Question
I am 34 year old female involved in a MVA back in 1989 resulting in buldging disc C4-5 & C5-6. To date I now suffer from moderate stenosis, severe neuro foraminal narrowing, pinched nerve, osteophytes, and recent MRI showed moderate cervical cord flattening. All methods have been tried(non-surgical), along with constant medicine OTC & prescribed. Some days are better than others but the pain is constant radiating down the left arm along with headaches. I feel at this point considering the cord compression along with my age surgery is my only way-any advice? As you can see I have been dealing with this for quite some time and I am just tired of taking pills and am now scared that leaving it go with only produce permanent damage to the nerve and or spinal cord, which of course I would like to avoid, thank you in advance.

Answer
Hi Kelly- my opinion based on what you've said (all non-surgical methods have been tried, particularly) I'd have to agree with your conclusion.  The spinal cord is not something you want to be screwed up- to say the least...

Depending on how well you like your doctor, it might be worthwhile to get a 2nd opinion as to any new potential therapies (simply because surgery is hard on you!)- but if you feel your doc to be up to date, this may be unnecessary

I fully understand wanting to quit taking pills all the time, maybe even have a chance to not think about pain- good luck in getting there!
leslie