1. < Spine Health

Has anyone dealt successfully with Cervical stenosis without surgery?

Posted by billandri @billandri, Feb 3, 2019

I am a healthy and active 32 year old male. Last month I was diagnosed with cervical stenosis (C5-C6) after having morning finger numbness for 2 months. All 3 doctors I asked suggest surgery, either disk replacement or merging of spines. Has anyone dealt successfully with such conditions via non surgical means? Thank you.

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clippertwo | @clippertwo | Jul 17, 2024
In reply to @isabelle7 "@dlydailyhope I just found the response from my PCP. Any thoughts? You are jumping a few..." + (show)
@isabelle7

@dlydailyhope

I just found the response from my PCP. Any thoughts?

You are jumping a few steps ahead with your request to see an ortho surgeon to discuss about foraminal stenosis in the neck spine. First and foremost, Kaiser ortho and local ortho do not see any issue with spines so a referral to ortho would be incorrect referral and waste of your time. The cause of cervical foraminal stenosis is osteoarthritis, which is evident on your neck spine X-rays. The more accurate question you may be asking is that is this foraminal stenosis (narrowing) causes any impression on the associated nerve root and correlates with your pain. In order to assess this further, then we need to order cervical spine MRI next. Cervical spine MRI is needed to determine which service within Kaiser Spine Program is most appropriate to address your pain. Therefore, I have ordered a neck spine MRI for you to determine if there is nerve root involvement. If no nerve root involvement, then there is no good option that Kaiser Spine Program can offer you.

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I would ask for a referral for a neurosurgeon !They are more educated about the nerves in your spinal column!

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isabelle7 | @isabelle7 | Jul 17, 2024
In reply to @tony1946 "Isebelle I also am claustrifobic but find the open MRI very comfortable (the one you sit..." + (show)
@tony1946

Isebelle
I also am claustrifobic but find the open MRI very comfortable (the one you sit in)
Minimally invasive surgery is wonderful. Only use a neurosurgeon not an orthopedic surgeon. Just had a hemilamenotomy last Thursday , off pain meds on day 3 and walked 5 miles yesterday day 5.
Find a neurosurgeon they are much more highly trained at minimal invasive procedures, that’s why they are called brain surgeons a completely higher level of training and certification.
Tony
Good luck, don’t settle get what you want. Had to see 7 orthopods and 2 neurosurgeons to get the right procedure.

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@tony1946

I’m not sure which kind of MRI machine they have but my husband had one and he had to lie down.

Thanks for the advice to use a neurosurgeon. I think you’re right that they would be superior.

They’ve not told me I need surgery yet. However, it a minor surgery can help prevent things from worsening I’m not opposed to it. Especially if I can recover quickly.

I’ve learned you have to do research and fight for what you want.

I just Googled the surgery you got and it sounds like what I might need.

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isabelle7 | @isabelle7 | Jul 17, 2024
In reply to @jm1 "Have had many MRIs. Go to a newer machine 3T. Gets better pictures. New machines so..." + (show)
@jm1

Have had many MRIs. Go to a newer machine 3T. Gets better pictures. New machines so much better usually don't need contrast anymore. Best tip. Close your eyes b4 u go in and don't open them the whole time. If you don't open them you don't know to become anxious. Don't open them again until you are fully out. Works for me.

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@jm1

Thank you so much for that advice. That sounds like a plan. My husband had one recently and they didn’t use contrast.

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isabelle7 | @isabelle7 | Jul 17, 2024
In reply to @clippertwo "I would ask for a referral for a neurosurgeon !They are more educated about the nerves..." + (show)
@clippertwo

I would ask for a referral for a neurosurgeon !They are more educated about the nerves in your spinal column!

Jump to this post

@clippertwo

Thank you for that advice!!! I will do that is they determine I need surgery.

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irene083051 | @irene083051 | Nov 24, 2024

Have you heard of ultrasonic surgery for cervical stenosis....I am trying to find out more about it. It just removes the calcification from around the foramen (the opening)

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Mentor
Jennifer, Volunteer Mentor | @jenniferhunter | Nov 24, 2024

@irene083051 Irene, welcome to Connect. I think you may be talking about a surgical tool that is an ultrasonic vibrating scalpel used for cutting bone. This would not be used for cutting out bad discs near the spinal cord. You can learn about it in this discussion.

Answers about Controversial Trends in Spine Care
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/controversial-trends-in-spine-care/
This tool isn't always used or needed, and it's entirely up the surgeon for what methods they use in their procedures. When asking a surgeon about what tools they use, be cautious because you don't want the surgeon to think you are telling them how to do their job. Asking about pros and cons of a procedure is fine, and what other options there may be, but let the surgeon explain why they do things the way they do.

Are you seeking an appointment with a spine specialist or considering a second opinion?

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