posted Thu, 04/22/2021 - 19:32
2365
Anyone familiar with cervical stenosis?
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I've gone through many years of pain and not knowing why. I'm not here to complain but I would like to know if any of you or friends/relatives have dealt with stenosis and maybe have advice. I've gone from looking like a greek god to the average joe over the years. As soon as I try to train, my neck tightens and my shoulders follow.. I'm stuck.... I'm trying every option and the next is surgery. I want to explore every other option before I commit to surgery though. Any and all advice is appreciated. I just cannot stay inactive like this for my mental health. I can't even ride a bike or drive a car without this getting in the way
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AnonHow are you feeling?
IDK if this will help you since it is a narrowing of the canal condition. I have had a lot of trouble with my neck over the years from bone spurs from an injury and right now it is pretty good. It used to send pain down either my right arm or my left depending or often just a pain in the neck. At first I though my shoulder was messed up, getting cortisone shots etc. It is hard to tell the difference in pain but weakness in the arm usually accompanies it with me. Especially if my right side is stronger than my left on presses since traditionally my left is stronger. Right bicep will also get small and weaker sometimes along with the forearm.
If you get really good alignment you might obtain relief without surgery. Although I believe 100% what Lindsay is saying. I have used a neck traction device along with Chiropractor visits with good success. My posture was trying to correct for the pain making my neck look like derailed rail cars(train wreck), which with the bone spurs made it bad. The device helped straighten it along with foam rolling my upper back with just my feet on the ground rolling up and down with my head off the ground and my knees bent. The traction device is called Confortrac. I got it off of Amazon for $369 Pricy for what it is, but build quality is good and the relief I have obtained it has paid for itself many times over. I do 8 mins in it most mornings for maintenance, it is part of my get ready for work routine. I use 22 PSI but it feels like more than that. When I was having problems I was using it 3xper day. Also get a pillow that is exactly the right size for you and how you sleep. I have been chasing the perfect pillow and have more money into pillows than my mattress.
Really for me the key has been the traction to straighten and relieve the pressure. It is a process, but while in traction the relief is noticeable right away. Plus you can write it off as a medical device if you live in the US and have a FSA account.
Good luck to you. It is true, a pain in the neck is a real pain in the neck.
Neck traction and deep tissue massages have helped the most for me but my problems will literally return over night. Neck traction is very hit or miss for me.. it either works out great, does nothing or my neck hurts for the rest of the week. I bought an inversion table early on, several neck hammocks and one of those neck braces with the gear cranks to stretch. The inversion table didn't do much and the other two would stretch the front or back of my neck but not both at the same time which is what I really want. I'm definitely going to look into what you tried and I really appreciate you sharing it with me
AnonI've never understood the 'put it off'/deal with it mentality, for a declining condition that requires surgical intervention...ESPECIALLY when it affects function. The longer you wait, the worse it's gonna be. Older age, longer recovery. Find a quality sawbones, get a 'percentage outcome' and make a simple cost vs. gain equation. You're miserable now and one wants to be 'regaining your health' at 40...50...60. Take it back now.
Keep in mind, not everything is black and white and im a fan of cutters. They tell you what they can and cant do...then do it.
Good luck.
I didn't know this was the culprit of my symptoms for quite a long time. I had some really shitty doctors that could not give a flying fuck and would send me to PT for my shoulder then throw their hands up when that didn't work. I went through so many doctors until I just about lost my shit with one to get him to do an MRI of my neck. Now I know the real problem but it's a bit late obviously. I have bone spurs and multiple herniated discs. I'm currently in PT for my neck for the first time to see if I can get anything out of that. I wouldn't have a problem with surgery if I hadn't already asked multiple surgeons and people who've had spine surgeries their experiences. It's looking like I'll end up going with surgery but I at least wanted to give every possible option a try. If a surgery with your spine doesn't go well it's a hell of a lot worse than a simple tendon or muscle tear
Buddy, this is sound advice! I agree 100% and constantly have this conversation with people in life and the gym. The longer you wait, the more your going to suffer and the less chance you have of healing. This is especially true if you are younger, because there will come a day where your too old.
RustyhookerHope you get it fixed up bro
I really appreciate it brother! I hope all is well! Sorry I'm never on anymore but I can't allow myself to get too interested in cycling again with this sort of thing. I'm always eagerly looking forward to the day when I can push myself again but it just isn't in the cards for me right now
RustyhookerTotally understand and hope you find a true cure. Youre a good dude
Do they/you know the cause of the stenosis? Bone Spurs and most common is a herniated disc. Only surgery can fix bone Spurs, but Physical therapy and time can help with herniation.
I have both in my L4-5. I do lots of core strengthening and stretches each day to keep things manageable. I get injections for my bone Spurs a few times a year. They recommended surgery for me years back, but I have been able to live with my symptoms with my exercise and stretching.
I do know the time will come when I’ll have to have surgery, but I’m trying to hold off as long as I can.
It's both.. I tried injections and felt better control over my shoulder blade and loosening of my trap for a few days after but it all reverted back before the week was over. I've tried every sort of rep range and no matter what I end up tightening my neck and traps up after any workout
My mother has this, she is 75 years old though, occasionally her legs stop working. Surgery is an option, but the doctors have told her not to until it becomes a constant issue.
My mother's is from arthritis, what is your cause?
We don't know other than I might have been born with the bone spurs. It wasn't obvious until it started herniating the discs in my neck and putting pressure on even more nerves
I wish you the best brother, sorry I can't help.