Bulging disc, stenosis, lost height, muscle spasms
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Forum Name: Head & Neck Injuries/Conditions
Forum Description: Patients can post questions and experiences about head & neck injuries/conditions.
URL: http://www.cyberpt.com/ptforum/forum_posts.asp?TID=838
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Topic: Bulging disc, stenosis, lost height, muscle spasms
Posted By: seeingred
Subject: Bulging disc, stenosis, lost height, muscle spasms
Date Posted: Apr 09 2011 at 12:02pm
Here we go... Hello, I am new. 9 Months ago I had an MRI searching for reasons of my headaches (quite severe almost never leaves 2yrs now) All the scan found was some reverse curvature and a very mild bulge cause some mild thecal sac effacement. I had no symptoms of a neck problem at the time. Or so I thought. I also have been found to have cerebral tonsil herniation of 3mm. No one thinks any of that is the reason for my headaches.
I began having pain a month ago and a very stiff neck and down my arm. Although I now know the pains that I easily ignored for months were related. I had a new MRI. My doctor also done xrays. The lordosis is very evident in the c5-c8 area on xray. MRI now shows the same bulge (different clinic didnt give measurement) at c6-7 still protruding onto the right nerve area, along with central stenosis and lost in disc height of both 6-7 and 5-6. Previously disc height was maintained and no stenosis was found.
I am having SEVERE muscle spasms. It started on one side of my neck and shoulder, went across to the other side, its now working down my back, and even in the front of my neck. I am taking 5-10mg of valium and mobic. I am going to PT, which involves U/S therepy, massage, and excersizes. I have been 3 times. So far, no good. The person working on me can't get any of the spasms to let go, and everytime I go, there are just more and more knots. I am trying to maintain posture at home, laying a lot with towel under neck, icing. Nothing. By the end of the day I feel like I have knives stuck in my spine.
Now with the history... I am afraid I am going to lose my job. How long before we know if the PT is going to do anything for me? (3 times a week, excersizes daily at home) I am being send for an EMG on the 14, and to a pain specialist the 18. The arm pain that was on the right, also goes down the left now. Thats intermitant though not constant. My arms are so tired, just doing my hair is an exhausting task at this point. I also swear that my one leg is feeling simular tiredness as my arms. I just dont know whats happening or to think at this point.
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Replies:
Posted By: Ask a PT
Date Posted: Apr 12 2011 at 3:28pm
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Usually for may patients, if I don't have any kind of improvement with my patients' condition in 2-3 wks, I would refer my patient back to the MD or the appropriate health care professional(s). Sounds like you are exhausting all possbile options, and it may be a good idea to see if your PT can communicate with all of your health care providers so that everyone is on the same page and the most appropriate and effective care is provided to you. The pain MD might try some steroid injections which for some people can help reduce inflammation and give some relief. Was also wondering if your PT is trying cervical traction with you if there are no restrictions given your PMH.
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