I just got the results from the MRI I had done Friday. I have disk herniation in C5 and C6. He said there also was bulging in C4 and C5. These herniated discs are pressing on spinal nerves that feed my shoulders and arms. He also said there was quite a bit of arthritis in my spine.
He suggested I see a spine specialist. So I made an appointment for Thursday morning.
My quick research here and here give me more information about the cause and treatment. Apparently many times it can be treated without surgery.
It’s certainly not any better today than it was a week ago. I just hope after seeing the specialist I’ll get some relief.
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Bad news and good news really. I know the misery of back pain. People who have never suffered any back injury or complaint don’t realise just how many movements and actions are affected by it or the ruinous long-term effects it can have.
I really hope it can be corrected without surgery, and soon.
I too have suffered from virtually the same back problems as you – along with some scoliosis. The good news – cortisone shots have helped immeasurably. They aren’t terribly comfortable, but they’re a whole lot better than surgery. I’ve had them twice (the shots) over the past 10-years or so and the effect lasts quite a long time.
Physical therapy did very little for me and chiropractic was only a little better. Once your back is healed up a bit, exercise is a good way to keep the swelling and pain at a minimum.
Good luck.
Hope you feel better soon.
I guess this means you’re not going on that Big Swing in New Zealand?
Not right away DJ. If I did I’d have to take along an extra pair of pants.
Hi jonco, i had the same c6 c7 disc problem, severe pain, i opted for the knife, woke up with no pain, home in 2 days. 1 year later, still as good as new. (some kind of pvc wedge and some steel & screws) My neighbour has been trying injections, but only gets a few days relief. hope you are better soon, regards, doug
I hope you get to feeling better, and can find a nice, easy long-term fix.
I would suggest having your backbones removed, but you then couldn’t argue with anyone calling you spineless…
Tim wouldn’t that make it hard to stand up too?
My stepmom just had a few lumbar discs replaced, and L5 fused to S1, with a couple rods inserted, because the discs were deteriorating and pinching a nerve. I have to babysit her for the next 12 weeks because my dad can’t watch her in the evenings. She’s not good at sitting still. This is her second back surgery and he’s terrified she’s going to wind up back in the hospital, or paralyzed.
I hope you don’t have to go through anything like this. It’s no fun for anyone. Staples, man. Eww.
Doug, that is awesome to hear, since my stepmom had been getting the shots prior to the surgery. I hope she has success like yours.
take care. don’t give up until you find a good doctor.
I hope the docs take good care of you!
Jonco, I wish you well in whatever decision you make
so you are Well. XOXO Cheers, Bella
Just pray that you don’t get Dr. House!
Jonco–True, you would then have difficulty standing up for anything…
ouch! Look after yourself
If they end up pretty much just giving you a bunch of stretches…may I recommend “The Wharton’s Back Book.” I have back problems (have since I was a teenager)…that book changed my life. In fact, you’re free to borrow my copy, if you’d like.
Get well soon!
Doesn’t cortisone increase your risk of developing diabetes?
J, my hub has suffered from herniated disks for the past year+. The numbness had us going to a nerve specialist who told him it was arthritis. Finally saw the right doc to find his herniated disks. He refused the needle, and the knife is… well, yeah, who wants a knife in their back? Plus, I did research too, only 16% of the cases that go under the knife don’t reoccur.
I bought him an exercise ball, one of those big ones, to sit on. Found one site that said it would help strengthen the muscles. He said it helped a lot. But the thing that helped the most was his shoes. New shoes, VERY thick cushioned insoles. He stands all day, but the pain has almost completely gone. No shots, no knife.
Make sure you try all the alternative treatments, even if it’s just buying new supportive shoes before you let someone stick a knife in your back.
Chris
J, Sorry about your back. I also have back problems. I had 2 slipped discs (L2 & 3) and herniated L4 and L5. The discs pressed so badly on my nerves that I was hospitalized for 7 days unable to walk. I did not have surgery, I had a course of epidural treatments that healed the discs. I also did a few months of physical therapy to help strengthen my back. I have not had the serious pain since that treatment. I teach elementary school so I need to be able to move around and stand up all day.
My recommendation is to get a back specialist, not just an orthopedic dr.
Good luck with whatever you choose.
Right there with you brother… everything from C2 on down to the tail bone: arthritis, bone spurs, degen. discs, pinched nerves, etc., etc.,… I’m now considered disabled by Social Security, the State of Virginia and UNUM insurance company. No surgery for me, the doctors at the spine institute said it probably wouldn’t be any help so I’m pumping morphine several times a day. I’ve had shots in my neck and shoulder with very little help from the neck shots. I hope you can find some relief… however you decide to go. Good thoughts your way brother!!!
Hey guys…. Thanks for all the kind words. Today it was a little less intense so hopefully that’s a good sign. It’s nice to know you people care. Thanks again 🙂