Question
My X-ray_neck from lef
Hi, I am suffering lower back pain and pain on my neck a while now. I couldn't sleep due to severe pain. Been to Doctors, Specialists & hospital, but they are all been saying nothing wrong but I still got the pain. I have lost sense on my left hand and strength. Lose consciousness at time due to pain & feel dizzy. Recently I went to see Chiropractic, where they took some x-Rays and their findings are as below:
1) Cervical ROM - 85?reduction in left rotation, 30?reduction in right rotation, 45?reduction in extension,
2) Cervical compression created severe left neck pain in all ranges,
3) Sensory function testing revealed hypersensitivity in C6 distribution,
4) Motor function testing showed a severe reduction in the left grip strength,
5) A reversal of normal cervical lordosis,
6) Osteopathic proliferation noted C4, C5, C6, and C7, with increased sclerosis over the affected area,
7) Disc space narrowing is noted C4/5, C5/6, and C6/7
So, what do you think, as the specialist and the consultant are saying they are wrong, and now I am waiting for further MRI & x-rays right now. All due respect to all of them, this is not good enough as I am the one who is suffering and on High doses of painkillers & anti-inflammatory tablets. I am feeling tired all the time, can抰 go back to my profession/any work. Can you please advice on this and explain what exactly they are as above?
AnswerHi Hassan,
All the findings above are suggestive of degenerative disc disease. When there is disc space narrowing, this can compress the nerves that are going from your neck to your arms. If the nerve is being compressed, it can lead to neck pain, neck stiffness and weakness/numbness/tingling in that arm. An MRI would show a clearer picture of the discs in your spine and the amount of space that your nerves and spinal cord has to pass through.
Have you started any therapy with the Chiropractor? I would recommend that you try a course of conservative [chiropractic, physical therapy] care that will include exercises, pain control modalities, mobilizations and muscle release techniques. If you do not have some relief with conservative care you may be referred to a neurosurgeon or orthopaedic surgeon to discuss alternative treatment approaches.
Your doctors will have a better idea of what is going on once you have had the MRI.
I hope this helps!
Dr. Liza
