New member-please help (Cervical Problems C4/C5 and C5/C6)

[victoriaschilling]

Hello to everyone! I have read some of the threads and it is nice for me to see that I am not alone in my pain. With that being said, I am very sorry that all of you have had to endure the pain that you have had to deal with.

I am trying to make up my mind and this is my last resort to hopefully get some responses that may help me.

I am 58 year old female that has suffered with neck pain for 13 years. At first the Chiropractor thought it was my waterbed. NOT! So after many years I had an MRI and found I have 4,5 and 5,6 needs to be fused. Doctor said I was bone on bone. My nerves are being pinched...OUCH!

I have since ruled out endoscopy because I heard the laser has heat and can destroy tissue and cause trouble.
I have the option of flying to Germany to see Dr. Bertagnoli. He will do more than one artificial disc replacement. FDA has only approved one level and many doctors have quit this procedure because insurance companies are not paying.
If I choose fusion, I am concerned that the disc above will blow because it is slightly not looking so good.
I also heard that the artificial disc, if needed to be removed, could be quite serious.
I also could have the two fused and if the third disc blew then I could have the artificial disc put in.

Oh boy, I just am having a terrible time with this.

I would be so grateful to any of you who would give me some honest input.

[Keano16]

Endoscopy is not the same as laser assisted endoscopy. You have been misinformed about possibilities of laser treatment during the spine surgery.

Laser surgery is technically challenging and can cause damage if performed by non-experienced surgeon. Laser in neurosurgery has been around for 24 years, and its being performed in cervical spine with 1/3 of energy thats being used in lumbar spine.

If I were you, I would investigate my options in this particular order:
- laser (without endoscopy included)
- endoscopy
- foraminotomy (depending on your status and if you are a candidate, foraminotomy can be done in minimally-invasive manner with METRx system)
- dynamic cervical implant like DCI or maybe ADR
- fusion (for example ACDF)

You always need to start with least invasive solution, in this case with minimally-invasive surgical options. Your goal mist be finding a very experienced minimally-invasive spine surgeon that understands all steps I wrote to you above. If you give location, maybe I can suggest you a good surgeon for a second opinion.

[victoriaschilling]

Well thank you so much.
I am located in Cincinnati, Ohio

[Keano16]

Check out MISS surgeon finder at smiss.org and spineuniverse.com

[victoriaschilling]

What I have heard is that the laser surgery would be used by all physicians in spine surgery if it worked.
Why is it that there are very few?

[victoriaschilling]

Maybe if someone read my report that it would help make me decide.
C3-4 disc normal in vertical height but slightly reduced in signal. Minor central anterior posterior bulging. Posterior component minimally indents the midline cervical dural sac.

C4-5 slightly reduced in vertical and internal signal. Bulging of disc most pronounced posterolaterally. Spurring encroaches both C4-5 neural foramina contacting existing C5 nerve roots. Minimally indents anterior margin of the dural sac. No spinal contact.

C5-6 reads same as C4-5.

Maybe I am only a candidate for fusion.
This was one year ago (MRI) and I had another one last night. Do not have the reading but they look the same to me.

[Keano16]

What I have heard is that the laser surgery would be used by all physicians in spine surgery if it worked.
Why is it that there are very few?

You have to ask ones that not utilize MISS. Its hard to admit, but high percentage of surgeons live in history.

[Keano16]

This was one year ago (MRI) and I had another one last night. Do not have the reading but they look the same to me.

MRI report you need to leave to spine surgeon. Not to you, not to radiologist!

[Fuzzy]

Hi Victoria.

It is very important to get second and third opinions from those surgeons who have experience in these different treatments, including a couple of the specialist adr surgeons. You are doing the right thing: keep on reading. You have gone 13 years which is a long time but you can go just slightly longer and make sure you make the right decision. Adr can be an excellent treatment choice like in my case but it is not for everyone. Also remember the surgeons experience is more important then the device used.

[Greg]

Sorry to hear your troubles have been going on so long. You've been given a bunch of good advice and I would DEFINITELY try to rule out every possible conservative/minimally invasive options first. I cant stress enough how important it is getting 2,3,4, however many opinions it takes to make YOU feel comfortable that the treatment you get is the best one for you. Over the past couple years of trying to fix my back situation I have made myself somewhat of a subject matter expert (ok...maybe not that much but close) on my condition and treatments. This was the only way I could feel comfortable (along with many dr opinions) that the fusion I am getting is THE BEST POSSIBLE TREATMENT FOR ME. In the end it is your decision to make as to what you get done so do whatever it takes to make sure you feel it's the right one. You came to the right place for support and were all here for you. Just hang in there a lil bit longer and the right door will open for treating your spine. Again, to the site and dont hesitate to ask if YOU NEED ANYTHING!