Question
I have mid-upper back pain radiating to the right side just under my shoulder blade. MRI shows a central disc protrusion impinging on the subarachnoid space and contacting the ventral cord.  My MD stated in a letter to me... no pinched nerves, continue treatment.  I am not being treated..so don't understand that part.  Question, can a disc protrusion cause this type pain? Should I just learn to live with it? I have already had a c45 c56 fusion, with lots of issues that the neurosurgeon says are "normal"... ie... osteophytes, spondylitic ridging effacing the thecal sac, foraminal stenosis and marginal scoliosis.  I am 48 years old.  Thanks

Answer
Robin;

Uggh. You should go to my web site and research what your report says.   Pressure on your cord is NOT GOOD!!~  What? No pinched nerves?  YOUR cord is being compressed!   Yes, pain is a common common occurrence. The only treatment for disc injuries is traction and extension, laying over a ball is a good example, as is chiropractic care.  

It's only my opinion, but getting adjusted away from your fusion is the best way to avoid the decay you are seeing in your neck. You can avoid these problems by keeping motion throughout the spine and not allowing the increased stress in your spine from not affecting just the segments above and below the fusion.  If you want a local referral, please contact me via my website, www.dynamicclinic.com or come to downtown seattle if you are local.

Dr. Peter Carr
Seattle, WA