[Acdfslevel]

#32265

Hello,

I have a question i just received my mri and it says posterior disc osteophyte complex and uncovertebral hypertrophy which is asymmetric to left causing left lateral recess stenosis and mild spinal canal stenosis. severe left and moderate right neural foraminal narrowing at C5/6. Its Right above the fusion i had 4 years ago on c6/7. My left shoulder left pec, left tricep are all weak and atrophied and grip strength is almost gone now.

What options do i have now ? Please help. another surgery , cant do decompression from that ive been told. Not sure what else i can do … massage chrio doing everything possible no help.

[Donald Corenman, MD, DC]

#32275

I will assume that you had good relief from your first surgery 4 years ago and had no residuals such as triceps weakness. New foraminal stenosis at C5-6 will compress the C6 nerve which goes to the biceps muscle and the wrist extensors (pulling the hand back). C6 can occasionally affect some types of grip but grip strength is generally considered the C8 nerve (C7-T1 level).

Decompression from behind is acceptable for foraminal stenosis but if the compression is from uncovertebral hypertrophy (from the front-not the back of the spine), the surgery is not as effective.

You can try epidural injections or even oral steroids but you might need surgery with the weakness you exhibit (however, make sure you confirm the weakness is generated by a C6 nerve problem which is still to be determined).

https://neckandback.com/conditions/radiculopathy-pinched-nerve-in-neck/
https://neckandback.com/conditions/symptoms-of-cervical-nerve-injuries/

Dr. Corenman

[Author]

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