Back from MRI today

[Morgan]

My cervical spine is pretty well shot. MRI says that C2 through C4 is arthritic with developing bone spurs. This will cause more problems later. C4-C5 disc is bulging but not herniated. This is whats' causing a weak grip, poor circulation in my hands, and tingling in my fingers, along with wobbly legs. My next stop is a neurologist. They will try medication first, then an injection directly into the disc to if the medication doesn't relieve the bulging, and finally surgery if none of the above doesn't work.
Absolutely no lifting until I see someone, and only low impact cardio ie: stationary bike, walking until further notice.

Oh the joys of old age! LOL.

If anyone has similar probs and can let me know how or if they still lift and what excercises they are doing, it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for your support, I love being on this board with you bros!

[morbid316]

sounds shitty bro hopefully you have a speddy recovery

[pudgy]

dammit that sux, keep ypur head up bro

[Keiser]

hang in there!

[BouncersBabe]

Definitely see a neurologist before anything! I'm not sure of your exact problem, but many people that have neck or back surgery, remain having many, many problems. I would try EVERYTHING else possible before surgery. Good luck to you darling.

[Morgan]

Thanks to all. I'm sure I'm gonna be OK with this, it'll just be a matter of time before I can get some of this corrected. Surgery will only be a last resort, I know a few people who have had less than stellar results.

[trip]

Morgan,

Don't put that old cart before the horse. Get some other opinions.
I've got similar stuff, bulges, bone spurs etc. The thing is, think I mentioned in another post, unless they have MRI's from years past, you don't know if you've had this stuff from birth or it's developed over the years. My stuff is down around c-5 thru 7.

Still, though, I do it all except running on hard surfaces for long distances. I am now in love with an elipical trainer, stair master and treadmill, they all look sexy to me. Recently divorced my recumbant bike, that was a constant 4 year affair, glad it's over, maybe one day we'll have a quickie, but I need more action.

Just have to be a little smarter and more cautious. Thing is try not to put so much pressure on spine, meaning cut down on the running and use more machines than hard and heavy free weights.

And don't forget, medicine is working on miracles everyday, and DECA does wonder for joints.

Have A Good One
Trip

[Berzerker]

A cervical disc bulge is not uncommon, especially after a car accident/some kind of whiplash injury, and usually can be resolved by a good chiropractor. Since it's so high in your spinal column I'd venture to say it's not related to weightlifting, as heavy lifting affects the lumbar region so much more . I'm not an orthopedist, but my work involves a lot of contact with them, let me tell you their opinions can vary. Don't be afraid to get a second opinion.

[Morgan]

Trip - according to the neurologist, it seems my discs are losing fluid, a normal function of aging. As far as the bulges and spurs the rest of the cervical - upper and lower is OK but starting to deteriorate, you can see the difference between the good parts and bad. I am going to take your advice on the running. I currently do four miles a day about 8-10 minutes a mile and its' a good-bad deal. Good cause I feel better warmed up, but worse the next day - real tight and stiff. I'll look into an elliptical soon. Maybe a fast walk for the time being.
Yeah, the advances in medicine are great, I'm hoping this goes quick. Glad I haven't started anything yet, this would have screwed things up.

[Morgan]

Originally posted by Berzerker
A cervical disc bulge is not uncommon, especially after a car accident/some kind of whiplash injury, and usually can be resolved by a good chiropractor. Since it's so high in your spinal column I'd venture to say it's not related to weightlifting, as heavy lifting affects the lumbar region so much more . I'm not an orthopedist, but my work involves a lot of contact with them, let me tell you their opinions can vary. Don't be afraid to get a second opinion.

What I am concerned about is the discs are losing some fluid - part of the aging process. This seemed to have caused it to bulge a little? You can see the difference in the MRI. I'm kind of a traditionalist with doctors - I like drugs over someone manipulating my back, but it is not an option I've ruled out yet.

[gongshow]

hang in there man!!!

[trip]

Morgan,

Three neurologists missed the diagnosis of what was wrong with me. One was the head of neurology at major hospital, other two were top rated referrals by other doctors. One neurologist even wanted to do fusion on my vertebrea because he thought that was the problem. I didn't think in this instance his "thinking" was in my best interest, thus I sought other opinions. Thinking to me was no better than best guess, IMHO. When I was finally properly diagnosed and was in the waiting room of the surgeon who did the surgery met two other women who had gone through with vertabae surgery because their doctors "thought" that was the problem, and alas it didn't work. Thankfully these folks found their way to this surgeon.

Moral of story, you are in charge of your own health, do research, get second and third opinions, and be smart, all of which you are doing, just take it one step at a time and all will be well.

My low point was at one point it was obvious I would never be able to run again in my life, and I had run for twenty years, the first day I ran was a joyous and hard fought moment.

As Always Good Luck
Trip

[Morgan]

Trip - I have the good luck and fortune not to believe and act upon everything that's told to me. I will always solicit opinions and aquire any knowledge before making decisions like this. I find enormous inspiration from people on this board, it never fails to amaze me the obstacles that are overcome and things that are accomplished. Really keeps me going, makes a lot of what I deal with seem pretty insignificant.

[rado]

Hope you recover well kid, I know that sucks though.

[Auriflex]

Sorry to hear that shit Morgan - keep your head up!