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Suggest Treatment For Degenerative Changes In Spine

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Posted on Mon, 10 Nov 2014
Question: There is straightening of the normally observed cervical lordosis. C3-4: tiny 1-2mm midline dorsal bulge. C4-5: minimal posterior extension of disc annulus. C5-6: small 2mm osteophyte complex crowds the anterior epidural space. Neural formina clear. C6-7 minimal 2mm bulge. No stenosis. C7-T1 normal. I've been in severe pain for several years and constant muscle spasms and numbness of wedding and pinky finger are numb. Also, I have had 3 MVA's, 1 major horse accident and the past year have had an off/on low grade fever (worse at night but no greater than 100.5degrees), CTscan showed numerous enlarged lymph nodes in neck and jaw, no Dr has been able to figure out the cause,however and it's been a year now since fever started. Had numerous bloodtests that ruled out everything including a full Rheumatology workup which was normal, was referred to Oncologist to rule out Lymphoma possiblity, but at that time he thought it was mono b/c my ebstein-barr virus antibodies were high (greater than > 8.0 but NO active infection was ever found) but after a few months, mono was ruled out and I never got any biopsies, but still don't know why I have a low grade fever (it's intermittent) swollen lymph nodes in neck, and whether or not its related to my recent MRI of my neck (I have old injuries to my neck but had the MRI because the pain and muscle spasms in my neck have been increasing/ getting worse during this past year as well and I am not sure if it's related or unrelated). Please explain what the MRI report means and also if you think the lowgrade fever and enlarged lymph nodes (the lymph nodes weren't that big) are related or unrelated. I also have a history of multiple C-diff infections, so I believe that is why no Dr has given me ANY anti-biotics during this past year that I've had a lowgrade fever and swollen lymph nodes (it may also be helpful for me to mention that I had the worst ear infection of my life 9 months ago and my eardrum ruptured and I was not given any oral antibiotics b/c of C-diff hx and concern). Sorry for the long,complex question...this has been a horrible year for me and so far, my Dr has no idea what's wrong with me and I feel he thinks I'm a 'typical' woman, complaining, when I am the opposite and despite my having a very complex hx and multiple other medical problems (I've had 3 cardiac ablations for 3 different types of arrythmias, and just had a cardiac implant as well, also have Barrett's esphagus, esonophilliac esophigitis, RSD in leg from 8 failed knee surgeries, and several more), I don't EVER go to the Dr unless things are very bad or serious. I would GREATLY appreciate your opinion and ANY insight as I have felt lost this past year and I haven't seen my Dr in a few months b/c I feel he's frustrated with me. Anyway, thank you so much!!!
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Sudhir Kumar (44 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Early degerative spine.lymph node biopsy useful.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for your query.

I'm Dr. Sudhir Kumar,

After going through your query I concluded that you got early degenerative changes in spine looking to your report as it shows osteophytes. Glucosmine sulfate, Diacerine and Mecobalamin will be useful. You can take analgesic such as diclofenac for pain relief.
Your lymph node enlargement seems to me a separate issue.I want to ask few questions to you.
1.Whether you have any weight loss during this period?
2.What is your ESR?
3.Whether you have loss of appetite?

It will be very useful for you to got lymph node biopsy to know cause of low grade fever as it will be helpful to rule out tuberculosis , lymphoma, rheumatoid arthritis and many more along with malignancy.You can discuss with your treating Doctor about it.

Hope I have answered your query.
If you have any further questions I will be happy to help.

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. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju
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Answered by
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Dr. Dr. Sudhir Kumar

Orthopaedic Surgeon

Practicing since :1993

Answered : 3356 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Degenerative Changes In Spine

Brief Answer: Early degerative spine.lymph node biopsy useful. Detailed Answer: Hi, Thanks for your query. I'm Dr. Sudhir Kumar, After going through your query I concluded that you got early degenerative changes in spine looking to your report as it shows osteophytes. Glucosmine sulfate, Diacerine and Mecobalamin will be useful. You can take analgesic such as diclofenac for pain relief. Your lymph node enlargement seems to me a separate issue.I want to ask few questions to you. 1.Whether you have any weight loss during this period? 2.What is your ESR? 3.Whether you have loss of appetite? It will be very useful for you to got lymph node biopsy to know cause of low grade fever as it will be helpful to rule out tuberculosis , lymphoma, rheumatoid arthritis and many more along with malignancy.You can discuss with your treating Doctor about it. Hope I have answered your query. If you have any further questions I will be happy to help. Wishing you good health. Take care.