HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

Suggest Treatment For Arthritis In Discs C3-c7

default
Posted on Mon, 19 Jan 2015
Question: hi: have weakness in left hand only in fingertips e.g. cutting with scissors, holding a soup spoon etc. that cat scan diagnosed as arthritis in discs c3-c7. have not had an mri. is there an alternative other than surgery?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Vaibhav Gandhi (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Yes there are alternatives to surgery in your case.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Yes, there are alternatives to surgery in your case. Based on your description the weakness you described is more likely to be related to cervical spine. In such cases alternatives such as neurotropic medication like pregabalin and methylcobalamine will help to regain weakness. Further physiotherapy like ultrasound and interferential therapy is also helpful. Lastly local steroid injections to the affected spine area could be tried in an effort to relieve symptoms if the aforementioned options don't help you.

But before we try these options, I feel you will need MRI cervical spine to see spinal cord and nerve root compression. I will also advise you to undergo EMG-NCV for better diagnosis. Your orthopedic surgeon / spine surgeon or neurologist can direct you through evaluation.

If the latest symptoms are considered severe (after evaluation) or if problems persist despite conservative measures then you may need surgical decompression.

Hope this answers your query. If you have additional questions or follow up queries then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your queries. If you are satisfied with answer do not hesitate to rate this answer at end of discussion.

Wishing you good health.

Take care.
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
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Vaibhav Gandhi

Orthopaedic Surgeon

Practicing since :1998

Answered : 5164 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
Suggest Treatment For Arthritis In Discs C3-c7

Brief Answer: Yes there are alternatives to surgery in your case. Detailed Answer: Hello, Yes, there are alternatives to surgery in your case. Based on your description the weakness you described is more likely to be related to cervical spine. In such cases alternatives such as neurotropic medication like pregabalin and methylcobalamine will help to regain weakness. Further physiotherapy like ultrasound and interferential therapy is also helpful. Lastly local steroid injections to the affected spine area could be tried in an effort to relieve symptoms if the aforementioned options don't help you. But before we try these options, I feel you will need MRI cervical spine to see spinal cord and nerve root compression. I will also advise you to undergo EMG-NCV for better diagnosis. Your orthopedic surgeon / spine surgeon or neurologist can direct you through evaluation. If the latest symptoms are considered severe (after evaluation) or if problems persist despite conservative measures then you may need surgical decompression. Hope this answers your query. If you have additional questions or follow up queries then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your queries. If you are satisfied with answer do not hesitate to rate this answer at end of discussion. Wishing you good health. Take care.