Neck And Back Pain Diagnoses Confusing Plz Help!?

3 Responses for "Neck And Back Pain Diagnoses Confusing Plz Help!?"

1. Richard C December 22nd, 2009 at 8:12 am

   The pain you are experiencing in the neck, shoulder, and upper back are coming from the C5/C6 nerves. What is happening is that pressure is being put on the nerve roots and that is causing less impulses to be transmitted. It is like a garden hose that someone is standing on the amount of water above the pressure is the same but below it is decreased. The stenosis is a narrowing of the canals through which the nerves travel. Myelopathy is weakness of the muscles. The grade of 4/5 means that there is a degree of weakness in the muscles. They cannot generate full power. Brisk reflexes are a sign of nerve irritation. The unsustained clonus is where the doctor pulls the foot up and it starts to pulsate. The unsustained means that it stops. If you are feeling overwhelmed by this try finding another doctor that will sit down with you and explain what is going on and what your options are.

2. Stephers December 22nd, 2009 at 9:58 am

   You are having problems with the bones in your spine. The bones of your neck have little outgrowths that are pressing on the nerves in your spinal canal. The spinal cord runs down through the bones of the spine (vertebrae) and abnormal growth of these can press on various nerves causing various problems such as pain, weakness, paralysis or pins and needles. Surgery can help to relieve this pressure and the symptoms.
   Hope that helps!

3. texastre December 22nd, 2009 at 4:29 pm

   I’m not a physician, but your neurosurgeon is correct to want to do surgery on your herniated disc in your neck. Not only are you in a position to experience pain, but your spinal cord being pinched is giving you the symptoms of weakness in the lower part of your body.
   I’ve had numerous MRI’S for disc problems in my neck and in my lower back. Any time your spinal cord is being pinched, you will have pain, numbness and some loss of function.
   Since your reflexes are brisk, there doesn’t seem to be any permanent damage to your nerves yet. (so yes, this is a good sign)
   For anymore specific information, you need to talk to your neurosurgeon. (Sometimes you have to ask them to slow down and put it in terms that you will understand…lol They are ALL guilty of that one from time to time !!)
   Good luck and remember the good news that neck and back surgeries are WAY more advanced and successful than ever.
   Tex