement) at T4-5
Osteophyte complex with moderate right-sided anterior extradural defect upon thecal sac at T5-6
Left paramedian disc protrusion with small left paramedian disc protrusion (no cord impingement) at T6-7
Posterior disc bulge with posterior annular tear at L3-4
Posterior disc bulge with moderate facet arthrosis and slight bilateral neural foraminal narrowing at L4-5
I saw a neurosurgeon who at first said I needed surgery but after my EMG of the LE came back normal, he said he can't do anything for me and I should see a Rheumatologist come back to see him in a year. Should I seek a second opinion with an Orthopedic spinal doctor or another neurosurgeon. I can't walk or do basic daily activities without excruciating pain. I keep up with my PT exercises at home and I see my pain doctor every month. I'm just feeling so defeated. I'm only 37 years old and I can't enjoy life.
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So you have a pain doctor and PT? Is there a full pain management program near you? (PT, OT, behavioral health, and doctor)
What does the doctor say about the imaging results?
I have cervical stenosis with compression on cord along with Chiari 1 malformation, thoracic and Lumbar herniated disc with mild foraminal narrowing as well.
Unfortunately I have Achalasia of my esophagus which makes anterior cervical fusion impossible and after a trip to ER last week for severe bilateral lower extremity weakness I was diagnosed with multiple cervical, thoracic, lumbar hemangioma's. Last scan was February of this year and these were not there.
Believe me, I get your frustration after doing PT, numerous facet injections, epidurals and rhizotomy with no relief.
Surgery is my last option but I am not sure how long I can continue like this.
It affects work, chores, social interaction and most of all limits my activities with my kids.
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1 ReactionBrittanylg, it's great that you don't have damage to the nerves. Yes, you should see a spine surgeon. More than one, because it is best to get at least a second opinion.
There are minimally invasive procedures that might help your pain. Osteophyte complexes are sharp boney protrusions that can be removed. C3-4 and L3-4 where you have impingement on the thecal sac might be helped by minimally invasive partial discectomy. Your failed injections might be more usefully applied.
From the report it looks as though there are areas where ablation of the medial branch nerve would be helpful
If you don't have CDs of your MRI you might get several copies and send them out.
You might also consult with another pain specialist.
There are many of these on the internet. I don't mean to recommend this office for treatment. https://www.orthopedicandlaserspinesurgery.com/tools/mri-review/
Your efforts are impressive, be aggressive and don't give up.
Best luck
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2 Reactions@brittanylg
I am a 55 year old female who has spine issues and surgery on both cervical and lumbar spine. I have quite a lot of experience reading my own MRIs over the years and your MRI communicates a lot!
You need to research top orthopedic spine specialists in your area asap! You have spinal cord compression injuries at a couple levels and can have permanent injury to spinal cord and function if you do not have decompression surgery asap! It seems you have either had injury to your back because one level is cracked. Did you have an accident or injury? You should stop all manipulation to your back by a chiropractor because that can make things worse. Also, hold off on massage and PT until you get 2nd and 3rd orthopedic spine specialist opinions. Rheumatologists will not help treat your spine! Your issues in your spine are structural and mechanical pressure on spinal cord and nerve roots/nerves.
Please advocate for yourself to get the right diagnosis and treatment. Spinal cord compression injury is called myelopathy and that is part of your problem and very serious. You don’t want permanent disability at your young age. I have cervical myelopathy and had ACDF surgery in 2022 to decompress my spinal cord. I had daily headaches, neck and shoulder pain/knots, arm/hand weakness, dropped things and handwriting worsened, bladder control issues and walking difficulty (balance and weakness and felt like I was wearing cement boots on). The surgery temporarily helped with some symptoms but I now have some permanent disability because it took 5 years to get properly diagnosed and treated. I may need a 2nd surgery in the next month or so due to returning myelopathy symptoms. I encourage you to research degenerative myelopathy/spondylotic myelopathy.
Praying for you to get the help you need asap!🙏
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5 ReactionsGet another opinion or more! You can’t just sit back & accept what one dr says! Be your own health advocate & find a reputable dr who will help.
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1 Reactioni have myelopathy, radiculopathy etc. etc. but am almost 74. You are 37. Do you have rheumatoid arthritis? At your age, I do think a rheumatologist would be in order.
I have a lot of symptoms (anyone else have facial numbness along with face, neck, shoulder, arm, back pain on one side) but am still waiting on surgery. It sounds like the surgeon wants to wait. None of us can tell if that is appropriate or not.
It is always a good idea to get a second opinion. I like to see an orthopedist who does not do surgery because some want to do surgery for $$$. Not the good ones of course. (I got 4 opinions on my cancer...)
At least this surgeon is not going for surgery to benefit himself.
One of my friends had spine surgery and it was life-changing. Others say they have continuing or new problems. It is well worth getting the best surgeon you can. And one who will honestly evaluate when you should go for it.
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2 ReactionsMaybe the neurosurgeon considered that there might be autoimmune involvement. The rheumatologist suggestion could have value, but it sounds like "Come back and see me after your condition has damaged your nerves."
Excellent advice @dailyhope!
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2 ReactionsI agree with daily hope above. it is well-known that women are often ignored or misdiagnosed. I have a neighbour who was treated for years for lung problems. It wasn't her lungs. It was her heart! She's had heart surgery and she's whipping around like a teenager!
You have to keep fighting for yourself--and it's not easy when you don't have a "medical degree" and only a "body degree"--yours.
Best of luck. And don't give up.
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5 ReactionsSorry your having so much pain 😔 I know it sucks. I would definitely see a different neurosurgeon what state are you in?
Sending Prayers and Positive thoughts your way 🙏
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2 ReactionsDo any of your bulges have readings like 2cms, 1cm, etc. has you pain management offered any radio wave ablation? Injections? Might need different pain management dr if they are not offering other options. Excruciating pain is crazy bad pain. Are you able to walk? Work? Computer? Read? Surgery is not the easy answer for anything! I’m 66 and just decided to wait on having a nerve stimulator implanted….