Hello (Problems at C5/C6)

**donkl** · 06-03-2011, 07:54 PM

Hi everyone. I'm new here to the SPS forum. Basically, I have a disc at C5-C6 that has given me alot of problems, and have tried most everything non-surgically I can do. I guess I am at the point where I am deciding about surgery, and what is the best surgery for me. I'm not really sure which one would be the best. I was looking into a foriaminotomy or a disc replacement. I really don't want a fusion, especially because of my other level C6-C7. I don't want anymore surgeries but the one. So, I've just been doing alot of research about everything, just trying to decide. It's nice to be able to tell my story with people that have similar problems.

Kimberley

**Justin** · 06-03-2011, 10:23 PM

Hi Kimberley,

Welcome to the Spine Patient Society.

Thanks for sharing your story with us. Have you had any surgical evaluations on your cervical spine? What's your pain like on a daily basis?

The best thing is to keep doing research -- a well-informed Spine Patient is your most powerful weapon against spine issues and chronic pain.

Please keep us posted as you continue your research and let us know if you need anything.

**donkl** · 06-04-2011, 06:26 AM

Hi Justin:

You asked what my pain is like. Basically, it's pain between my shoulder blades that causes my alot of problems, especially if my neck a certain way. I cannot work a full day because of the pain of sitting too long. Also it seems I have repetitive arm movements of doing tasks, it causes pain. I also have pain, (not all the time) that is like electric shocks in my hands and fingers. I also have tingling in fingers and sometimes wake up with numbness in my hands. Basically the surgical evaluations on me are that one doctor is enthusiastic about doing disc replacement, and tells me that a foraminotomy can cause osteoarthritis, so if I have that procedure I might not be able to have a disc replacement or a fusion later (if I needed that procedure later) if I developed osteoarthritis. The other surgeon is really into foraminotomies, and said that artificial discs are relatively new, which they are, and that there is not enough research to know whether they are going to work or not. He also mentioned that the disc may not move just like a natural disc, although it is created to move, which may cause facet joint pain or some other problems. So, needless to say I am very confused on what to do, so I will do more research and get other opinions until I have a clear picture of what I want to do. Thank you for your concern.

Kimberley