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Cervical Prolapsed Discs

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andrewb101
andrewb101

Ok, a brief summary. I started experiencing pain in my right upper arm and shoulder in December 2012 which remained constant until February when the pain became far worse, extending intermittently and to varying degrees down to my wrist, accompanied by partial numbess down the left side of my forearm and into my first finger and thumb. I also experienced muslce spasms in my upper arm. All of the symptons to this day are the same and the pain is worse.

To date I have had xrays, an mri, and just today nerve conduction tests, I am back to see the spinal surgeon on the 16th July.

My mri report shows this, which I don't really understand in full. It would be great to have some clarity on this if possible.

Flattened lordosis. There is partial loss of disc volume at C5-6 and at C6-7, more than at C4-5.

At C6-7 is a symmetric disc protrusion, producing anterior thecal sac indentation, but no cord abutment. No major foramina stenosis.

At C5-6 is in neuro- central disc protrusion of minor excursion and radius, indenting theca, not producing cord abutment. No sign of foraminal stenosis. Foramina remain patent.

There is a minimal concentric annular bulge at C3-4. There is a normal posterior disc outline at C7-T1. Cord returns normal signal, and there is no cord compression.

ADDENDUM:

At C4-5 finally is a right paracentral disc bulge/protrusion, indenting thecal sac, and producing anterior cord abutment.

So it would be really helpful if someone could summarise that for me, and hint at how serious or not serious it sounds.

And also, over the past week, I have started experiencing further muscle spams but now to the back area of my right rib cage under the arm around the bicep level. Could this be linked to the above results or maybe linked to Gabapentin?

Thank you in advance

Andrew

0 likes, 3 replies

3 Replies

  • grahammolyneux
    grahammolyneux

    Posted

    Andrew

    I wonder how yo are getting on I have three prolapsed discs all slightly touching my spinal cord and also 2 encroaching on nerve roots with 1 causing compression on the nerve and it seems like my Hospital doesn't have a clue what to do with me 5 month's on I am haveing the muscle spasm's and I'm on Gabapentin but I was having them before that as wll. I Had 14 steroid injections in to my neck which took away the acute pain but the deep pain is constant causing headache's and Tinnitus. Also my head movement is severely restricted and my balance is far fro safe.

    I hope you have found some sort of relief from your problem

  • andrewb101
    andrewb101

    Posted

    Hello Graham,

    I really feel for you and can only think that the hospital would like to eliminate all possibilities before listing you for surgery. I finally had a disc replacement operation in November. It took 11 months from my first feelings of pain until the op. I never had the offer of injections because they said they wouldn't help in my case. My op went well. I was in one day and out the next. I still have the numbness in my finger and thumb but the pain has completely gone along with the muscle spasms. I stopped taking all painkillers about a week to ten days after the op which was a relief after taking them every day for nearly twelve months. I am really happy with how it went. Are you under review? 14 injections suggests that long term you need something other kind of intervention.

  • grahammolyneux
    grahammolyneux

    Posted

    It's great to hear someone say something good about surgery, a lot of people complaining.

    I don't expect miracles but going from cycling 180 miles in a week to struggling to get up the stairs is a bit much

    Thanks for Replying and best of luck in the future

    Regards

    Graham

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