Question
In 1989 I was rear ended in a car accident and have suffered from headaches ever since. As the years pass my condition worsens, i.e. numbness, tingling in face and hands. Muscle weakness, lack of coordination and balance, speach retrievel problems, etc..

I have had a recent MRI done at new facility - requested by my chiroprator - and he was unable to answer my questions. So I am hoping you can.

The findings stated at C2-3, left paracentral location, there is a combination of hypertropy of the uncovertebral joint along w/small posterior spurs, 3mm in max thickness and 8mm mediolaterally at the base. Causing minimal obliteration of the CSF space anteriorly to the left. Minimally extending into the neural formina on the left w/no obvious nerve impingement. C3-4 findings state the same without spurs.

I have been told over the years that surgery is NOT an option, unless I am completely disabled by the injury. Reason being I have about a 1% chance of coming out of surgery with all my faculties in tact due to the location of the injury and risk is to high.

So, what is my out look on life going to be as this condition continues to worsen. My quality of life now is not the best. I am pain medication every day. I do not know from one day to the next what part of my upper body is going to be affected, i.e. tripping over my own feet, loosing use of my hands, speech, etc.. No one seems to be able to give me a direct answer. There have even been times when it has affected my breathing and swollowing. I am only 41 and would like to have some idea of what I am going to be facing down the road.

I even spent time and money going to the Mayo Clinic and let me tell you, that was the BIGGEST waste of time, money, and energy. My local chiropractor has done more for me then ever did. The basically told me there was nothing wrong and did not even look at my old MRIs or take new ones to evaluate my situation.

Anyway, I am hoping someone may know what my future situation might be with this type of situation.

Thanks

Answer
Although I am not a physician or neurosurgeon, I can say that I agree with the opinion on delaying surgery as long as possible due to the risks.

I believe that since the MRI readings all say 'minimal' that the doctors aren't accepting your pain level.  This is typical treatment by physicians unless they are trained in pain management.  They are worried about over-medicating people instead of helping them manage the pain.

Having said that, I would recommend continuing your chiropractic care until the MRIs show more significant degeneration that will warrant looking at surgery.  You might also want to get an opinion by a neurologist for the accompanying nerve problems.  The spinal cord damage will be a slow progression until there is noticeable nerve impingement.  At that time, surgery would be an option.

Thank you for your question, Sheryl.  I hope that my answer was helpful.