I have nerve root compression in the
cervical and lumbar regions. I am losing
strength in left leg and left arm. My
bowels and bladder control are being
affected. My daily living activities are
limited because of pain. I am scheduled
for a spinal fusion at c-5 and c-6 with a
diskectomy. I am very nervous and afraid
to have it done. I am postponing it for
now.
I have been in pain for over 10 years. I
have gained about 100 lbs since I am
unable to do much with out causing pain. I
wish I could afford better insurance
because I think that would give me more
options, Doctors don't like HMO
insurances. They only want to fix my
cervical impingement. I feel that both are
in need of treatment.
What else can I try?
Narcotic pain killers do nothing but mask
the pain and make me tired. I am taking
Ibuprofen 800 mg to take the edge off, but
I want my mobility back. I can't even
clean my home anymore. Any suggestions?
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algosdoc
Experienced User , Rather EHEALTHy
Joined: 23 Mar 2004 Posts: 186
Posted: 01-26-08 13:13pm
Nerve root compression in the neck will
not cause loss of bowel or bladder
control, but spinal cord compression will.
If the symptoms are attributable to cord
compression, then you should have surgery
ASAP. No other options other than surgery
should be considered if you have spinal
stenosis with cord compression resulting
in the loss of bowel or bladder control.
If you don't have cord compression, then
epidural steroids may provide transient
relief. You should check with your
physician as to the severity of the
condition and have him formulate a plan of
attack. Talk with him about the options
and whether or not waiting for surgery is
feasible.
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nscrbug
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 06 Nov 2007 Posts: 13
Posted: 01-28-08 18:56pm
Ok...the one thing that stuck out in your
post is the part where you said you gained
100lbs. Surely you must know that the
extra weight is definitely putting undue
stress and strain on your back. I mean no
disrespect and don't want to come off as
sounding "harsh", but...you need to really
make a serious effort to try and drop some
of that extra weight you gained. I know
it's hard, believe me...I've been down
that road myself. But I have no doubt
that the extra weight could be causing
some lower back issues, which in turn is
most likely causing your bladder/bowel
issues (which is a serious thing!). If
possible, I would see about having a
lumbar MRI done just to see what exactly
is going on with your lower back. Good
luck and do keep us posted on your
progress.
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expatient
Experienced User , Rather EHEALTHy
Joined: 24 Nov 2005 Posts: 128 Location: Finland
Posted: 01-30-08 05:11am
Many nerve root compression cases have got
relieve from manual treatment like
osteopathy. If there are facet locks or
tight small deep muscles they can compress
the nerve.
I had pains 10-15 years and finally I got
help after looking for it 10 years. A good
manual therapist can do things medical
world tells is not possible.
