A Real Pain in the Neck

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And my left shoulder and arm too.

I've been having a lot of neck pain and nerve pain down my left arm for the past month or so, and finally went to the doctor about a week and a half ago. He ordered an MRI, which was not fun at all, and I got the results yesterday: "MRI C-spine 10-20 showed a left severe foraminal stenosis at C-5-6, there is also significant central canal stenosis at the same level." In plain English, I have a protruding cervical disc, and the canal where the spinal cord runs through has become severely narrowed too, which pinches the nerve.

Next step is a cortisone epidural, and if that doesn't help, I might be looking at surgery, which is kind of freaking me out. I'm trying to minimize my use of the opiates I've been prescribed, but I'm open to all the healing vibes the zone might have to offer.

That suck, mike. Chronic pain is no fun. Get the surgery...stat.

I feel your pain. I have the same diagnosis, but at C 1-2, coupled with pretty major shoulder injuries on both sides.

Do anything and everything possible to avoid surgery. I found a chiropractor who also has a background in Physical Therapy, and he has been a miracle worker. Sure, I have to go every few weeks, but it beats surgery and recovery. I learned exercises to strengthen all those small, stabilizing muscles in the shoulder and neck, and they have helped immensely. Shop around for a killer chiropractor.

My go-to for the pain is a high CBD rub (Pure Source), coupled with kwan loong oil. Last month I scored a portable TENS unit (iReliev), and it's the best $75 I've spent in years. The key is to use it for at least an hour.

Feel better.

Ouch Mike. Sorry to hear that your...

Head bone's disconnected from the neck bone. Neck bone connected from the shoulder bone. Shoulder bone connected from the back bone. Back bone connected from the hip bone. Hip bone connected from the thigh bone. Thigh bone connected from the knee bone. Knee bone connected from the shin bone. Shin bone connected from the ankle bonAnkle bone connected from the heel bone/ Heel bone connected from the foot bone. Foot bone connected from the toe bone

Now hear the word of the Lord

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I had a neck fusion about a10 years ago for degenerative disc. I was having nerve damage in my right arm, loss of strength in arm, and a burning pain in my arm that would move around.  Could not throw a baseball far and was difficult using things like hammers and things involved above shoulders. I can lift but not throw. And damn I loved shooting basketball, thought I would do it til I died, but out of the picture now other that underhand lay ups. 
 

I noticed a few weeks ago that I have even less strength in my left arm now than my right. Because there was no pain involved in getting to this point like the pain in the right arm above,  I never noticed it getting weaker because it's not my dominate hand. I still play golf and did not notice anything getting weaker as  I played week to week.

 

now I have an MRI order and waiting to pick a doctor, my original doctor retired, and thinking about doing it again before I retire. Not really much pain but some numbness going on

The original surgery worked as the doctor told me, would not make things better but would stop it from getting worse, and for the most part it did. It was a breeze and not really a bad recovery time or any pain from what I remember. 

I am friends with someone who had a similar issue and the Cortizone shots made it worse - and he went in for surgery shortly thereafter -  he said he wish that he skipped the injections.  Surgery was minimally  invasive and he walked out that day and felt immediate relief and is now pain-free a month later. Let me know if you want to talk to him. 

I've been super fortunate to not have had anything more than sciatic pain that comes and goes. I hope any surgery is minimal and all goes well, Mike. 

(((((((( mike e )))))))

Im SO Sorry Mike I Want The Best For You  ROB

Mike My Back Surgery FUCKED Me Up ~ I Regret Having It.

Mike I Take Percocet Till Things Improve.

consider everything else before neck surgery brother.

i haz the arthritis.

 

I had similar symptoms and had to have my C5-6 fused a little over 2 years ago, followed, more recently, by a rotator cuff repair on my shoulder.  I still work on rehabbing myself almost every day.  The surgeries, one of which, the neck, was not optional, helped tremendously.  I am way more functional and almost pain free now.  I mountain bike and do strength training.  

I, too, freaked out when I they said surgery.  Prescription meds are the worst, but I used them, copiously, leading up to and after surgery.  Now, just cannabis and lots of smart and safe physical activity.

Best of luck with your epidural.  I hope you get relief and maintain your sense of humor.  I enjoy it. 

Ugh. Ain't gettin' old great.

 

Sorry to read about Mike and all the other tribulations here...

Mike, have you talked to Reisha about it? I'm pretty sure she went through all of that about ten years ago. I'd definitely contact her if I was going through this. 

Thanks, folks. I'm still trying to get an appointment set up for an epidural. It seems that nothing moves fast in managed care.

Dise, I do remember when Reisha had her surgery, and the problems she had after it too. I'm really hoping I don't have to go that route, and especially after reading about PLF's back surgery.

Ditto to all the above, Mike.

 

Best o' luck.