Question
Does all this sound like I would need surgery.Am in a lot of discomfort in cervical and lumbar area with tingling in arms and hands,legs.Not to the extent that I drop things.
Cervical MRI-C3-4,diffuse disk osteophyte w/superimposed
central disk protrusion that indents cal sac
C4-5 moderate disk osteophyte complex markedly degraded by motion
C5-6 moderate posterior osteophyte w/indentation of cal sac and cord.Moderate central stenosis server bilateral foraminal narrowing.
C6-7 Disk comples that indents ventral cord,superimposed left paracentral disk protrusion indents laft ventral lateral cord.
Does all this sound like I would need surgery.
I have tried all kinds of medicine,physical therapy,
chiropractor.I still have the same discomfort.
My Lumbar is the same but don't have the MRI on me right now.
My primary keeps telling me all the pain is from Fibromyalgia which I don't believe.
Thanks for reading this

Answer
Hi Debbie,

I disagree with your primary, it wouldn't surprise me he is an HMO doctor. If the osteophytes are the reason for spinal cord compression then you need surgery. I would try towel traction and flexion/distraction first to make sure.


Flexion-Distraction Therapy - What is it?


Flexion-Distraction, (F/D) is a gentle, chiropractic treatment procedure utilized for back and neck pain. Flexion-Distraction is a safe alternative to back surgery for those 95% of patients whose conditions do not demand surgical intervention. The doctor is in control of the treatment movements at all times.

Flexion-Distraction is utilized for many conditions such as:

Failed Back surgical Syndromes
Disc Herniation/Ruptured Disc / Bulging Disc / Herniated Disc
Sciatica / Leg pain
"Whiplash" injuries
Stenosis
Arm Pain
Neck Pain
Failed course of Steroid Injections
Chemical Radiculitis
Spondylolisthesis
Headache
Transitional segment
Many more conditions?
How does Flexion-Distraction Work?

For Disc related conditions:

Increases the intervertebral disc height to remove annular tension on the annular fibers and nerve by making more room and improving circulation.
Allows the nucleus pulposus, the center of the disc, to assume its central position within the annular fibers and relieves irritation of the spinal nerve.
Restores vertebral joints to their physiological relationships of motion.
Improves posture and locomotion while relieving pain, improving body functions, and creating a state of well-being.
For Non-Disc related conditions:

Patients with other conditions causing back pain (facet syndrome, spondylolisthesis, sprain/strain, scoliosis, transitional vertebra, sacroiliac restrictions and misalignment, certain types of spinal stenosis), Flexion/Distraction provides all of the above benefits plus the ability to place the spinal joints into normal, painless movements so as to restore spinal motion without pain:

The posterior disc space increases in height.
F/D decreases disc protrusion and reduces stenosis.
Flexion stretches the ligamentum flavum to reduce stenosis.
Flexion opens the vertebral canal by 2 mm (16%) or 3.5 to 6mm more than extension.
Flexion increases metabolite transport into the disc.
Flexion opens the apophyseal joints and reduces posterior disc stress
The nucleus pulposus does not move on flexion. Intradiscal pressure drops under distraction to below 100mm Hg. On extension the nucleus or annulus is seen to protrude posterior into the vertebral canal.
Intervertebral foraminal openings enlarge giving patency to the nerve.

Reference: Cox JM, Feller JA, Cox-Cid JA: Topics in clinical Chiropractic 1996; 3(3):45-59


Here is a site that goes into more detail with references to local certified doctors.

I wish I could be of more help but without personally seeing you, all I can do is pray!

Dr. Timothy Durnin
drs.chiroweb.com