A couple of years ago, I had an ACDF, due to intractable pain. I had severe neck, chest, scapular, shoulder and arm pain in addition to a numb thumb, index and middle finger. All on the left side. Prior to surgery I tried traction, which didn’t help and my surgeon decided on an ACDF @ C6/7.
It took several months to feel better, the shocking pain in my arm was gone, however I was still having a lot of neck, scapular and shoulder pain. My post- op x-rays looked good and my surgeon basically told me that there was nothing else he could do for me and referred me to PT,after that I saw an Osteopath and a Physiatrist, all of which were no help. I’ve been in constant pain since and over time my pain has actually increased. Doctor, I would really appreciate your thoughts on my MRI report.
The axial images at C6-7 show that the broad-based disc protrusion superimposed upon spondylosis is associated with slight flattening of the ventral aspect of the spinal cord, and mild right and moderate left C7 foraminal stenosis.
At C5-6, the spondylosis partially effaces the CFS ventral to the cord, but there is no cord compression or foraminal stenosis evident.
At C4-5 broad based disc protrusion extends into the neural foramina on the left which is moderately stenotic. The right neural foramen appears mildly stenotic.
At C3-4, broad-based disc bulging/protrusion extends below the interspace level on the right producing mild right foraminal stenosis. The cord is mildly flattened in the midline by the disc protrusion.
My current symptoms are numbness in my face and fingers, severe scapular pain, constant chest tightness, shoulder and elbow pain and muscle spasm, and pain in the axilla. I also experience pins and needles sensations in these areas and have lost the ability to move my arm backwards. All this is occurring on my left side.
Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated