I just had an MRI done for neck pain and my C-4 and C-5 are hyrniated. What will a neurosurgeon do for me?

Answer 1

The first thing you should expect, or in some cases ask for, is physical therapy. It is entirely possible that by implementing a physical therapy regiment into your daily routine will alleiviate this pain completely.
However, aside from that, surgery can be, and might be, an option.
Your neurosurgeon will help you make the right decision as far as that goes.

Following 4 laminectomies at L4-L5 over 2 years time, I've since had two fusions in my cervical spine (c5-c6). The first was due to a herniated disk, which following my previous spinal surgeries was labelled due to "degenerative spinal disease with nerve root disorder."
I had no problems following this surgery, and was able to resume most of my lifestyle. The pain that was there was gone after the surgery.
However, an auto accident about 3 years later left the fusion cracked, requiring another one from the opposite side of my neck. I believe the neurosurgeon called it a "lucency" - they could see light thru the crack in my fusion on the x-ray.

The bottom line is this: the surgery helped. I just had bad luck and needed it again. I am mobile, I am active, and I do get around fine now -- but I have an increased pain level beyond comprehension of most people on a daily basis.
But as to your question, what will a neurosurgeon do for you? Help you decide if surgery is the right choice for you or not.
My recommendation? Try phyical therapy first. Surgery should be your last option. Once you have your spine operated on, there's a good chance you'll need it again someday.
Discuss your questions and fears beforehand as well. Your neurosurgeon will answer any of your questions beforehand.

And if you do have the operation, good luck to you. I suggest a bone graph out of your hip rather than using bone transplant from a cadaver. The increased pain in your hip is temporary, and it significantly reduces the chance for the fused bone to be rejected.

Answer 2

I am a massage therapist. Both nationally and locally certified.
I work in Maui, on some wealthy and famous people... and plenty of doctors...
I also have healed myself from a terrible car accident ten years ago. I have read a lot about this. It is now known that herniated disks ARE REVISABLE ON THEIR OWN !!! And do not require surgery. Some doctors are just not up to date on this yet.
Check out "network spinal analysis" by Dr. Donald Epstein ( a type of chiropractic that uses quantum physics to reclaim the body's intelligent healing powers)
Google him and go from there... he has a list of people. If there is no one in your area... call the closest one and ask for your area. They are not all listed. They will have lots of resources for change.

Happy living...

Answer 3

I'm not qualified to say, but I can say that out every person that had disk fusion surgery done have all said that they would not do it again if they had another chance. I would advise to get several qualified opinions.

Answer 4

Hopefully, he will give you options. The one option I would be careful about is surgery. Check out to see what percentage of people are helped and what percentage are paralyzed. Big decision.

Answer 5

I have a herniated disc on my back.
They gave me steroid shots in spine, kinda hurt but helped
alot..

Answer 6

they are probably going to put you through pain management and when your almost broke and cant work they will decide to do surgery...

Answer 7

get a. second opion ...