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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Are There Any Options Other Than Spinal Surgery For Stenosis In Spine?

Hi Doctor, I have been diagnosed with stenosis/myelomalacia in the cervical spine between C3 to C6. The surgeon has recommended urgent spinal fusion using a cage and hardware.My question is, is this as serious as it sounds and is there any alternative to spinal surgery. Thank you for your time
Wed, 10 Sep 2014
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Diabetologist 's  Response
my dear friend, there are too many restrictions in your query
I have no idea what your symptoms are (your investigational reports need to be correlated with your symptoms)
I cannot see the film of radioimaging (the extent of damage can be made out by seeing the films only)

Still, I think you should go with the doctors advice. Spinal stenosis is a term for the reduced diameter of the vertebral canal. Vertebral canal is a small tube in which the spinal cord passes. This has become thinner. As per your record, it has started to affect the health of the spinal cord- myelomalacia.

At C3-6, it is high enough to cause damage to all 4 limbs. so you may end up with quadriparesis.

I hope that explains to you the seriousness of the condition

Also, I will suggest you decide fast. Neurological symptoms can improve only upto a certain time. After that the symptoms will not improve, they just wont progress. besides, if certain symptoms develop like bowel and bladder involvement, the results are less likely to be good

So think fast

I hope that helps.
if you need more details, please upload the data asked

best of luck
Dr Mittal
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Are There Any Options Other Than Spinal Surgery For Stenosis In Spine?

my dear friend, there are too many restrictions in your query I have no idea what your symptoms are (your investigational reports need to be correlated with your symptoms) I cannot see the film of radioimaging (the extent of damage can be made out by seeing the films only) Still, I think you should go with the doctors advice. Spinal stenosis is a term for the reduced diameter of the vertebral canal. Vertebral canal is a small tube in which the spinal cord passes. This has become thinner. As per your record, it has started to affect the health of the spinal cord- myelomalacia. At C3-6, it is high enough to cause damage to all 4 limbs. so you may end up with quadriparesis. I hope that explains to you the seriousness of the condition Also, I will suggest you decide fast. Neurological symptoms can improve only upto a certain time. After that the symptoms will not improve, they just wont progress. besides, if certain symptoms develop like bowel and bladder involvement, the results are less likely to be good So think fast I hope that helps. if you need more details, please upload the data asked best of luck Dr Mittal