[Damnneck]

#25384

Hi thanks for viewing this. Just recently got looked at for neck pain and had an x-ray; and the radiologist reports this:bony structures are well aligned no acute fracture or dislocation as noted severe hypertrophic degenerative changes are seen in the lower cervical vertebrae from c-42 T1. Diffuse disc space is narrowing. It is noted at the level off C5, C6 C7 and T1 paraspinal and prevertebral soft tissues are unremarkable. No evidence of spondylothesis is noted impression no acute fracture severe hypertrophic degenerative changes are described. My neck and shoulders hurt like crazy what can you do for arthritis in this many joints. Tried PPT massage therapy physical therapy. I am getting an MRI on Wednesday and just wondering what my options can be thanks.

Also my research shows that some years ago they were trying to do some facet joint replacement procedures that seem to have just disappeared. What happened with that and is there a future in it?

[Damnneck]

#25388

And how long before I can return to work?

Thank you

[Donald Corenman, MD, DC]

#25396

Neck pain can be caused by degenerative disc disease (lack of shock absorption with impact activities), degenerative facet disease (arthritis of these joints similar to hip or knee arthritis) and/or nerve root compression (especially of the C4 or C5 nerve roots). More rare is muscle pain as the actual pain generator.

Based upon your report (“Diffuse disc space is narrowing. It is noted at the level off C5, C6 C7 and T1”), your pain probably is originating from the discs but could be from the facets too.

The facets are thin bony structures that have little surface area to “hold” an artificial device like a total facet arthroplasty. This is why facet replacement works poorly.

Dr. Corenman

PLEASE REMEMBER, THIS FORUM IS MEANT TO PROVIDE GENERAL INFORMATION ON SPINE ANATOMY, CONDITIONS AND TREATMENTS. TO GET AN ACCURATE DIAGNOSIS, YOU MUST VISIT A QUALIFIED PROFESSIONAL IN PERSON.
 
Donald Corenman, MD, DC is a highly-regarded spine surgeon, considered an expert in the area of neck and back pain. Trained as both a Medical Doctor and Doctor of Chiropractic, Dr. Corenman earned academic appointments as Clinical Assistant Professor and Assistant Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, and his research on spine surgery and rehabilitation has resulted in the publication of multiple peer-reviewed articles and two books.

[Author]

Posts