Severe 3 level cervical spinal stenosis - Should I see a neurologist or neurosurgeon?

Mary B. · Newbie Joined: 13 Nov 2006 Posts: 1

I have severe stenosis. C4-5 left facet joint with bony hypertrophy with severe narrowing of the joint space. Mild neural foranimal stenosis on the right. C5-6 anterior and posterior osteophyte formation and marked narrowing of disk space. Severe degenerative changes at the uncovertebral joints. C6-7 disk space is markedly narrowed. Osteophytes in anterior and posterior, and do impinge on the neural foramina.

I have done PT, acupuncture, injections and now am consulting spinal surgeons. So far my neurological exams have been good, but am feeling tingling in my shoulder and amthinking my fingers are feeling numb. They do not know if I am a candidate for surgery. I am so scared - can I become paralyed? I have not spoken to a neurologist - should I see a neurologist or a neurosurgeon. My next appt is 12/5 with the head surgeon and am thinking I shouldn't wait. I need advise. Thanks, Mary

Guest · Guest

See a neurosurgeon and get the surgery if he or she recommends it. You are lucky you have no other symptoms than you do. Your problems can get much worse. I am recovering from surgery this minute (3 days ago). The pain and numbness from head to toe are nearly all gone. The only pain left is from the surgery itself. I can walk properly again, which I have not been able to do for more than a year. I can type without my fingers hurting. Don't let yourself get to that point. The surgery is scary to contemplate, but is worth the worry.

Guest · Guest

I had cervical stenosis over c4-5, 5-6, and 6-7 with a spinal cord 'signal' evident from the MRI at C4-5. C6-7 disc was seen to be bulging but not necessarily in contact with the spinal cord. My symptoms included numbness in both hands, with the right being the worst. Affected all 5 fingers -no pain though and I still had grip pressure.

Surgery wasrecommended in my case because the MRI suggested the possibility of significant problems if the impingement on the spinal cord worsened. Had an anterior decompression fusion at c4-5. Numbness is still there, but I'm told I have at least bought some time. Looked at artificial cervical disks - - MRI read by European neurosurgeons-they recommended two level artifical disks but I was afraid to leave Canadato havethis done as it wouldn't have been covered by my health insurance.

Bottom line, I would definitely see a neurosurgeon and possibly two if surgery is recommended, just to be sure.

Severe 3 level cervical spinal stenosis - Should I see a neurologist or neurosurgeon?

LIFEFORM SOCIAL COMMUNITY NETWORK