After 14 sessions of unproductive P.T., I visited an Orthopedic Surgeon, who gave me a series of Neck X-Rays, which showed I had a pinched nerve between 2 cervical vertebraes. He said this is the reason...not Arthritis...that I have pain at the shoulder and hand joints, and have lost much strength in them. So this means I'll be having a spinal operation in the days ahead. (Oh joy...) Hal
What kind of spinal operation? Have you had an MRI? I've had a pinched nerve with degenerated cervical disks (7 and 9) for a couple of years; it flares up periodically but no treatment has been offered other than "wait and see." It usually resolves itself after a month or so but it's miserable while the pinched nerve is hurting. Since I started chemo, I have had a flare of the pinched nerve in my neck and across my shoulder. My oncologist doesn't believe the two are related but I'm not so sure. Since chemo can affect the nerves in extremities, why wouldn't it affect the nerves in my spine? Hope you feel better soon, Hal.
Thank you, Beth! I don't know what kind of spinal operation as yet...the Orthopedist will let me know soon. Yes, I've had an MRI, as well as a Bone Density Scan. hut hut hut...
Not to diminish this, but...cervical vertebrae are the easiest to work on and with the best outcomes. They don't cut through muscles or anything major. I had C4-C5 done back in the 90s...I had complete loss of my right arm and it hurt A LOT!!! I was operated on Monday morning and back home Tuesday morning. In fact, I was part of a pilot program for a then-new procedure. Ask your doctor if you're getting a NOVUS CT Cage, then tell him you know someone who got one of the first ones. It stinks yours has gone undiagnosed like this. The good news is not only is the operation highly successful, you wake up from the procedure with that "Aaaahhhhhh...." feeling of immediate relieve when pressure is taken off the nerve.
From what I understand, In most cases, cervical radiculopathy or pinched nerve responds well to conservative treatment that includes medication and physical therapy.
@Hal Pollner First off , I would say that all physio is not equal. If it doesn't do anything for you, there is always a review by a second therapist. My daughter had a disc insertion procedure that entered her neck from the front and inserted two synthetic discs between cervical vertebrae. Her injury was said to be related to two auto accidents she was involved in years ago. Although she had a bout a week of recovery at home, it totally relieved her pain and restored strength in her arm. Of course, she is considerably younger than either of us.