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Hi I Am A 58 Year Old Women With Degenerative
Question: hi i am a 58 year old women with degenerative disc disease and have a heniated disc that has blocked my spinal cord half way i have seen a doc looking like crazy but hopefully found one has 5 star ratings i want to have a artificial cervical disk put in but he would not because im old the movement might cause more damage so he wants to do a 1 level fusion instead does that mean i will hav alot of nerve damage afterward scaerd to death i also have scoliosis the pain started in mid aug question is do you think its been to long for a full recovery from nerve damage
Brief Answer:
Neurophysiological tests will be helpful...
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
I went through the details with diligence and I empathize with your situation. As I understand you have degenerative disc disease along with scoliosis. You reported that you are suffering with pain and I am not sure if you have any other symptoms too. And your doctors are planning for spine fusion surgery.
I understand your worries about more nerve damages following surgery. Your concern is understandable. Therefore in my opinion it would be a good idea to have a detailed neurological examination and neurophysiological assessment done. A complete neurological examination and neurophysiological tests that might include a nerve conduction test / EMG / Sensory and Motor evoked potential will help us understand peripheral nerves / spine involved, the degree of damage and amount of recovery after surgery.
A spine fusion surgery is essential to prevent further damage; but the tests will provide us insights on expectations following surgery. You might discuss these options with your treating doctor and proceed with it if the doctor shares my views.
Hope this helps. Let me know if you need clarifications.
Regards
Neurophysiological tests will be helpful...
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
I went through the details with diligence and I empathize with your situation. As I understand you have degenerative disc disease along with scoliosis. You reported that you are suffering with pain and I am not sure if you have any other symptoms too. And your doctors are planning for spine fusion surgery.
I understand your worries about more nerve damages following surgery. Your concern is understandable. Therefore in my opinion it would be a good idea to have a detailed neurological examination and neurophysiological assessment done. A complete neurological examination and neurophysiological tests that might include a nerve conduction test / EMG / Sensory and Motor evoked potential will help us understand peripheral nerves / spine involved, the degree of damage and amount of recovery after surgery.
A spine fusion surgery is essential to prevent further damage; but the tests will provide us insights on expectations following surgery. You might discuss these options with your treating doctor and proceed with it if the doctor shares my views.
Hope this helps. Let me know if you need clarifications.
Regards
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
Answered by
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