Arthritis Neck pain

I have chronic neck pain and was hoping I could get some advice,  I think it is important to mention that the real pain and stiffness began when I first noticed scraping or a bone on bone grinding noise.
I don't know where to turn.  My MRI  results are :
A posterior disc bulge is seen at the C3-C4 level which impinges on
the thecal sac.    Diffuse disc bulging also seen at the C5-C6 ,
and C6-7 levels, these two disc bulges cause small ventral impressions upon the thecal sac.   Ventral marginal Osteophytes noted at C5-C6,  C6-C7  levels,  degenerative disease.   Moderate narrowing of the C6/7 disc
is present.

The first orthopoedist i saw who took the mri recommended I take
Motrin, try physical therapy and also try  intradermal injections.He said I would be looking for trouble if I did surgery.

The 2nd spine specialist I saw said if the pain continues or gets worse
he would recommend and perform a fusion on 3 discs c3/4, c5/c6/ and c6/c7.      Can someone please guide me in the right direction.   Thankyou.

Dear Susutea,

The neck, as you surely do know by now, is a tricky area.  Not only is it very sensitive...but it also throws the rest of the body out of whack!  Bad neck = not so good posture = not so good pelvic alignment and so on and so forth.

From what I interpret on your MRI, it seems like there is no immenent emergency, which is a good thing.  Give you time to think! And plan.

I tend to agree with what the docs have mentiones about PT & meds. Perhaps even inquiring about prednisone would be beneficial.  It would help the cervical spine and help the pain of impingement. Also, your pain needs to be addressed if you have significant neck pain. Opioid analgesia may be beneficial along with antiinflammatories like Advil etc...

A good thing to think about is seeking a spine specialist if you haven't already seen one, or a neuro surgeon even. But someone who does spinal surgeries specifically...those are the best guys!

My past employer had a VERY successful cspine surgery, similar to what your neck is like...but he could no longer turn his head.  He opted for surgery and was very happy with it. 

Rule of thumb...go conservative first. PT and NSAIDS take time.  A cervical collar may help!  You may need an RX for it however.

So what are your thoughts? Do you have a next step planned? And how are you doing overall?

Be well & write back soon.

    AND WELCOME TO HEALINGWELL!!

Sincerely,

erin

No problem! But first, let me check my texts and I'll write you back tomorrow. I have great orthopeadic, rheumatic and musculoskelatal resources I use, so hopefully I'll find some good info for you.
I understand about the failure with the Naproxen...my boyfriend has spinal stenosis that effects the neck. Nothing even touched the pain beside Prednisone. Have you been on steroids as of yet?
Till later,
Erin