Saw a specialist yesterday, off to neurosurgeon next week :(

[parttimer]

Since my neck/arm issue hasn't gotten any better I had an EMG this week. Not the most pleasant procedure, but not bad. Results show moderate nerve damage on my left side with axon nerve damage. Going to see a surgeon next week to see what my best options are. YAY me.

 

[jhotsauce7]

Damn I hope the prognosis isn't too serious and you can get fixed up in no time brother !!

 

[dr jim]

Good luck to ya fella!

 

[tightglutes]

Since my neck/arm issue hasn't gotten any better I had an EMG this week. Not the most pleasant procedure, but not bad. Results show moderate nerve damage on my left side with axon nerve damage. Going to see a surgeon next week to see what my best options are. YAY me.

Yea they suck. Best of luck to you. Did you start on lyrica ?

 

[dr jim]

PT are your signs and symptoms the consequence of cervical root or cord compression?

Regs
jim

 

[parttimer]

Dr Jim, yes, that is what it appears, i have had no "injury" that I can ever remember. I have c4-5 and c5-6 degeneration along with a bulge in there. When they did the EMG I had some "noise" which I guess is good in the forearm area. The tri and bi made no "noise" when he stuck me. I haven't started on any meds since I don't have any pain, just lost of use now. The pain is gone, which I don't think is a good thing!

 

[GreatGunz]

Welcome aboard!
I have C5-6-7 degeneration with compression of 6-7 constant pins an needle in my left arm an thumb pointer finger.
as well as nerve damage / with impingement .

its being controlled at the moment with GABA pent in

 

[parttimer]

The gaba helped with the pain I was having, I guess I am "lucky" since I don't have any pain now. The other thing i don't have is a tricep! I went from 150lb dumbbell presses for reps and sets, to barely getting 2 presses out at 80lbs! The tricep receives no nerve signals so it is basically dead meat.

 

[dr jim]

Dr Jim, yes, that is what it appears, i have had no "injury" that I can ever remember. I have c4-5 and c5-6 degeneration along with a bulge in there. When they did the EMG I had some "noise" which I guess is good in the forearm area. The tri and bi made no "noise" when he stuck me. I haven't started on any meds since I don't have any pain, just lost of use now. The pain is gone, which I don't think is a good thing!

Hey I really don't give a hoot what the EMG "says" if it doesn't work that's a PROBLEM!

In fairness however what the EMG IS MOST USEFUL FOR is to determine which area of compression, (at what SC level) is MOST LIKLEY responsible for YOUR signs and symptoms.

(It may also be used to evaluate the DEGREE of PERIPHERAL NERVE degeneration which has ALREADY OCCURRED because of these "lesions")

Ya see since you have MORE THAN ONE area of cord or root compression, we need to know which one is BELIEVED to be the MAJOR PLAYER, and of course on occasion there is indeed MORE THAN ONE.

Lastly the ONLY "curative" treatment for mechanical cord or nerve root compression IS TO RELIEVE THE CAUSE OF THAT COMPRESSION, PERIOD! GOT IT!

So your best chance of a meaningful RECOVERY is surgery, and if anyone tells you otherwise they are FOS!

I'm NOT implying surgery would necessarily be helpful, especially of your triceps or biceps, since they are already artophic, that would depend upon whether the EMG revealed axontmesis or neurotmesis BUT even then they ONLY WAY of knowing for sure whether the damage is reversible is to RELIEVE THE COMPRESSION.

Best regards
JIM

 

[Lil Canada]

Be careful with Gabapentin. It put me into a coma like state from side effects. I wasn't able to move anything but my eyes for 4-6hrs. Find the best neurosurgeon you can and get it done and be done with it. Try and stay off the drugs as much as possible. They are so horrible its crazy. I was talking to the Lyrca rep today to see if that would possibly help my nerve pain since surgery is too risky for anyone to attempt on me. Dr. Jim is correct with what he is saying by the way. I've been dealing with spinal and nerve issues for many years and just got out of hospital the other day for it. The medication has done as much damage as the actual problem itself. Good luck brother.

-LiL Canada

 

[parttimer]

The EMG showed axontmesis I believe, he is saying c4/c5 is the major issue. He also said there was some issue at c5/c6 but the major compression was the first. Im hoping to get the compression resolved and get the arm working again.

 

[dr jim]

Sounds like a plan to me