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  • felion48
    Participant
    Post count: 3

    Dear Dr. Corenman:

    Thank you for an amazingly informative website and the opportunity to ask questions.

    I have been suffering with neck pain since my early 30’s. Tried various chiropractors without lasting results. Finally went to 4-5 orthopedists within the past ten years. Basically, my MRI results indicate overall cervical degeneration along with severe disc degeneration from C4-C6 including moderate to severe forminal stenosis; canal stenosis with mild flattening of the cervical cord; degeneration of the facet and uncovertebral joints; chronic wedging and deformity of cervical and thoracic vertebral bodies; and the list goes on . . .

    I visited a spine specialist in the Durango area and he suggested we first try conservative measures. I have been on an NSAID and a muscle relaxer for years now. I have recently attended 12 physical therapy sessions. Still, there is no relief in sight! Now I am scheduled to undergo facet injections with a physiatrist at the orthopedic office.

    I read the section on cervical spine instability which seems to accurately describe my symptomology. My neck “locks up” along with a sharp pain in the lower right side, esp. when I move my head to the right rear; I also have muscle spasms and feel unable to engage in various activities (even simple housekeeping) without considerable discomfort. However, the physiatrist explained away that possible diagnosis. Incidentally, an orthopedist I had visited earlier labeled my condition as “cervical radiculopathy,” but I have no consistent neurological symptoms, e.g. numbness or tingling in my arms/hands.

    If you are able to respond with your insight, I would certainly appreciate it! Thank you again.

    Donald Corenman, MD, DC
    Moderator
    Post count: 8653

    Check the section on cervical kyphosis. This might be what your disorder is. The facet blocks are a good idea. If you gain great temporary relief (see pain diary), you might be a candidate for rhizotomy. This can be helpful to relieve pain.

    Eventually, you could be a candidate for an ACDF (see that on the website). Don’t worry about being given the diagnosis of radiculopathy. Many times I have seen this diagnosis given without true symptoms of nerve compression.

    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.
    felion48
    Participant
    Post count: 3

    Dear Dr. Corenman:

    I thought of another question relating to cervical spine degeneration. It turns out that my fourth and fifth cervical vertebrae fused together naturally at some point. I was made aware of this during a visit to discuss the interpretation of my MRI scan performed in late April this year. Is there any significance to such an occurrence?

    I appreciate your reply.

    Donald Corenman, MD, DC
    Moderator
    Post count: 8653

    A congenital fusion of two vertebra in the cervical spine is called Klippel Feil Syndrome. See the discussion of this on the website. It really does not mean anything so do not worry about this.

    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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