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I Asked A Question In Relation To A Bone Spur

Posted on Fri, 26 Jul 2019

Question: I asked a question in relation to a bone spur that was found on my C6 and C7 area about a month or more ago. At times I get periodic light headedness and the aching pain in the lower part or my neck gets worse through the day it seems (worst late in evening). They did run a CT scan in ER and the exact report said "mild disc degenerative change C5-C7 posterior osteophytes, C6-C7, causing moderate narrowing of the left neural foramen." Can this cause me so much pain in my lower neck, numbness in left arm and hand/fingers at times? The random light headedness at times and random rear lower head spasms makes me very nervous too. I had another CTA scan checking my blood flow into my brain as well and the reports were negative so I am a bit baffled at what is causing such pain and the other symtoms? I have lifted heavy weights for years too. Could this be a severe muscle strain or sprain or more likely a disc or nerve issue?

Thank you so much,
XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Pinched nerves may cause such symptoms.

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to "Ask a Doctor " service.

I have read your query and here is my advice.

Pain in the lower neck, numbness in arm and fingers, actually may be explained by pinched nerves from degenerative disease of the cervical spine.

Chronic muscles strain may lead to degerative changes of the spine.

Lightheadedness may be related to changes in blood pressure, so, monitoring it for few days is necessary.

Regarding the imaging studies findings, duration of symptoms and improvement with simple measures, it is possible for you to improve with conservative treatment ( antineuralgic drugs, physical therapy, injections, etc.).

Discuss with your Doctor for these issues.

Hope you found the answer helpful.

Let me know if I can assist you further.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (8 hours later)

I was told by some that severe muscle strains could lead to some of my symptoms and that it may not be the bone spur at C6 C7 causing these problems. Is there a chance that could be true? I had been lifting weights since 1991 and have not had any issues until about late April early May when my upper back and lower neck started aching some. Then I saw a chiropractor around early May and after that my lower neck ached even worse after that adjustment. It was the first time in my life I saw a chiropractor. Also, I was told PT is just a bandaid. If the real problem is a bone spur then why not have surgery to shave it off right away and get to the root of the problem? I work in a prison and need to run to inmate fights and lift weight at times.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (14 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Surgery only when necessary.

Detailed Answer:
Welcome back.

It is true that both, muscles strain and degenerative disease of the spine may contribute in symptoms such those referred by you.

Surgery is indicated mainly for cases of conservative treatment failure or if there is any neurological deficit.

This because the risks associated with surgery, and failure of surgery to improve symptoms caused by muscles strain for example.

Discuss with a Neurosurgeon for these issues.

Hope this helps.

Take care.

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng