Just found out I will need surgery

Dcs90

I had a cervical mri one year ago that showed two ruptured disk, facet arthrosis, osteophytes and mild stenosis. Emg showed chronic denervation and radiculopathy at c6/c7. Symptoms were severe migraines and left arm and neck/shoulder pain. For the past year I have had numerous facet injections and epidural steroid injections, along with pain medication and muscle relaxers. The migraines have decreased after radio frequency ablation. Unfortunately, the neck and shoulder pain has been worse. Lots of numbness, tingling and has moved to right side as well. New MRI ordered and now shows 4 herniated disc, as well as moderate facet arthritis and the spinal cord is now impinged. Images sent to surgeon who said it was definitely a surgical matter. I see him this week. I know to get more than one opinion, but would really like some input on best questions to ask. I don't even know what kind of surgery would be recommended at this point, so where would best place to start research? I would love to hear from anyone else with similar problems and what treatment you pursued. Thanks!

Liz

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dilauro

Please read 40 Questions to ask your surgeon before surgery

Dcs90

The 40 questions are a terrific list and I will print them before I go. It seems like spinal surgery is one of the most complicated medical decisions to make. So very little is black and white. I was told that cord impingement makes it more if a necessity than a choice as once function starts to decline you may not get it back. That's why I am hoping to find people with that similar diagnosis to ask about what different options they chose.

dilauro

My first was in 1978, sort of the barbaric ages. Today, many of the surgeries have become common place.
Still any spinal surgery is still a big undertaking.

The disc impinging a nerve root is in fact the one spinal situation where you do want to have the surgery sooner than later. But of course, that depends on how your doctor views it.

When a nerve root is impinged, its is damaged, the longer than last that one without relief, the longer it can take to heal. In some cases if it is left untreated for an extended period of time, the nerve may be damaged permanently.