More than one cervical fusion

[Tori]

> I have cervical fusion at my c5-c6 and c6-c7 with
> metal plate. my last surgery was in 2001 on my c6-c7.
>
> I had an MRI done April of 2006 which shows at my
> c4-c5 a large broad-based posterior disk osteophyte
> bulge with mild bilateral neural foraminal narrowing
> and severe canal stenosis. There is herniated nucleus
> pulposus,centrally. This causes moderate cord
> compression and moderate, to severe canal stenosis. There is a
> small bony osteophyte and disc bulge with flattening
> of the spinal canal.
>
> My Question is: would I have the same type of surgery
> as before or, since I already have two fusion would
> this make any difference on what can be done as far as
> surgery is concerned?? Or should surgery been done??
> I have also undergone facet injection and facet
> rhizotomy with limit improvement.
>
> Is there any new type of surgery which will improve or
> help.???
>
> What would you do if you were to do the surgery??
>Tori

[Dr. Joshua]

Hi Tori, thanks for posting your question. Here's the link to the answer:
http://askdoctorjoshua.com/2006/12/16/cervical-spine-surgery-cervical-stenosis/

[Tori]

Thank you Dr. Joshua for the fast reply..

Didn't even cross my mind to give problems I experience.
I do have Neck and Shoulder pain, alone with weakness, and numbness in fingers..Weakness in the Shoulder and arms, I also have cramping in my arms, which feels like what people call charlie horse. I drop thing's all the time.. I've gone to pain management, I also have a TENS Unit and of course the injection like I said before, and on medication, All to help control the pain..
I also have headaches daily, and also a few does a week I have migraine which I take Imitrex for 100mg, I get swelling in the neck. Now I'm not sure if this has to do with my neck problems or not, but I do have lots of cramping in my legs and feet.

I thank you again for the fast reply..I do have one other question for you.

How do I find information about a Doctor to see how good the Doctor is in his filed of work.
My neck problems started when I was living in Ca., and Doc. James Chan was the one whom done my surgery, both surgery's, Now I live in Indiana and will be sent to a Doc. Rick Sasso, and I'm wanting to find out all I can about him. If anything just to make me feel at ease.


Tori

[Dr. Sinuhe]

Dear Tori,

I'm late (compared to Dr Joshua) in responding but I still add my response to your original question. It is here: http://askdoctorjoshua.com/2006/12/17/indications-for-cervical-spine-surgery/

Moreover, you should check Dr Joshua's response about different pain types in here: http://askdoctorjoshua.com/2006/11/25/chronic-pain-in-thoracic-region/

Dr Sinuhe

[Tori]

Dr. Sinuhe thank you for your reply.

The reason for my last MRI was because, a year after my last surgery I was having pain once again in my neck and also shoulder, with weakness in my arms and also some numbness in my hands..So a MRI was done in 2002. At that time I was put in pain management and was giving a TENS Unit to help with my pain. Since then I moved to Indiana and was seeing my family Doctor. Each year he ordered a MRI to be done to keep a close eye on my c4-c5 level, because of the findings of the MRI from 2002.
Since being back in In. I've had facet injection and facet rhizotomy ( burning of the nerves. ).
And more pain management. I have done everything that can be done to help with the pain..
I have had an MRI every year since 2002, all MRI tests have been compared.
My pain, weakness and numbness are worse than before, which was the reason for the MRI in 2006, the findings of that MRI is what I posted..

The Medication for pain, for my migraine, and also TENS Unit does not work for me any longer.
And the burning of the nerves has wore off.

Thanks again for the reply.

Tori