cervical radiculopathy

Hi, Keeping,
I've had cervical spine problems for about 20 years, and I'm in my late fifties now. MRI about 15 years ago showed a herniated disk, and a bunch of bulges, but I opted for physical therapy. I went to a lot of PT and had to do a series of exercises, watch my posture, get a cervical pillow (this is still crucial to me) and do all of these things religiously to manage the symptoms. But I've not had neck surgery. I recently had lumbar fusion, and my lower back problems didn't start until after a bad fall 4 years ago, although I'm sure I've had DDD in my spine for years.

I'd ask your doc why he/she doesn't want physical therapy. There may be reasons, especially because of the muscle weakness, but I'd still get at least a second opinion before any surgery. Unless there's a reason, I'd probably want to try PT first. I also found in my case I had carpel tunnel syndrome, and have had the surgery on both hands. I still get occasional numbness in fingers, but it's usually when I've slept wrong, not done my neck exercises, etc. I can't emphasize enough how much awareness it takes to manage it, but I generally do pretty well. Even took my cervical pillow to the hospital for when I had back surgery. It only takes one night on a bad pillow for everything to be out of whack!

Let us know how the MRI turns out.

Good luck!
PaLady

I had a lot of radiating symptoms, and still get them occasionally, but I didn't really have significant muscle weakness. The significant pain in my hands was for the most part resolved with carpel tunnel surgery. I was convinced the nerve compression was coming from my neck, but a hand surgeon finally convinced me differently especially after EMG's. Have you had EMG's? I'm sure I had and stil have some nerve compression in my neck, but like I said the symptoms are mangeable. It was an entirely different case with the nerve compression in my lumbar spine, and after 3 years of conservative measures I finally ended up with surgery.

Each of us is different, and surgery of some sort may be what you need, but I'd just suggest you maybe get a good second opinion. I also have a Pilates machine at home. I loved it and miss it very much, and am hoping to get back to it in a limited fashion, but so far it's only irritated things since my surgery. But prior to surgery I swear it was the only thing that kept me moving! And I generally hate exercise but really love Pilates!

I hope maybe someone else here who's had CS radiculopathy can help. Try searching the older threads on the forum. There's a lot of valuable info. there.

PaLady

I had c5-7 because of mylopathy. (I think it's spelled right)  Had to have the area fused.

It was either that or more than likely paryaized.  Had surg. in 2011, still have the burning,pain.  Had a updated mri this month and it's showing arthritis. Working with pain management doctor on lower back problems and he's going to help with the neck as well, but wanted the mri first to be safe.  Have gone threw pt and med's without success in the past.  Seeing a new pt and she's been working on the neck and right side shoulder.  She's great!!!  Don't give up hope. Keep it touch!!!