Anybody here had a cervical disc removed?

LeRoux Strydom · 09-23-2003, 02:06 AM

Hi all

After MR scans, neuro-conductivity tests and even sticking needles into my cervical discs under an X-ray machine, my orthopaedic surgeon recommends removal of the C4/C5 cervical disc. Apparently the offending disc is degenerating, bulges out and puts pressure on my spinal cord and the attending nerves. Symptoms are neck pain, headaches, general feeling of pressure in the neck area, "pins and needles" in the lower right arm, right arm muscle ache (deltoid and bicep).

Did anyone here ever had a cervical disc removed for reasons mentioned above? What can I look forward to in terms of recovery period, symptom relief, or any other issues? Success rate, risks? Would you do it again if you had the chance?

Please help. I'm not looking forward to the procedure, but forewarned is forearmed.

LeRoux

ejfbmw · 09-23-2003, 02:43 AM

My experience has been with L4-L5. Bulged disc causing all the above. Proceed with caution in regards to surgery. While it may be nessessary in some circumstances, I was able to "work out" my problem through "conservative" care. After 2 years I am 100%. I am glad I did not go the surgery route.

dad911 · 09-23-2003, 03:41 AM

I had a micro-discectomy in february, where just the 'bulge' was removed. 4-5 week home recovery, then light-office work for the next few weeks.

You may want to check out http://www.healthboards.com/#boards

wckrause · wckrause's Garage

Have you looked into disc nucleus replacement as an alternative to disc removal?

Read this
http://www.spine-health.com/research/discupdate/artificial/artificial03.html

I had surgery in June of this year on the L5-S1 disc. An MRI showed that it was herniated, but it turned out not to be. I had some scar tissue pinching a nerve, and some other issues. I'm nearly symptom free, but still recovering from the surgery.

How invasive is the procedure that you're looking at having?

LeRoux Strydom · 09-23-2003, 09:01 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by wckrause
How invasive is the procedure that you're looking at having?

I'm not sure, still have to discuss more details with the surgeon, that's why I'm asking here. According to him, he removes the disc and C4/C5 fuse by themselves. He did say he might have to put a small plate in to assist with stability but normally it is not necessary. Loss of rotational ability will apparently be small.

I'm more concerned about the potential for the procedure to fix the problems, I have heard about fantastic results, and also the complete opposite, where people with problems complained about more problems afterwards.

Any other experiences?

LeRoux

TSNAPCRACKLEPOP · TSNAPCRACKLEPOP's Garage

the body can heal itself when optimal conditions are maintained. tried a good chiropractor? what do the xrays look like? have you used traction, cervical rolls....etc? trauma history of injuries to neck? ive seen this result in kick boxers, karate, skydivers, overhead working position like assembly lines, ............

ronb · 09-30-2003, 12:27 PM

I've had serious L4/L5 sacrum problems - herniation, bulging, tearing, etc (after a few very traumatic injuries). I explored surgery several times, but decided to stick with physical therapy and am glad I did (I now can run or bike as long as I want to, lift heavy weights and objects, etc.) My course of therapy was a lot of cranio-sacral work, acupuncture, but most importantly (and still for mainatenence and strength) yoga, pilates, and swimming. To start with, working with a physical therapist.

Avoid cutting your body open and removing parts unless you've exhausted all other possibilites (including even losing that extra 15 pounds...it makes a huge difference in how your back will feel).

There's a lot of info out there about this, and not all of it is in concordance, but many MRIs will show herniated, torn, ruptured etc disks...and many people who have them have perfect functionality and no pain. Merely having a detailed picture of whats in there, is not always a sign of whats going on. And having seen recent MRIs of my spine, with the same herniations, and absolutely no pain (and in fact quite a lot more strength than I've ever had) a surgeon reccomended immediate surgery. So...go carefully.

JC930 · 11-13-2003, 09:41 AM

How did you come out? I know this is a little late but I had a postier cervecal laminectomy a while back and it helped huge.
jc930

LeRoux Strydom · 11-14-2003, 03:40 AM

Well, I had anterior C4/5/6 fusion and discs removal with a small prothesis on Oct 29. So far so good, I can report that the original pains associated with the pressure on the spinal cord and C4 nerve pressures (needles & pins in lower right arm) have all gone. Now the bones and wounds have to heal, and I am looking forward to full recovery. Should be back at work early December.

Will report back later as well.

LeRoux