[littleninja]

#11105

Hello and thank you for the information and efforts to educate those of us dealing with spine issues. I’ve spent a good amount of time absorbing the information and feel I am a better educated patient thanks to your work.

I’d like to ask your opinion on whether adding a neurology focused practitioner to my long term treatment and prevention plan would be of benefit.

I have moderate to severe DDD mainly affecting my cervical spine. I’ve had C5-C7 discectomy and anterior fusion (2008), lots of osteophytes, moderate to severe foraminal stenosis, mild to moderate central canal stenosis, and uncovertebral arthritis (currently diagnosed with contact on both left/right C5 nerve root and central canal stenosis; 9mm AP diameter of the thecal sac).

I feel I’ve had excellent care from my orthopedic team and relative success with several modalities of PT. They’ve helped me achieve my goals of conservative treatments (avoiding medications and surgery). My ortho added 300mg Neurontin at night recently which has given significant relief of nerve pain. We’ve not had much success controlling spasms and twitches in muscles, and my upper body (thoracic, back, arms, shoulders) have experienced significant atrophy despite the current treatment plan.

Thoughts on adding a neuro into the plan, or other options, for the latter issues?

Thanks so much for your time Dr. Corenman.

G.M.
Columbus, Ohio

[Donald Corenman, MD, DC]

#11110

Neurologists are a speciality that varies from practitioner to practitioner. Some individuals seem to be well versed regarding treatment of spinal disorders but the subspecialty experience varies greatly.

There are some neurologists who only treat multiple sclerosis, some that treat movement disorders (Parkinson’s disease), some who are good at peripheral neurological disorders (peripheral neuropathy and compressive disorders like carpel tunnel syndrome) and some who are stroke experts.

Finding one who fits your needs can be challenging in my opinion but once you find the right person, he or she can be quite helpful.

Why you are developing atrophy needs to be looked into. You could have compression of nerves or even the spinal cord. A good thorough history, a specific physical examination and careful review of your images will go a long way to determine why you have continuing symptoms.

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.

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