Question: Hi,
In September 2009 I had a MRI done for my neck pain. The results is as follows: Moderate C5-C7 disk- osteophyte complexes. Moderate C5-C6 and C6-C7 central canal stenosis with mild cord compression/impingment. Mild to moderate bilateral C5-C6 and moderate right C6-C7 neural foraminal stenosis. As a result I had a cervical fusion C5-C7 which has helped with the tingling in the right arm, though I still have pain in the neck and headaches.
This year I carried a barrell of chlorine and the following is the impression from that MRI L1 compression fracture with minimal buckling of fragments posteriorly and small paraspinal soft tissue hemorrage is not associated with signifficant spinal stenosis, abnormality of the adjacent conus dedullaris or cauda equina or epidural hematoma formation. Disc, ligament and facet degeneration is most prominent at the L4-L5 and L5-S1 levels resulting in minimal effacement of the anterior thecal sac at L4--5 and slight narrowing of the right lateral recess at L5-S1 with possible contact of the disc material with the right S1 nervew root. As a result of this I'm awaiting balloon Kyphoplasty surgery for the compressed fracture.
My question is after all is done would it be safe to say I won't be able to return to my regular job. I'm a pool technician and need to lift and carry 50lbs frequently. Or will I be able to resume normal work activity and not aggrevate m y back further. I did forget to mention that I have also been dignosed with osteopenia and will be getting another bone density test done this week.

The problem I have with sedentary work is that with my neck problem if I don't support it periodically, I end up getting head aches and pain that at times my fingers go numb or tingle, I also fall asleep due to my apnea. I had to request for 1/2 hour lunch cause 1 hour was too long I fall asleep after eating. Does this possibly mean that I might have to trying going out on disability?