Question: Had cervical fusion from c5 to c7 with instrumentation and bone graft.7. Now have disc her nation. At c4-5 Right of midline, facet arthritis and ligaments flavus hyper trophy. Bad headache on right, seeing double, pain in arm, tingling and pain into hand. Treatment options. Also have stenosis

I appreciated the answer but realize I didn't give enough info. I did have a follow up MRI AND it revealed at C4-C5: new disc hern right of midline, arthritis and the liGamentus flavum hypertrophy. I am getting an injection tomorrow. Take both B12 and Biotin supps. Vitamin D is low so I supp with 4000 iu/ day. Also take calcium and magnesium supps.

Question is, is the ligament hypertrophy permanent? I originally had the fusion due to 2 disc herns between C5 and c7. Disc at c5-6 was indenting spinal cord and I had lost sensory and mobility on right. I'm left handed. Gained back a lot of mobility and feeling. However, it's starting to diminish again down right arm. Tremendous headaches on right side going up into temple and right eye. Trouble focusing and double vision when tired in right eye.

I want to know if the ligament can be healed with shots and therapy. I cannot find info on this condition re: cervical spine. Only re: lumbar spine. New MRI revealed compression of nerve root I guess due to stenosis, arthritis and ligament. Not indenting cord. Also have left sided disc hern at C7-T1 and bulges at C2 to 4.

In a lot of pain. Fusion with screws and a plate. Bone taken from hip. Disc is still herniated T C5-6. I thought the disc would have been removed?

My surgeon moved so I can't follow up with him. Seeing physiatrist and having pain mgt. having first shot tomorrow, under anesthesia.

Is the ligament just going to continue thickening? Are shots to cure or palliative, or to buy time. Do not want to lose mobility in right arm permanently.

Thank you!!

Ok, thank you

I'm sorry... I hit "send" before I was dome and then I did write a follow up question but dont know where it went...

Last question, and I really appreciate your answers, doctor. They have very easily helped me to understand what it is that is happening to the ligament. I read something about a ligament undergoing an ossification lacking protein.

Am I able to ultimately halt the progression of the ossifying by controlling my diet and with proper supplementation as well as physical therapy- perhaps strengthening the soft tissue around it? Or is this a degenerative process that Have no control over? Or little control?

I had the injection last night and honestly can't remember the last time I woke up without a headache until this AM. I understand now that you meant that I should have the MRI done with contrast so I will get a script for one with contrast!!! :)

Very sore at injection site but normal soreness. No infection. It definitely worked.

Thank you so much for taking the time to explain and answer.

Great! Thank you so much for your patience and good advice!!