Cervical Spine | Arthritis Information

I've just had my first appointment with a Rheumatologist. I was referred by my Orthopedic Surgeon. The surgeon cancelled my two level spinal fusion the day before surgery, because he was afraid my bones won't hold the hardware. I know I have Degenerative Disc Disease, herniated discs, bone spurs, and some narrowing of the foramen. He told me that most of my pain is from arthritis, not from the disc damage. I also have tingling hands and feet and sometimes numbness. Oh yeah, major headaches...

I'm being treated now for Osteoporosis, and I'm waiting for test results on urinallisis, and thyroid tests, and have been scheduled for an EMG and nerve conduction tests.

I'm really confused about what is going on.

What part are you confused about? It all comes down to doing tests to enable your rheumatologist to make an appropriate diagnosis and then prescribe treatment.Sam12342010-01-01 17:41:13I'm wondering if I have more going on than has already been diagnosed? Thanks for your input.

When will you get the results? Sam12342010-01-01 19:13:40I'm going to see the Doctor for a follow-up on Jan. 19. HI Sissy- Jane, I have similar arthritis problems throughout my spine and have had one lot of surgery on L/s, cervical spine is now a problem too, I have had to see a pain specialist and he was fantastic, knew all about my spinal probs just by watching me get up from a chair and walk etc. He gave me 6 epidural shots in Nov and it was only a diagnostic procedure but the benefits are still there so I would fully recommend that road before surgery just as Snow-Owl said . I also have reduced my painkillers! Best of luck, Janie. janiefx12010-01-02 01:04:13Sissyjane,

I had a problem once with nerve pain running down my left arm. After an MRI, found out I had bone spurs, narrowing of the canal, DDD, three bulging discs, two of which were pressing on the spinal cord. Much like yours. I had three epidural injections and also visited a chiropractor (that DID NOT do manual manipulation). I'm 100% better now.

There's not much you can do until you get your test results back. Try not to worry.