Cervical Radiculopathy Anyone?

[+ Gar1eth]

For about three weeks now I have had this upper arm pain on the right. It was like a deep ache. I tried massage, heating pad, hot tub, and ibuprofen without much relief. The pain wasn't crying out loud hurting but I'd rate it a 6 or 7 out of 10. And while I didn't notice specific weakness, the arm was in effect weak because of the pain. Even getting out of the car was more difficult. I gradually noticed the right side of my neck felt stretched. And then I noticed that the left arm was beginning to hurt too. And I had tingling in my left hand. So I went to the doctor today (Monday). They did neck xrays. Apparently the spaces between my lower cervical vertebra are compressed. So the nerves that exit the spine are being compressed- and that's causing my symptoms. He gave me something called Meloxicam an anti-inflammatory. Anyone else have experience with this? I looked it up. I always knew I was special. This apparently only occurs in about 85 out of 100,000 adults. And darn-I was just about to apply to Kink.com to be a new model. But I'm not sure being suspended or on some kind of spinning rotating platform would be good for my neck.

 

Gman

[Rudynate]

For about three weeks now I have had this upper arm pain on the right. It was like a deep ache. I tried massage, heating pad, hot tub, and ibuprofen without much relief. The pain wasn't crying out loud hurting but I'd rate it a 6 or 7 out of 10. And while I didn't notice specific weakness, the arm was in effect weak because of the pain. Even getting out of the car was more difficult. I gradually noticed the right side of my neck felt stretched. And then I noticed that the left arm was beginning to hurt too. And I had tingling in my left hand. So I went to the doctor today (Monday). They did neck xrays. Apparently the spaces between my lower cervical vertebra are compressed. So the nerves that exit the spine are being compressed- and that's causing my symptoms. He gave me something called Meloxicam an anti-inflammatory. Anyone else have experience with this? I looked it up. I always knew I was special. This apparently only occurs in about 85 out of 100,000 adults. And darn-I was just about to apply to Kink.com to be a new model. But I'm not sure being suspended or on some kind of spinning rotating platform would be good for my neck.

 

Gman

 

I don't think it's rare. How many times have you heard somebody complain of a "pinched nerve" in their neck? That's cervical radiculopathy. There are a few things they can do for you - NSAIDs, which is what your doc gave you, opiates, physical therapy, steroid injections at the injury site and fusion surgery. I'm not a doc. I'm a veteran of two spine surgeries, so I know the landscape pretty well. Pretty much, when it comes to treatments for spine problems, I can truthfully say, "Been there, done that."

 

There is a newer procedure, not widely available yet, where they replace the worn-out intervertebral disc with a prosthetic disk.

[Guest]

For about three weeks now I have had this upper arm pain on the right. It was like a deep ache. I tried massage, heating pad, hot tub, and ibuprofen without much relief. The pain wasn't crying out loud hurting but I'd rate it a 6 or 7 out of 10. And while I didn't notice specific weakness, the arm was in effect weak because of the pain. Even getting out of the car was more difficult. I gradually noticed the right side of my neck felt stretched. And then I noticed that the left arm was beginning to hurt too. And I had tingling in my left hand. So I went to the doctor today (Monday). They did neck xrays. Apparently the spaces between my lower cervical vertebra are compressed. So the nerves that exit the spine are being compressed- and that's causing my symptoms. He gave me something called Meloxicam an anti-inflammatory. Anyone else have experience with this? I looked it up. I always knew I was special. This apparently only occurs in about 85 out of 100,000 adults. And darn-I was just about to apply to Kink.com to be a new model. But I'm not sure being suspended or on some kind of spinning rotating platform would be good for my neck.

 

Gman

 

Where on God's earth did you read that cervical radiculopathy occurs in only a fraction of a percentage of adults?? It's incredibly common. Even I had it for a few months. A week doesn't go by without my seeing at least one patient with it, and usually more than that. If the meloxicam alone doesn't do the trick, add a nerve stabilizer, such as gabapentin, usually starting with 100 mg three times a day to let your body adjust to it, then increase to 300 mg three times a day. If you need higher doses, especially over 400 mg three times a day, then it's a good idea to monitor blood levels. It would be foolish to jump to surgery first, which can make permanent a potentially temporary problem.

[Rudynate]

Where on God's earth did you read that cervical radiculopathy occurs in only a fraction of a percentage of adults?? It's incredibly common. Even I had it for a few months. A week doesn't go by without my seeing at least one patient with it, and usually more than that. If the meloxicam alone doesn't do the trick, add a nerve stabilizer, such as gabapentin, usually starting with 100 mg three times a day to let your body adjust to it, then increase to 300 mg three times a day. If you need higher doses, especially over 400 mg three times a day, then it's a good idea to monitor blood levels. It would be foolish to jump to surgery first, which can make permanent a potentially temporary problem.

 

Normally, a spine surgeon requires a trial of conservative therapy first.

[+ Funguy]

As Rudynate said, "Been there, done that!" Fusion, later on a discectomy for torn disc. Albeit lower spine but the principle is all the same.

I would do ANYTHING to avoid surgery. It is extremely common, usually resolves with meds such as Meloxicam. Having also gone the route of gabapentin (Neurontin) I would try to stay away from that as well - a great propensity to screw up your memory while on the medicine at the higher dosages.

I would also consider rest, heat, even ultrasound. If having an acute episode, consider ice to the neck, followed 24 hours or so later with heat.

 

As i see a pain management specialist for chronic pain, I am well-versed in the options and, from experience, tho pain relievers do relieve the pain, they do not get to the root of the problem - nerve irritation. You need the anti-inflamatories. Sometimes if Meloxicam at 15 mg does not work, also try adding a muscle relaxer such as Flexeril or Soma (carisoprodol) - either may make you drowsy so please do not operate heavy machinery. Always let your doctor prescribe for you.

 

If symptoms continue you may consider specialized physical therapy with traction to reduce to compression.

 

Good luck Gman - I do feel for you.

 

Funguy

[Rudynate]

As Rudynate said, "Been there, done that!" Fusion, later on a discectomy for torn disc. Albeit lower spine but the principle is all the same.

I would do ANYTHING to avoid surgery. It is extremely common, usually resolves with meds such as Meloxicam. Having also gone the route of gabapentin (Neurontin) I would try to stay away from that as well - a great propensity to screw up your memory while on the medicine at the higher dosages.

I would also consider rest, heat, even ultrasound. If having an acute episode, consider ice to the neck, followed 24 hours or so later with heat.

 

As i see a pain management specialist for chronic pain, I am well-versed in the options and, from experience, tho pain relievers do relieve the pain, they do not get to the root of the problem - nerve irritation. You need the anti-inflamatories. Sometimes if Meloxicam at 15 mg does not work, also try adding a muscle relaxer such as Flexeril or Soma (carisoprodol) - either may make you drowsy so please do not operate heavy machinery. Always let your doctor prescribe for you.

 

If symptoms continue you may consider specialized physical therapy with traction to reduce to compression.

 

Good luck Gman - I do feel for you.

 

Funguy

 

 

I won't say I would never have another spine surgery, but I sure don't want another one. I had a L4-S1 fusion procedure four years ago. I've worked extremely hard to rehab from it. I wasn't going to settle for anything less than being pain-free, most of the time. I've substantially achieved that, after four years of constant work.

[+ Funguy]

I won't say I would never have another spine surgery, but I sure don't want another one. I had a L4-S1 fusion procedure four years ago. I've worked extremely hard to rehab from it. I wasn't going to settle for anything less than being pain-free, most of the time. I've substantially achieved that, after four years of constant work.

 

I had L3-4 fusion 19 years ago when the anterior approach was still in it's infancy. Since the stress then went to the next level down, I tore the disc at L4-L5. Rehab PT was not very helpful until I found a trainer who specialized in rehabbing backs. Then 3 days a week for 2 solid years (I missed about 3 appointments) - I had a great body then and was "relatively" pain free.

Who knew chronic degenerative arthritis was then going to be a problem?

Would i have surgery again? YES - given the problem (spondylolisthesis - slipping vertebrae). But since the arthritis I am in some degree of pain all the time; I've had numerous pain management procedures, each helps a bit, and I accept it. I simply live life not allowing the pain to control me but the other way around.

[+ Gar1eth]

Thank you for the info. As for the 85 out of 100,000, I pulled that from two different Internet articles. One was on eMedicine.com which is usually pretty reliable. It's a juggling act about the Meloxicam. I am on Prilosec which can increase Meloxicam's levels and on Diovan HCT for control of blood pressure. Meloxicam might antagonize the diuretic in the Diovan and might injure the kidney in combination with the angiotensin receptor blocker. Luckily while my BP is high it's not super high. I decided today to not take the BP med (luckily my BP med isn't one with rebound hypertension if you stop it). I'll monitor my BP -again my BP is usually in the 150's over 90's without meds not talking 160's over 110 or anything-and I took 7.5 mg of the Meloxicam along with only 20 mg instead of 40 mg of my Prilosec.

 

I fell/slipped out of the bed this morning (I have sleep apnea and sleep at the edge of the bed for convenience). While I've had low back pain-I have it now-the back of my left leg hurts. Hopefully I just strained it when I fell and it's not my entire back that is off.

 

Another wonderful thing, I don't have insurance or Medicaid, don't ask me why. But I'm not looking forward to an MRI Bill.

 

Gman

[Rudynate]

I had L3-4 fusion 19 years ago when the anterior approach was still in it's infancy. Since the stress then went to the next level down, I tore the disc at L4-L5. Rehab PT was not very helpful until I found a trainer who specialized in rehabbing backs. Then 3 days a week for 2 solid years (I missed about 3 appointments) - I had a great body then and was "relatively" pain free.

Who knew chronic degenerative arthritis was then going to be a problem?

Would i have surgery again? YES - given the problem (spondylolisthesis - slipping vertebrae). But since the arthritis I am in some degree of pain all the time; I've had numerous pain management procedures, each helps a bit, and I accept it. I simply live life not allowing the pain to control me but the other way around.

 

My first procedure was an L3-S1 decompression. They removed a large synovial cyst at L3-L4 that was protruding into the spinal canal and causing lots of pain. They excised the intervertebral ligament at L4-L5, did a discectomy at L5-S1 and did lateral recess and foraminal decompression at all levels.

 

18 months later, I had a L4-S1 anterior-posterior fusion.

 

I'm in fabulous shape now - I have a rock solid core. I can't say that I'm completely pain-free, but close to it. I haven't taken anything stronger than tylenol since about a month after the fusion procedure.

 

I may be developing adjacent segment disease because I have developed a mild scoliosis that I never had before. My spine has a slight, but noticeable, lateral S-curve.

[+ Funguy]

My first procedure was an L3-S1 decompression. They removed a large synovial cyst at L3-L4 that was protruding into the spinal canal and causing lots of pain. They excised the intervertebral ligament at L4-L5, did a discectomy at L5-S1 and did lateral recess and foraminal decompression at all levels.

 

18 months later, I had a L4-S1 anterior-posterior fusion.

 

I'm in fabulous shape now - I have a rock solid core. I can't say that I'm completely pain-free, but close to it. I haven't taken anything stronger than tylenol since about a month after the fusion procedure.

 

I may be developing adjacent segment disease because I have developed a mild scoliosis that I never had before. My spine has a slight, but noticeable, lateral S-curve.

 

Adjacent segment disease will get you every time!

And you are right in making that core as strong as possible. I discovered Pilates after I had a rotator cuff reconstruction. First i needed range of motion that Pilates took care of and then proceeded with core strength improvement which Pilates is known for.

[+ Funguy]

Thank you for the info. As for the 85 out of 100,000, I pulled that from two different Internet articles. One was on eMedicine.com which is usually pretty reliable. It's a juggling act about the Meloxicam. I am on Prilosec which can increase Meloxicam's levels and on Diovan HCT for control of blood pressure. Meloxicam might antagonize the diuretic in the Diovan and might injure the kidney in combination with the angiotensin receptor blocker. Luckily while my BP is high it's not super high. I decided today to not take the BP med (luckily my BP med isn't one with rebound hypertension if you stop it). I'll monitor my BP -again my BP is usually in the 150's over 90's without meds not talking 160's over 110 or anything-and I took 7.5 mg of the Meloxicam along with only 20 mg instead of 40 mg of my Prilosec.

 

I fell/slipped out of the bed this morning (I have sleep apnea and sleep at the edge of the bed for convenience). While I've had low back pain-I have it now-the back of my left leg hurts. Hopefully I just strained it when I fell and it's not my entire back that is off.

 

Another wonderful thing, I don't have insurance or Medicaid, don't ask me why. But I'm not looking forward to an MRI Bill.

 

Gman

 

Two things, Gman, in case you don't know - always look up drug pricing on Goodrx.com. Coupons often lower pricing considerably depending on medication.

Is there a Gay-Lesbian Health Center near you? It often can help with physician and even other cost discounts (that MRI you dread).

[+ Gar1eth]

Two things, Gman, in case you don't know - always look up drug pricing on Goodrx.com. Coupons often lower pricing considerably depending on medication.

Is there a Gay-Lesbian Health Center near you? It often can help with physician and even other cost discounts (that MRI you dread).

 

Thank you I do know about Goodrx.com-there is even an iPhone app of it. The site saves me a ton on my generic Diovan HCT. I was going to use it for the Meloxicam but the Walgreen's card, while like 60 cents more expensive, didn't have the tablet limits that Goodrx did.

 

I don't know of a Gay/Lesbian Health Center around here that does more than test for HIV and STDs. There is a site I've found that contracts for discounted radiology services. It was helpful when I needed a thyroid ultrasound a few months ago. It offered neck MRI for around $780 dollars-still a lot of money. And their closest facility to me is 80 miles away. But sometimes they can do one time contracting with a faculty locally. For people who might be interested in that site it is

 

https://www.nextimagedirect.com/

 

Gman

[wisconsinguy]

Gman, I also understand your discomfort. I don't want to this to be about my previous woes. Just another twist to what others say is more common then I believe you were led to believe. Over 10 years ago I started with lower extremity weakness. Then lower rt sided back and leg pain. CT showed a "small bulging of a lower disc." Two separate neurosurgeons said too small to remove. Then off to the neurologist. By this time, I was taking opiates routinely. The major neuro diseases were ruled out. I was diagnosed with Idiopathic Nerve Disease. Lots of steroids on an increasing basis, with increase in opiates. Helped the back and leg pain, but not the leg weakness. I tore my right hamstring during this time pulling myself up the stairs. But one morning, I simply could not move, sit, turn due to the pain. I had changed neurologist by then. Admitted to the hospital. MRI that day, Morphine PCA, and another MRI early the next AM. Showed a "massive amount of inflammation around that 'small bulging disc.' Discectomy that afternoon, home the next day. The first month after was not easy. I also went to a pain management specialist after the surgery. He recommended the maximum daily dose of Ibuprofen along with the maximum daily dose of acetaminophen (referred to as the 'poor mans Celebrex'). Within about 10 days I was reducing my dose of narcs (was taking oral morphine) sleeping better, and finally feeling relief. Shortly after, I bought a couple of ski poles and started my walking again. My entire point to this is, the inflammatory process around any area of our spinal cord can rebound with it's consequences. My thoughts to you as well:

1) Give the Meloxicam a good trial. I have great respect for the NSAID's. They come with their own precautions.

2) Heat always helped me. If I could get a hot tub, I would. Also, a heating pad helped sometimes.

3) And, I developed a great respect for my skeletal system as well. I try and keep my weight down, stay away from wheat and sweets. For me, diet has proved to be a big factor in orthopedic issues.

I so wish you well. When patients came into the ER, or admitted to the nursing units for "back pain" we would often say, "just another druggie." I stopped thinking that many years ago. Good luck Gman

[+ purplekow]

I strongly agree with those proponents of physical therapy and exercise as well as weight control. Weighing in at a body weight close to ideal will definitely lower your risk of back and neck disease and will also make rehabing any injury a lot easier. No one here has mentioned acupuncture and massage. While i am not a great proponent of these modalities, one should not overlook them either. I strongly agree that back and neck surgery should be done only after all other efforts have failed, or it symptoms are progressing unremittingly. The main benefit of surgery is relief of the nerve compression and one must realize that pain relief is not the goal of the surgery although it is a highly desirable effect in a majority but definitely not all cases.

[wisconsinguy]

I strongly agree with those proponents of physical therapy and exercise as well as weight control. Weighing in at a body weight close to ideal will definitely lower your risk of back and neck disease and will also make rehabing any injury a lot easier. No one here has mentioned acupuncture and massage. While i am not a great proponent of these modalities, one should not overlook them either. I strongly agree that back and neck surgery should be done only after all other efforts have failed, or it symptoms are progressing unremittingly. The main benefit of surgery is relief of the nerve compression and one must realize that pain relief is not the goal of the surgery although it is a highly desirable effect in a majority but definitely not all cases.

I both agree and disagree with PK. Most individuals go into orthopedic surgery with an outcome of pain relief or at least a hope of diminished pain. I have been cut from head to toe. I have had multiple orthopedic surgeries. Yes, do explore alternatives to surgery. But, after you do your research, and surgery is recommended, go for it. I love my job, and have no intention of retiring. That is what propels me to correct my skeletal as needed. I have always viewed surgery as a mode for pain relief. I know the consequences of compressed nerves. But, relief of nerve compression, should eventually result in pain relief or intensity.

[Rudynate]

The main benefit of surgery is relief of the nerve compression and one must realize that pain relief is not the goal of the surgery although it is a highly desirable effect in a majority but definitely not all cases.

 

Pain relief is almost always the overriding goal. Occasionally, the nerve compression can pose a serious risk to the sufferer's well being, as in cauda equina syndrome, but the main goal in almost all spine surgeries is symptom control. It is for this reason that even an aggressive surgeon doesn't like to operate on someone whose imaging shows serious problems but whose symptoms aren't particularly bad. Outcomes of spine surgeries are still uncertain enough that the surgeon risks making someone worse who wasn't particularly suffering in the first place.

[+ purplekow]

Pain alone may be the reason that people decide to have surgery, nerve compression and the threat of nerve damage and resultant injury is the reason the surgeon does the surgery. No surgeon will guarantee pain relief, as a significant percentage have either residual pain, unchanged pain or in a few cases worse pain. There is a greater certainty of reduced risk of damage from nerve compression and that is the main reason that the surgeon recommends the surgery, whether he relieves pain or not, the job is to protect from further serious damage. Pain relief convinces the patient, nerve damage limitation compels the surgeon.

[wisconsinguy]

Pain relief is almost always the overriding goal. Occasionally, the nerve compression can pose a serious risk to the sufferer's well being, as in cauda equina syndrome, but the main goal in almost all spine surgeries is symptom control. It is for this reason that even an aggressive surgeon doesn't like to operate on someone whose imaging shows serious problems but whose symptoms aren't particularly bad. Outcomes of spine surgeries are still uncertain enough that the surgeon risks making someone worse who wasn't particularly suffering in the first place.

This is just me. I have been through the worst of a spinal incidents. This is what I believe on a personal and professional basis. !) Everything should be evaluated before surgery. 2) If you decided on surgery...remember...outcomes differ from every individual. I may have great resolve of my pain, and u may have none.

[johnjohn]

Find a Good Chiropractor, I have great one here worked on my headaches and neck pain, takes several trips but worth it, in most cases ,

 

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8169540

[Rudynate]

Adjacent segment disease will get you every time!

And you are right in making that core as strong as possible. I discovered Pilates after I had a rotator cuff reconstruction. First i needed range of motion that Pilates took care of and then proceeded with core strength improvement which Pilates is known for.

 

After the first spine surgery, I worked one-on-one with a Pilates instructor who had a rehab credential for six months.

[Rudynate]

This is just me. I have been through the worst of a spinal incidents. This is what I believe on a personal and professional basis. !) Everything should be evaluated before surgery. 2) If you decided on surgery...remember...outcomes differ from every individual. I may have great resolve of my pain, and u may have none.

 

Agreed. I was fortunate enough to have my procedures at a spine surgery center of excellence, with one of the best surgeons in the region who used a conservative, structure-sparing approach.

[samhexum]

the nerves that exit the spine are being compressed- and that's causing my symptoms. He gave me something called Meloxicam an anti-inflammatory. Anyone else have experience with this?

How many times have you heard somebody complain of a "pinched nerve" in their neck? That's cervical radiculopathy.

Where on God's earth did you read that cervical radiculopathy occurs in only a fraction of a percentage of adults?? It's incredibly common. Even I had it for a few months. A week doesn't go by without my seeing at least one patient with it, and usually more than that. If the meloxicam alone doesn't do the trick, add a nerve stabilizer, such as gabapentin, usually starting with 100 mg three times a day to let your body adjust to it, then increase to 300 mg three times a day. If you need higher doses, especially over 400 mg three times a day, then it's a good idea to monitor blood levels.

As i see a pain management specialist for chronic pain, I am well-versed in the options and, from experience, tho pain relievers do relieve the pain, they do not get to the root of the problem - nerve irritation. You need the anti-inflamatories. Sometimes if Meloxicam at 15 mg does not work, also try adding a muscle relaxer such as Flexeril or Soma (carisoprodol) - either may make you drowsy so please do not operate heavy machinery. Always let your doctor prescribe for you.

I fell/slipped out of the bed this morning (I have sleep apnea and sleep at the edge of the bed for convenience). While I've had low back pain-I have it now-the back of my left leg hurts. Hopefully I just strained it when I fell and it's not my entire back that is off.

I developed a great respect for my skeletal system as well. I try and keep my weight down, stay away from wheat and sweets. For me, diet has proved to be a big factor in orthopedic issues.

I so wish you well. When patients came into the ER, or admitted to the nursing units for "back pain" we would often say, "just another druggie." I stopped thinking that many years ago. Good luck Gman

I strongly agree with those proponents of physical therapy and exercise as well as weight control. Weighing in at a body weight close to ideal will definitely lower your risk of back and neck disease and will also make rehabing any injury a lot easier.

 

 

Lumbar radiculopathy (combined with spinal stenosis-- which I have in my neck AND lower back) has destroyed my life, though I haven't helped things by continuing to be very overweight. I also don't exercise because of the catch 22... exercising would help me, but it hurts to do it (and I'm lazy), so I don't. I've turned myself into an invalid at age 58. I've gone from walking with a cane to using a walker, just for the extra support. It hurts so much to walk (sometimes my back, sometimes my leg, sometimes both) that I have to psych myself up just to walk down the hall to take out the garbage.

 

I barely left the house even before covid. I'm a hermit now, which makes me even more grateful for the work that has recently been done to save this forum. (I still grieve for the loss of ATKOL.) It's my lifeline to the outside world. The stenosis has also contributed to my lifelong ED, as it's been explained to me that the lower half of my body doesn't get all the 'signals' at full strength.

 

No need to respond offering solutions; I know what I need to do. I just needed to whine for a minute. ☹☹☹

Edited May 12, 2021 by samhexum

[+ purplekow]

Would you like a "jeez" with that whine?

[Rudynate]

Lumbar radiculopathy (combined with spinal stenosis-- which I have in my neck AND lower back) has destroyed my life, though I haven't helped things by continuing to be very overweight. I also don't exercise because of the catch 22... exercising would help me, but it hurts to do it (and I'm lazy), so I don't. I've turned myself into an invalid at age 58. I've gone from walking with a cane to using a walker, just for the extra support. It hurts so much to walk (sometimes my back, sometimes my leg, sometimes both) that I have to psych myself up just to walk down the hall to take out the garbage.

 

 

 

 

I had the same - spinal stenosis, radiculopathy, synovial cyst protruding into the spinal column, spondylolisthesis. I was so laid up, that for me, a fun day was having my husband wheel me around a museum or art gallery in a wheelchair.

 

I've had two surgeries, the last was an L4 - s1 fusion. The surgeries took care of it. I've been living a full life for ten years. My spine problems are a distant memory. An essential if you are considering spine surgery is that you have to really like and trust your spine surgeon.