C3-C7 Severe bilateral foraminal stenosis

Posted by jet1024 @jet1024, Feb 12 3:49pm

I have had neck issues for many years. They have grown to the point where I can no longer turn my head very much, tingling in fingers at times, loss of grip and hand strength, pain, and I have issues with balance. I had an MRI in 2020 that showed mild to moderate foraminal stenosis from C3-C7. My symptoms have gotten worse, and at the prompting of the surgeon who just fixed my torn bicep tendons, I had an MRI last week. The results showed I now have severe bilateral foraminal stenosis from C3 - C7. It also shows that I now have mild to moderate spinal canal stenosis from C3-C7.

I have also had two lumbar surgeries in the last 10 years that have left me with neuropathy and pain in my left leg and foot. But, my lower back pain is much improved so I am very happy.

I do not want to have surgery. So, I guess I have some questions, and I am looking for information. I have already been referred to a “neck” surgeon by my shoulder surgeon. First, is this serious to the point of needing surgery? Second, can this get better on its own? Third, are there options that can fix these issues other than surgery? Fourth, if I delay possible surgery, is there a possibility of permanent damage that could lead to limited use of my arms or hands, etc?

I appreciate any insights… thank you!

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@jenniferhunter

Thank you so much... you have shared great information. My appointment is a couple of weeks out. I know I am going to get a second opinion like I did with my Lumbar surgeries.

What you mention about not being understood rings home with me. I currently have neuropathy in my left leg and foot. Because of that when I would have balance issues it would just be related to that and kind of ignored. I also have Type2 Diabetes and I have been told it is related to that. Although I am proud to say, that sine 2010 I have lost 105 pounds so I am now under 170 pounds and my Diabetes is well under control. I also have an essential tremor in my hands, right is worse than left, so when I would mention to the doctor that I have a hard time gripping things and I also drop things, it was just related back to that. The shoulder issues I have had for years and the pain was related to just rotator cuff issues which I have. In fact I just had shoulder surgery for my left shoulder. It was that surgeon who told me I needed to have another MRI on my cervical spine because he told me that during surgery it was almost impossible to turn my head.

I will post as I learn more information... everyone on here is so kind!

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@jet1024 Wow! Good for you getting your diabetes under control and loosing the extra weight. That is such a positive change !

Cervical spine problems can cause lower body symptoms and weaknesses. It sounds like you have had a lot of unexplained pain and your doctors assumed it was related to something , but they never did the detective work to find out.

You may want to make a list of questions to ask about how your symptoms may relate to findings on your imaging.

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