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Note: The answers given here are for the purpose of providing general information regarding spine treatment. They are not intended to replace evaluation and treatment by your physician. If you have questions regarding your specific spine condition, we advise you to see a physician.

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Subject: Herniated C6-7 and compression fractures L1-L5 Acc

Question: Suggestions for herniated disc C6-7 and compression fractures at L1-L5 with accelerated degenerative disc disease

I was injured on the job over six years ago and I am still unable to work and suffer greatly from burning numbness and tingling and weakness of my right arm, hand, and right leg. It is painful to bear full weight on my right foot and hip. I am also plagued with migraines so severe that I end up at my local emergency room and their only option is to heavily sedate me to stop the pain.

I use a lot of pain medication and would love to find some way of eliminating of the pain so that I could return to employment. I currently spend 2-3 hours a day in my Jacuzzi tube with extremely hot water to help reduce the pain and stiffness. I would like to find out if there is something experimental or some sort of test study to help with this.

I have been told that surgery now would not give a good result, but that as the deterioration progresses it will be an option. I have tried everything that I can think of, but the pain and the weakness keep me from doing much of anything. My physician has prescribed Loricet, I am currently at a sedentary rate. Pleae let me know if you ahve any suggestions, i would greatly appreciate them.

Answer: We do not understand why your problem is so complicated to your doctors. Compression fractures that continue to be painful can usually be treated quite successfully with Kyphoplasty, which is a procedure that may restore the height of the bone and relieve pain.

Also, surgery for a disc problem in the neck is successful in relieving the neck and arm pain and headaches over 75% of the time. So what is the problem? You have treatable problems.

Perhaps you need to see a spine specialist?

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