still no answer??? thats weird
Hi!
I am sorry to hear that your mother is still in pain. Before considering surgery, I can only suggest that a combination of manual traction, physiotherapy, cervical collar and non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs should be tried in her case. Usually these bring pain relief. The numbness also reduces markedly.
Other than this, she could use a hard bed to sleep. Avoid a pillow. Roll a towel and place it under her neck while sleeping on the back and between head and shoulder when lying on the side. Initially this will be uncomfortable but with time the acupressure usually works.
If nothing works then surgery is the only option in degenerative disc diseases with osteophyte or bone spur formation. Usually the surgery is successful in 90% of the cases. In those not so successful the pain and numbness may persist or worsen. Nerve injury, hoarseness of voice, swallowing difficulties etc are some of the complications of anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) as the surgeon reaches the vertebrae through an incision on the front of the neck.
If at all surgery is planned, your doctor will discuss all aspects of it in detail with you. Take care!
The medical advice given should not be considered a substitute for medical care provided by a doctor who can examine you. The advice may not be completely correct for you as the doctor cannot examine you and does not know your complete medical history. Hence this reply to your post should only be considered as a guiding line and you must consult your doctor at the earliest for your medical problem.