I have the same problem, i have severe pain in my left arm that radiates down my tricep to my forearm and to my middle and index finger. i am in the navy so i have to have this fix but if i have the surgery i don't know if they'll allow me to go back to a ship. Which wouldn't hurt my feelings.
The steroid pack that i am taking helps with the pain and swelling. But i still down have much feeling in my fingers. Good luck
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I am doing pretty well. Doc said I could go back to work so I worked all week. Only real problem I have is the muscles in the back of my neck cramp up if I do much of anythingwith my left hand. My right hand is fine, although I still have some numbness and a significant loss of strength. He said I am doing really well. I am getting physical therapy for the neck muscles.once I get those back into shape I will be fine. Glad to hear you are doing better.
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How are you doing? I'm feeling much better!
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Yeah, i hate taking stuff too.I've had the pain since september, i'll just tough it out a few more months.I've been taking fish oil.The omega 3s are supposed to help with inflammation.
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Thanks for the note. I was lying in bed this morning in quite a bit of pain thinking about the Cymbalta. I also don't like taking meds, but I really need to get back to work. I'm thinking I am just goign to have to get used to the pain for now. I'll let you know what he says.
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Good luck at the Docs today.Although cymbalta worked great for the nerve pain I ended up having a reaction so I've stopped taking it.I couldn't sleep and was wheezing. oh well.
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Thanks for the update. That sure does make me feel better. I know what you mean about being scared it could happen again. I fell while running the week before it got really bad. Then the day it went nuts was after a race that I ran in the morning. I actually run very slow, but at the end of a race I sprint hard. I think I may have to stop that. I don't want to stop running though. It makes me feel so much better in every way.
The assistant told me he wanted to give me a piece of my disc, but that he had to send it to pathology. I see the doc on Monday. hopefully he will be as reassuring as yours.
Good luck to you.
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WOW! great questions!
He said the nerve pain is totally normal, don't worry.He said it would take 3 more months for the nerve to calm down and up to a year to feel back to normal.I just need to be patient. He gave me Cymbolta for the nerve pain and i took it today.IT IS AWSOME!!! i actually feel like my old self again.The drug is an antidepressant but was really made to treat nerve pain in diabetics.It really helped today and i haven't had any side effects (keeping my fingers crossed). Doc said disc would scar over.Mine was really broken up.
I forgot to ask for a piece of disc, too nervous on the day of surgery.I teach science and would have LOVED to show the kids, they would think it was awesome.
I'm going back to work Monday, but no lifting more than 10lbs.It will be almost 3 weeks from the date of surgery.
I got my herniation from tripping over a kid in the hallway and falling real hard.It took a couple of days before i noticed the tingling in my hands.
I've been walking too, but too much hurts my shoulder more.I do a bit of yoga.I'll be going back to physical therapy, and I also bought a TENS unit to help with the muscle pain (but cymbolta seems to be helping with that so maybe I don't need it).
I'm a bit nervous to start lifting weights or do more vigorous exercise.I'm scared to death of another herniation or reinjury.I will probably never go on another amusement park ride. I'm only 32. I never want to experience this again
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How did your appointment go? Did you get any more information about the pain? My appointment is monday. I am very tired toiday. This is the first time I've felt so wrung out. I have been in my recliner on my laptop all day, but not particularly productive.
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Did the surgeon give you any idea of what they found when you were in surgery? Did you get to keep a piece of your disc? I have put together an entire question sheet for my doc visit which is Monday. My questions are below. Feel free to use any you want.
I woke up from surgery with no pain. I was in the hospital overnight. The only pain meds I have had since surgery is one shot of torodol and two regular tylenol for a headache that night in the hospital. There just hasn't been enough pain to take the heavy stuff.
BUT, especially with certain movements the pain radiates from the shoulder blade again, which is the site of the initial agony. My arm only aches a bit, but I am afraid that in another week I'll be like you saying the pain is back fullforce.
The hardest thing is not knowing what to expect, and not knowing if there are moves, positions or activities that could make the remaining disc either break again or "slip" They told me to walk a lot so I have been out for a 1 mile, a 2 mile and today a 3.5 mile walk. I am hopeful the doctor will take time to go over these questions with me. I don't want to be rushed with this part.
Post surgery questions:
1.Time frame for following:
a.Work -
b.Flying -
c.Amusement park rides - (i'm headed to Disney this month)
d.Golf -
e.Running -
f.Yoga -
g.Weight lifting -
h.Sex -
2.Any photos or videos of the actual surgery? (I like that kind of stuff)
3.How degenerated are my discs?
4.Is weight training a good idea
5.Physical Therapy
6.Numbness will it go away
7.Arm pain along forearm. Will that stop?
8.What to do if feel pain returning in future?
9.As I understand what I have read, the outer layers of the disc actually adhere to the bones of the vertebrae. Is that correct. Do they regenerate, reforming a “whole” disc?
10. Based on the description of my disc is it safe to say an inversion machine wouldn’t have taken care of this problem? (everyone said go to chiropractor or get an inversion machine)
11.Any way to determine if the problems I had 15 years ago were part of a chronic condition? (I have an MRI from back then)
12.Any judgment about whether the events which I can recall could caused or contributed to this?
a.Carrying upwards of 40 pounds of bags (computer, workout, pocketbook and paperwork) twice a day (always on my left shoulder.) regularly for years.
b.Pain following heavy snow removal (pushing the snow like a plow more than any lifting) - January
c.Pain following falling a couple of times on a snowy trail. – 1 week before the acute event
d.Sprinting hard for the last 100 yards of a race – the morning of the night that I ended up in severe pain.
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Hi, I'm in a similar situation, only on my left side.It's now 2 weeks past my cervical discectomy of C6-7.My index and middle finger are completly numb still (this started when i woke up after surgery).The pain has returned full force in my shoulder/arm/hand.It took about a week for my pain to come back.I wonder if it never went away, just the pain killers i was on immediatly after the surgery masked it. I've been taking a lot of antiinfammatories, but it's not helping.I'm REALLY frustrated.I hoped surgery would help. My neck and incision area is doing good though. I've got the same questions as you do.i see the Doc tomorrow, i'll keep you posted
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Next Question
FAQs
What nerves are affected by C7 T1? ›
The C8 spinal nerve exits the spinal cord in between the C7 and T1 vertebrae through a small bony opening called the intervertebral foramen. This nerve has a sensory root and a motor root.
Is nerve pain common after neck surgery? ›The most common reason for experiencing continued nerve pain after a fusion surgery is inadequate decompression of a pinched nerve during the initial procedure. If the spinal cord nerve is still fully or partially compressed, you'll have lingering pain and symptoms afterward.
What causes pain in the C7 vertebrae? ›Injury to the vertebrae and/or intervertebral disc at the C6-C7 level is a common source of C7 radicular nerve pain. Severe trauma to this level may also injure the spinal cord.
Can a neck injury cause neurological problems? ›Much more serious neck injury can result in quadriplegia or quadriparesis. Quadriparesis describes an episode of numbness or tingling, with possible motor change ranging from weakness (quadriparesis) to paralysis (quadriplegia) of all four extremities (arms and legs).
What does the T1 nerve control? ›T1 and T2 nerves: These nerves go into the top of your chest and into your arms and hands. The T1 nerve is also part of the brachial plexus, a network of nerves in your shoulders that carries movement and sensory signals from your spinal cord to your arms and hands.
How common is C7 T1 fusion? ›Disc herniations at the C7-T1 level, the cervicothoracic junction (CTJ), are rare, accounting for only 4% to 8% of all cervical disc herniation cases1,3).
How long does it take nerves to heal after neck surgery? ›You may have trouble sitting or standing in one position for very long and may need pain medicine in the weeks after your surgery. You may need to wear a neck brace for a while. It may take 4 to 6 weeks to get back to your usual activities.
How long does nerve pain last after spinal surgery? ›Pain is normal in the weeks following back surgery, as tissues heal, nerves regain normal function, and inflammation decreases. However, some people may have pain beyond the three to six month period that is considered a normal healing time.
What does a failed neck fusion feel like? ›Symptoms of Failed Neck & Back Surgery Syndrome
These symptoms can include neck, mid or low back pain possibly extending into the arms and/or legs. Patients may also experience numbness and tingling as well.
C7 radiculopathy.
Tingling, numbness, and/or pain may be felt down the arm and into the middle finger. Weakness may be experienced in the back of the upper arm (triceps).
What does C7 nerve control? ›
Cervical nerve 7 controls your triceps and wrist extensor muscles. C7 provides sensation to the back of your arm into your middle finger. Cervical nerve 8 controls your hands and gives sensation to the pinky side of your hand and forearm.
What helps C7 pain? ›Both over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medications are used to treat pain stemming from C6-C7. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), opioids, tramadol, and/or corticosteroids are a few examples of pain-relieving medications that may be used.
What can a neurologist do for neck pain? ›Every back pain and neck pain patient is unique, with different degrees of problems associated with a bone or disc abnormality. A neurologist is trained to discover the causes of symptoms, as well as using EMG testing to assess the injury to nerves and whether it is reversible in the short and long term.
What does a neurosurgeon do for neck pain? ›Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) is the most common procedure used for treating neck pain. It involves removing the problem disc and then placing a bone graft to fuse the above and below vertebrae supplemented with titanium plate and screws.
How is neurological level of injury determined? ›In general, neurologists define the level of injury as the first spinal segmental level that shows abnormal neurological loss. Thus, for example, if a person has loss of biceps, the motor level of the injury is often said to be C4.
What are the symptoms of a pinched nerve at T1? ›T1-T2 Pinched Nerve: The T1 spinal nerve is responsible for the ring and pinky fingers and the area at the first rib. A pinched nerve may cause pain in the back or chest at the first rib, or pain in the ring and/or pinky fingers.
Where is C7 T1 on the spine? ›The C7 T1 spinal motion segment, also called the cervicothoracic junction, is located where the cervical spine and thoracic spine connect.
Is C7 or T1 more prominent? ›Spinous Process
5-14). The spinous process of C7 is the most prominent of the cervical region, although occasionally C6 is more prominent (C6 is the last cervical vertebra with palpable movement in flexion and extension). Also, the spinous process of T1 may be more prominent than that of C7 in some individuals.
A vertebral, rib, and/or disc injury at the C7-T1 level may cause moderate to severe neck pain and/or upper back pain. Sometimes, there may be difficulty in breathing if the first rib or rib muscles are injured.
What helps T1 pain? ›- Neck brace. ...
- Medication. ...
- Physical therapy. ...
- Therapeutic injections: Depending on the source of pain, image-guided spine procedures including but not limited to epidural steroid injections and/or facet blocks can provide symptomatic relief.
How do you pop C7-T1? ›
2 ways to manipulate (HVT) the cervical-thoracic junction (C7/T1) of ...
How do you know if nerve damage is healing? ›How do I know the nerve is recovering? As your nerve recovers, the area the nerve supplies may feel quite unpleasant and tingly. This may be accompanied by an electric shock sensation at the level of the growing nerve fibres; the location of this sensation should move as the nerve heals and grows.
Is cervical nerve damage permanent? ›A cervical pinched nerve can be caused by a slipped or herniated disc, bone spurs (osteophytes), spinal stenosis, and degenerative disc disease. If left untreated, it may lead to permanent nerve damage.
Can cervical nerve damage heal? ›Can it be cured? Although there are several very good nonsurgical and surgical treatment options available to relieve the symptoms of cervical myelopathy and radiculopathy, there is no cure, per se, for the degenerative changes in the cervical spine that caused the symptoms.
Why do I still have nerve pain after back surgery? ›The formation of scar tissue near the nerve root (also called epidural fibrosis) is a common occurrence after back surgery—so common, in fact, it is so common that it often occurs for patients with successful surgical outcomes as well as for patients with continued or recurrent leg pain and back pain.
How can you tell if you have nerve damage after back surgery? ›Symptoms may include chronic pain in the back, neck, or legs, which can be dull or sharp, aching, burning, or radiating. The pain may continue after surgery or reappear several days or weeks afterward. It can worsen as scar tissue builds in the spinal nerve roots, which extend from the spinal cord.
Can spinal surgery cause neuropathy? ›Neuropathic pain after spinal surgery is a frequently observed troublesome disease entity for both patients and surgeons [1,2,3]. Patients complain of persistent back or leg pain, regardless of the absence of neural compression.
Can you damage a neck fusion? ›While uncommon, as with all surgery there are a number of risks and potential complications that can occur as a result of a cervical decompression and fusion surgery, including: Hemorrhage or formation of a wound hematoma. Damage to the carotid or vertebral artery resulting in a stroke or excessive bleeding, even death.
How can you tell if a spinal fusion has failed? ›In addition to chronic back pain, other symptoms of failed back surgery include neurological symptoms (eg, numbness, weakness, tingling sensations), leg pain, and radicular pain (pain that spreads from one area of the body to another, such as from your neck down to your arm).
What happens when a cervical spinal fusion does not heal? ›When the vertebrae involved in a surgical fusion do not heal and fuse together, there is usually continued pain. The pain may actually increase over time. The spinal motion can also stress the metal hardware used to hold the fusion. The screws and rods may break, leading to an increase in pain.
How do you release the C7? ›
Place one forearm on each wall, with your elbows at shoulder height. Slowly shift your weight over your front leg until you feel a stretch across your chest and the front of your shoulders. Hold for 20 to 30 seconds; then relax. Repeat three times.
Is cervical radiculopathy a neurological disorder? ›Cervical radiculopathy is the clinical description of when a nerve root in the cervical spine becomes inflamed or damaged, resulting in a change in neurological function. Neurological deficits, such as numbness, altered reflexes, or weakness, may radiate anywhere from the neck into the shoulder, arm, hand, or fingers.
What are the symptoms of cervical spine nerve damage? ›- Sensory issues, such as numbness or tingling in fingers or hands.
- Motor problems, such as muscle weakness, lack of coordination, or the loss of reflexes in your arms or legs.
C7 mainly forms the radial nerve to innervate triceps muscle; d. C8 mainly forms the median nerve to innervate the flexor digitorum muscle; e. T1 mainly forms the ulnar nerve to innervate the intrinsic muscles of the hand.
What is special about C7? ›Unique Vertebra: C7
Not only is C7's spinous process significantly bigger than those of the vertebrae above, it is also a different shape to better fit with T1 below. C7 also lacks holes (foramina in its transverse processes) for vertebral arteries to pass, which are present in all of the other cervical vertebrae.
The cervical spinal nerve 7 (C7) is a spinal nerve of the cervical segment. The plan of the cervical and brachial plexuses. The spinal cord with spinal nerves. It originates from the spinal column from above the cervical vertebra 7 (C7).
Where is the C7 nerve root? ›The nerve root of C7 runs between vertebrae C6 and C7.
How do you release a T1? ›MB2: How To Release the Thoracic Spine - YouTube
How do you Unpinch a C7 nerve? ›How to FIX a Pinched Nerve in Your Neck | RELIEF IN SECONDS!
Would you see a neurologist for neck pain? ›If you have neck pain, you might need to see a neurologist. A neurologist is trained to treat diseases in the spinal cord, brain, muscles, and peripheral nerves. Your neurologist can diagnose your condition and provide the proper treatment.
Do neurologists treat pinched nerves? ›
It is recommended you see a board-certified neurologist if you suspect you have a pinched nerve. Your neurologist can relieve numbness and tingling by reducing the pressure on your nerves using one of the many neuropathy treatment options available.
Do neurologists treat chronic pain? ›Neurologists care for patients with chronic, complex conditions that include pain disorders like migraine, peripheral neuropathy, traumatic brain injury, multiple sclerosis, and low back pain.
Is a neurosurgeon better than an orthopedic surgeon? ›While an orthopedic surgeon is a better choice if you need a new hip, knee, shoulder, or have a severely broken bone, anything related to the spine is best treated by a skilled neurosurgeon. If you have a back issue or severe back pain, seek out a neurosurgeon for their evaluation and diagnosis for proper treatment.
Do I need a neurologist or a neurosurgeon? ›“The difference is that neurosurgeons deal with surgical issues related to the brain and spine, whereas neurologists often deal more with nonsurgical, degenerative issues related to neurological problems.
What can a neurosurgeon do for nerve damage? ›A neurosurgeon can explain surgical options, such as nerve grafts, nerve transfers or muscle transfers, to help restore function.
What is neurological injury level? ›Neurological level of injury (NLI): The NLI refers to the most caudal segment of the cord with intact sensation and antigravity muscle function strength, provided that there is normal (intact) sensory and motor function rostrally.
What is Spinal shock syndrome? ›Spinal shock is the altered physiologic state immediately after a spinal cord injury (SCI), which presents as loss of spinal cord function caudal to the level of the injury, with flaccid paralysis, anesthesia, absent bowel and bladder control, and loss of reflex activity.
How long do spinal injuries take to heal? ›Recovery, if it occurs, usually relates to the severity and level of the injury. The fastest rate of recovery is often seen in the first six months, but some people make small improvements for up to 1 to 2 years.
What does C7 nerve control? ›Cervical nerve 7 controls your triceps and wrist extensor muscles. C7 provides sensation to the back of your arm into your middle finger. Cervical nerve 8 controls your hands and gives sensation to the pinky side of your hand and forearm.
What muscles are innervated by T1? ›Spinal root T1 innervates primarily forearm and hand muscles. Spinal root T1 innervates primarily forearm and hand muscles. These are: Flexor digitorum superficialis, Flexor policis longus, Flexor digitorum profundus, Lumbricals, and Interossei.
What nerves are affected by T1 and T2? ›
Supply Areas. Thoracic spinal nerves serve the region thus: T1 and T2 (top two thoracic nerves) feed into nerves that go into the top of the chest as well as into the arm and hand. T1 is also part of the Brachial Plexus.
What is C7 T1? ›C7, also called vertebra prominens, is the last cervical vertebra. T1 is the first thoracic vertebra. C7 has a longer spinous process (bony protrusion), which can be felt in the back of the neck. T1's spinous process projects at a more downward angle and may not be as prominent.
What does C7 nerve pain feel like? ›C7 radiculopathy.
Tingling, numbness, and/or pain may be felt down the arm and into the middle finger. Weakness may be experienced in the back of the upper arm (triceps).
Individuals with a complete C7 spinal cord injury will not be able to move or feel their trunk or lower body, and will also have some impairments in their hands/fingers. This will affect: Bladder and bowel movements. The inability to control these reflexes and muscle contractions can make you very prone to accidents.
Which muscles are innervated by C7? ›C7 mainly forms the radial nerve to innervate triceps muscle; d. C8 mainly forms the median nerve to innervate the flexor digitorum muscle; e. T1 mainly forms the ulnar nerve to innervate the intrinsic muscles of the hand.
What are the symptoms of a pinched nerve at T1? ›T1-T2 Pinched Nerve: The T1 spinal nerve is responsible for the ring and pinky fingers and the area at the first rib. A pinched nerve may cause pain in the back or chest at the first rib, or pain in the ring and/or pinky fingers.
Is C7 or T1 more prominent? ›Spinous Process
5-14). The spinous process of C7 is the most prominent of the cervical region, although occasionally C6 is more prominent (C6 is the last cervical vertebra with palpable movement in flexion and extension). Also, the spinous process of T1 may be more prominent than that of C7 in some individuals.
The thoracic spine is located in the upper and middle part of the back. Twelve vertebrae are located in the thoracic spine and are numbered T-1 to T-12. Each number corresponds with the nerves in that section of the spinal cord: T-1 through T-5 nerves affect muscles, upper chest, mid-back and abdominal muscles.
What is Anterolisthesis of C7 on T1? ›Anterolisthesis is a spine condition in which the upper vertebral body, the drum-shaped area in front of each vertebrae, slips forward onto the vertebra below. The amount of slippage is graded on a scale from 1 to 4. Grade 1 is mild (less than 25% slippage), while grade 4 is severe (greater than 75% slippage).
How do you test for T1 nerve? ›Ask the patient to maintain finger flexion while you pull away. Note the strength of wrist flexion and compare it with the opposite side. The T1 nerve root is best examined by testing the strength of finger abduction. Ask the patient to spread their fingers.
Where is T1 located on your spine? ›
Many people aren't aware of this, but your T1 vertebra is the same thing as your C7 vertebra. It's located right at the base of your neck, and forms both the last vertebra of your cervical region, and the first of your thoracic spine. These bones are very unique, because they attach to and articulate with your ribs.
How do you pop C7 T1? ›2 ways to manipulate (HVT) the cervical-thoracic junction (C7/T1) of ...
What helps T1 pain? ›- Neck brace. ...
- Medication. ...
- Physical therapy. ...
- Therapeutic injections: Depending on the source of pain, image-guided spine procedures including but not limited to epidural steroid injections and/or facet blocks can provide symptomatic relief.
Both over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medications are used to treat pain stemming from C6-C7. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), opioids, tramadol, and/or corticosteroids are a few examples of pain-relieving medications that may be used.