Neck Pain: Cervical
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February 3, 2012 - 5:43am
Hi, new to this and would appreciate some advice
Hi all
I had a car accident 8 months ago, got whiplash, had physio and seemed ok, but then stepped off a kerb and jarred my neck and back causing me a lot of pain. I went to see my GP who decided it would be a good idea to send me for an xray. The results came back yesterday and I have been told that I have cervical spondylosis.
The xray report reads as follows: "There is some narrowing of the C5-C6 and C6-C7 with some marginal osteophyte formation noted. There is slight loss of cervical lordosis. The facet joints are slightly narrowed throughout the cervical spine. No loss of vertebral height or alignment". My GP has translated this as far as the medical terms are concerned and says that most people would show some form of osteoarthritis should they be xrayed. My main concern is the effect that this could have on me and I was hoping someone could advise me.
I am a 36 year old female and I train for several hours a week in the martial arts. I would go so far as to say that this is one of the main parts of my life and the thought of having to give it up is absolutely devastating to me.
My instructor has said that arthritis of a major joint automatically precludes me from taking part in contact sports. I obviously cannot force him to teach me but need some hope for myself that this is not it and that, if I continue to train I will not end up doing myself any more permanent damage than what has already been done to me. I am not stupid and if the only answer is that contact sport with an arthritic joint is simply not possible then I am going to have to come to terms with it. But if there is any way that I can take something to improve my joints, get any kind of treatment to stop further degeneration etc I will do ANYTHING - I just need some advice on where to start.
Sorry for the long rambling message
gizmo x
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I wouldn't be able to say about your xray.
Your doctor should be willing to explain and esp your activity level. And doc will explain again... as needed... as it is a lot to take in.
Also, with your physical fitness..martial arts..if you mention your concern to doc...maybe there is physical therapy to help, also. You sound like you'd be an enthusiastic participant:)
It's very good you are cautious so as not to do more harm. I know it's frustrating.
Let us know what doc advises!
My profile lists my spinal issues and other conditions that I navigate around daily.
Doing my best to be getting around and hanging on to this ride called life!
Hello Gizmo, Before you make such a important decision you need more information on your current situation one would think. I would ask your doctor to send you for a MRI to get a more detailed report on any injuries you may have and a better understanding on what the future may or may not hold for you.
X-rays are only one of many tools to truly see what is going on with disk issues and I know with me the MRI was the next step. So get one done to help with understanding completely your situation.
As for your martial arts only you know if you can keep doing any physical activity based on what your body is telling you and if it brings more pain than you are willing to tolerate.
I am an avid golfer and hope to continue to do that even though I just had a c3 to c7 fusion with instrumentation. But I also know that I may have to give it up as a result of such a radical procedure.
If the additional pain you're experiencing doesn't go away and/or is getting worse than you are at the start of what can be a long process. I'm not a doctor so take it for what it's worth but I would get a MRI a.s.a.p. because that test really gives a better look at your spine and nerves.
Finally, anything we do has the possibility to do more damage to a pre-existing condition, this explains why your instructor doesn't want to continue with your training. He doesn't want to be held responsible for an injury which could cost him everything.
Good luck and keep us posted.
DOI 2007, DDD C3-4 w/spinal canal narrowing and cord compression as well as severe foraminal stenosis especially on right side, severe forminal stenosis at C5-6, significant cord compression C6-7 right side with obliteration of the thecal space and deformation of spinal cord at that level. Cervical spondylosis with cervical spondylitic radiculopathy.
Previous treatments right side C6-7 foraminotomy 4/09, 6 nerve root injections and 3 level discogram 10/9.
C3-C7 anterior cervical decompression and fusion followed by posterior spinal fusion with instrumentation. 12/19/11
Dear Gizmo,
I also have the narrowing & Spurs associated with cervical spondylosis. I have suffered with this , and being unable to do much physical activity.If I did any activity that aggravated the cerviical spine I would suffer terrible neck pain & headaches for weeks afterwards.Doctors said I had pinched nerves due to the spondylosis. Try to take it easy and proceed with caution. Best wishes, Katlyn
katlyn, w