[Marise]

#6296

Hi

I had a spinal Fusion and Decompression in my L5/S1 4 years ago . Recovered perfectly and then 15 months ago I was in a car accident and now suffer with a neck injury . I was told after a MRI scan that there is a narrowing in C3&C4 and C5&C6. I was referred to a Chyropractor and after 13 sessions no change . I now train with a professional that concentrates alot on stability excersizes and co for accupuncture to treat the muscle spasms that I get from time to time. I am 31 years of age and scared to go back to my surgeon as I do not want him to tell me that the need to operate . Is there any suggestions ? Will it be necessary to go for a neck operation to fix this and will I have issues later on in my life If I dont have an operation now ?

Thanks
Marise

[Donald Corenman, MD, DC]

#6301

Narrowing of C3-4 and C5-6 is typically indicative of cervical degenerative disc disease. See section on website regarding this. Read at the section on “When to have neck surgery” and you will see that you are currently far away from that decision.

You need a good rehabilitation program and not with a trainer but a well qualified physical therapist. You might also benefit from injections.

If there is no nerve or cord compression, then there is no penalty if you don’t have surgery now.

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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