Another journey begins

**trkdoc714** · 11-24-2011, 09:33 AM

After 2 1/2 years of relatively pain-free living courtesy of Dr. Ritter-Lang and the staff at Stenum, I find myself facing a new battle with a cervical disc. I've had 2 visits with an orthopedic surgeon, once before and after an MRI. The first visit I felt like I was being treated as a drug seeker. I completely understand though as there have been several "pill mills" closed down by the authorities.

After the MRI the surgeon saw the large bulge, crowded foramen (and nerve roots) and arthritic facets at C6/7. He mentioned PT, ESI injections and finally fusion. By his presentation, I got the impression he wasn't overly optimistic anything other than highly invasive surgery would fix the problem. He's not a big believer in ADR but I can respect that position.

He also noted that it appeard to be an old herniation. I failed to ask how he could tell. I just took it for granted as fact since I had a few episodes several years ago which I was treated for neck strain.

I had an ESI Tuesday afternoon with my old friend Dr. Lee, the pain management MD that saw me through the lumbar ordeal while keeping me from any type of addiction. The effects have been minimal but are an improvement over the strong, constant pain I've experienced over the last few months.

At least with this journey, I have more knowledge of the spine and a completely product/ surgeon/ procedure neutral forum to reach out to for support and information.

Bob

**Justin** · 11-24-2011, 09:46 AM

Hey Bob,I'm so sorry that you find yourself now dealing with cervical issues. As always, we are here to support you and are thankful for your contributions to the SPS Forum over the years. I just sent you an email. Have a most wonderful Thanksgiving and I hope your neck calms down for a bit so you can enjoy family. Thinking of you, my friend.

Originally Posted by trkdoc714

After 2 1/2 years of relatively pain-free living courtesy of Dr. Ritter-Lang and the staff at Stenum, I find myself facing a new battle with a cervical disc. I've had 2 visits with an orthopedic surgeon, once before and after an MRI. The first visit I felt like I was being treated as a drug seeker. I completely understand though as there have been several "pill mills" closed down by the authorities.After the MRI the surgeon saw the large bulge, crowded foramen (and nerve roots) and arthritic facets at C6/7. He mentioned PT, ESI injections and finally fusion. By his presentation, I got the impression he wasn't overly optimistic anything other than highly invasive surgery would fix the problem. He's not a big believer in ADR but I can respect that position. He also noted that it appeard to be an old herniation. I failed to ask how he could tell. I just took it for granted as fact since I had a few episodes several years ago which I was treated for neck strain.I had an ESI Tuesday afternoon with my old friend Dr. Lee, the pain management MD that saw me through the lumbar ordeal while keeping me from any type of addiction. The effects have been minimal but are an improvement over the strong, constant pain I've experienced over the last few months.At least with this journey, I have more knowledge of the spine and a completely product/ surgeon/ procedure neutral forum to reach out to for support and information.Bob

**Badgolfer** · 11-24-2011, 03:53 PM

Originally Posted by trkdoc714

After 2 1/2 years of relatively pain-free living courtesy of Dr. Ritter-Lang and the staff at Stenum, I find myself facing a new battle with a cervical disc.

Bob,

You are not alone in this. Both my Lumbar and Cervical MRI's are 'interesting'. I am only 10 weeks out from my 3 level TLIF, and feeling fine, but know a Cervical solution is still in my future. The same genes that messed up my Lumbar spine have effected my Cervical spine and I have multiple bulges and impingements with varying symptoms.

At least the folks here know all about this and you are a much better informed consumer/patient than most people.

Good luck.
Dan

**New-disc** · 11-24-2011, 08:04 PM

Originally Posted by trkdoc714

At least with this journey, I have more knowledge of the spine and a completely product/ surgeon/ procedure neutral forum to reach out to for support and information.

Bob

Hang in Bob.... I know how it feels... fixed my lower back 4 years ago, 2 years later I needed to have my neck fused.... yikes!

Todd

**laid up doc** · 11-25-2011, 02:08 AM

there is a typical cascade of degeneration - perhaps that's what he meant. good luck man, but as you know - get a good read on those facets before you consider another ADR. adjacent segment issues aren't as much of an issue in the neck...

i hate that you're back in the pain cycle... i'm still getting out of the aftermath of my own and it's destroying my emotions. i don't know if i can ever do this again, so i feel for you.

**trkdoc714** · 11-25-2011, 08:13 AM

Thanks all. I appreciate the support.

Since I'm at the beginning of the road, I'm not ruling anything out (except minimally invasive surgery in Croatia) so fusion and ADR both carry equal weight so far.

I'll know more after another ESI and a few more opinions.

Bob

**KanRunMo** · 11-25-2011, 12:46 PM

I think I can see the impingement on the herniated disc. I wonder why they don't number those discs on the X-ray or MRI. I realize the doctor's have an experience eye. As I remember, you are one of the few who got their insurance to pay for your ADR so at least you still have that option as well as fusion in the U.S. We have a new neurosurgeon in town who is highly recommended by the best ortho in town. The neurosurgeon has experience with spine surgery elsewhere but has family here and decided to move here. An acquaintance has had lumbar fusions with him recently and seems to be doing well. I will be following her progress.

**Justin** · 11-26-2011, 07:13 AM

Bob,

Your previous lumbar experience will ultimately serve you well (even though I wish you weren't dealing with cervical issues). I'll give you a call on Sunday. I hope your pain is minimal or at least well-controlled. I hope you had a great Thanksgiving.

**Girth19** · 11-26-2011, 12:42 PM

Bob,

Good luck with everything. I hate that you are having new issues with your cervical after everything you went through with your lumbar. I just had a 3 level ADR from L2-3 thru L4-5 with Dr. Clavel and understand the cervical issues in addition because my pre-op MRI showed several herniations (C3-4 thru C6-7). I have a perineural cyst at C5-6 that is protruding out into my spinal column about 2/3 of the way and is causing numbness down my right arm, along with the pain from the herniations. I decided that the lumbar pain was what needed to be dealt with immediately so...I'm hoping the cervical will be more of a none issue once I heal.

I see you live not too far from me, I would be interested to hear the journey you have had dealing with the local MDs. My several consults in the US (in GA) (before I really started looking into Europe) were very interesting this time as compared with my previous surgery at Emory in 1998.

Take care and good luck with whatever road you choose to persue,
Kim

**spine journey** · 11-28-2011, 01:12 PM

Bob, good luck with your cervical journey. I'm sorry to hear about your new spine pain. Im scheduled for my Lumbar ADR on 12/13/11 in TX. I believe Girt shared about having cervical and lumbar issues at the same time. That's my current spine issue. While I'm having lumbar ADR, I also have chronic neck pian. My cervical imaging displays multiple levels of cervical herniations with some spyndilosis, so I have chronic neck pain. I hope the injections bring you some relief. If a procedure called Plasma Disc Decompression is suggested as cervical treatment, do lots of research before accepting it. I had this procedure in 2008 and it left me with chronic neck pain. Good luck with your treatments.

Originally Posted by Girth19

Bob,Good luck with everything. I hate that you are having new issues with your cervical after everything you went through with your lumbar. I just had a 3 level ADR from L2-3 thru L4-5 with Dr. Clavel and understand the cervical issues in addition because my pre-op MRI showed several herniations (C3-4 thru C6-7). I have a perineural cyst at C5-6 that is protruding out into my spinal column about 2/3 of the way and is causing numbness down my right arm, along with the pain from the herniations. I decided that the lumbar pain was what needed to be dealt with immediately so...I'm hoping the cervical will be more of a none issue once I heal. I see you live not too far from me, I would be interested to hear the journey you have had dealing with the local MDs. My several consults in the US (in GA) (before I really started looking into Europe) were very interesting this time as compared with my previous surgery at Emory in 1998.Take care and good luck with whatever road you choose to persue,Kim