Cervical and Lumbar problems.
Posted , 5 users are following.
HI
I have recently been having a lot of problems using my arms especially and walking. This has been getting worse over a number of years and i am now trying to get something done.
Last year i had spinal decompression surgery on L4 and 5. This did help a bit but now everything seems to be going downhill.
In March this year i had a cervical and Lumbar MRI and below is a copy of the consultant radiologist report.
Degeneration in the cervical spine with loss of normal curvature
At C3/4 there is a sizable disc osteophyte flattening the sac and probably narrowing both foramen.
At C4/5 further sizable disc osteophyte flattening the sac and narrowing both exit foramen.
At C5/6 disc osteophyte flattens the sac and the right hand side of the cord and there is bilateral foraminal narrowing.
Cord itself appears normal
In the lumbar spine there is further degeneration. Small disc bulges at L1/2 and L2/3 which are similar when compared to a prior study in December 17.
At L3/4 there is some left sided disc bulging into the lateral recess again essentially unchanged.
At L4/5 there is anterior slip. There is evidence of an adequate decompression since the prior investigation. Both exit foramen however do appear narrowed particularly that on the left.
L5/S1 is unchanged with a broad-based disc bulge.
My GP has said this would be quite normal on someone my age of 63 and that there is nothing that needs attention.
i am just looking for a professional view on this as to me i feel i have a few problems and am wondering if i should pursue.
Thank you
Le_Giraffe
0 likes, 4 replies
CHICO_MARX Le_Giraffe
Posted
Foraminal narrowing at L2/L3 caused my stenosis a few years ago...could barely walk. The neurosurgeon needs to expand the space between the vertebrae to open up the foraminal canals and relieve the pressure on the exiting nerve roots. You might try some chiropractic to realign your spine and then some PT to help stretch out the vertebrae...and yes, they put you on the modern version of the old, medieval RACK!!! Pain injections under fluoroscopy can also help.
The permanent solution is a fusion where the doc separates the vertebrae with spacers and holds everything in place with rails and screws. This is called a TLIF and it's done from the back. Another method is an LLIF where they go in from your side and insert an expandable spacer. The latter one cured my stenosis instantly. One hospital overnight, no brace, no rehab. Miracle op.
LLIF
Le_Giraffe CHICO_MARX
Posted
CHICO
Thanks for this. its nice to get other peoples views
mark69155 Le_Giraffe
Posted
as I was reading your post i asked myself i wonder your age...which you then revealed.im not a doctor, but I have had an MRI that sounds a lot like yours since i was in my 20's (now 55) and due to progressive disc disease, ive had a bunch of MRIs and a bunch of surgeries. My first thought was "another unfortunate person with age related disc degeneration"
You can always get a second opinion (from a neurologist), but my experience is until discs bulge or herniate (or bone spurs) to the point that they push on your spinal cord or impinge on L-spine nerve bundles.....they just treat the pain, not the disfunction itself.
PT might help, but make sure you walk regularly (treadmill or significant street walking) even if it hurts because it keeps your joints lubricated and will keep you mobile longer. A lot of those long fancy words means you have crummy spinal arthritis. Im sorry you are hurting.
Le_Giraffe mark69155
Posted
thanks Mark
i do struggle walking though. i can manage about 4 to 500 yards then have to stop as it feels like my hips are going to pop out. ive had them checked and they are ok. i have found i can cope on an exercise bike so i am doing that.