Hello,
I have Cervical Radiculopathy with canal narrowing that I was born with, as well as foraminal stenosis in C-5 through C-7, which maybe has progressed to other areas since my last MRI. I was diagnosed 8 years ago. Since then, I have tried physical therapy to no avail, been prescribed meds that I discovered I was allergic to, such as gabapentin, pregabalin and NSAIDs, none of which I am able to take. I now take Tramadol, which really only helps me sleep. I suffer from insomnia on a nightly basis without the medication. Physical therapy has been ceased due to having no effect towards improvement. I have had 2 cervical epidural injections. The first greatly intensified my pain, which I had 3 years ago. I had the second one 2 months ago, and there was little to no difference in my pain. At this point, surgery is being considered. I have had 2 different medical opinions offered to me. One doctor says the surgery should be a last ditch effort when all else has failed, since the other areas of my neck are not yet deteriorated, they fear that surgery could have more of a damaging effect than a healing one. The second doctor says that this is difficult to determine at this time, and that it isn't fair to say that it would absolutely damage me further, especially since nothing else has proven effective, and that surgery is the correct next step. I have been made aware of the spinal cord stimulator option, but this isn't something I'm interested in trying. So, for me, it's either surgery or continuing as I am on the Tramadol. My symptoms are worsening, I'm right-handed and my right arm has significant weakness and pain. I am at the point of dropping objects if they are too heavy or painful to carry with that arm. My newest symptom is migraine headaches. I plan to get a new MRI in the next few weeks to determine whether I will go through with the surgery. Please let me know if you have any other questions for me. It sounds like my condition has progressed further than yours. I'll be happy to keep you updated on what happens for me.