Who's had it? MRI shows some bad stuff for C5, seeing a surgeon in a few days to map out a plan.

I had C5&6 replaced and 4-7 fused April last year. Severe central spine canal stenosis - Cervical Spondylosis. .Dr said I could be paralyzed at any time, scared me badly. They went in through the front of the neck, 6 hr surgery, in the hospital for 3 days due to excessive bleeding. Neck brace for 3 months, 9 months of 30 min daily electric thingy treatment. Severe spasms in my jaw and neck now that I didn't have before. Tread lightly my friend!

Are you experiencing unusual symptoms anywhere?

Dr. told me I wasn't in any danger, and that what I had was common. Placed no restrictions on me. I have no symptoms other than numbness, tingling and pain, all that comes in waves then goes away. It extends from my neck to the top of my shoulder. No weakness or other symptoms at all. Surgeon will have a look at MRI and report and tell me what I should do about it on the 18th. My C5 looks oddly shaped, like some of it is broke or wore off. My internet research and a few discussions with my Physical Therapist tells me replacement will likely be discussed. Physical Therapy is currently helping, symptoms are less severe and come less often.

Just remember Surgeons live to cut. That's their only job. They will not try to talk you out of surgery.

Going to UT Southwestern Spine Center. My wife has a working relationship with them. I've heard what you're saying, which is why I'm going to UT. They say..........that they offer alternatives to surgery. We'll see, thanks for the heads up.

Probably feels like bursitis in your left shoulder mostly at night. You may be loosing some strength in your arm also but may not know that yet. Your DR is probably looking for stenosis or a compression at the C5. If very mild, steroids may help you. Best of luck to you.

Thanks. Exactly, and it is at night. Right on the tip of my shoulder, a knot actually pops up, goes away by morning. I have lifted weights regularly for the last 12 years if that's any indication on the bursitis. My orthopedic dr who saw me initially and ordered the MRI gave me a round of steroids that made me feel almost 100% while I was taking them. Sounds like you know what you're talking about.

Whatever the surgery don't be the guinea pig, make sure the surgeon (and other surgeons nationwide) have performed many, many of these procedures successfully. By no means participate in a clinical trial.

Get a second and third opinion, if a doctor doesn't want to answer questions leave as fast as you can.

I had a long time friend of the family tell me recently about people receiving stem cell treatments for all kinds of ailments. For a while people were going to Mexico, but now it's available here. He named a long list of problems that it was used for instead of surgery including knee replacement, hip replacement, spinal problems, etc. etc, even brain issues. The list was long.

He said Tony Dorsett had some memory problems reversed in a big way due to these treatments. I searched for that online and its true.

Insurance doesn't cover it yet. That is the downside.

had 5, 6, 7 fused and a plate put in after I was rear ended at a light. same as above except for the spasms. be prepared to be immobile for at least a month, have someone that will do what you need done. also have them use your bone if you need replacement bone, other option was cadaver donation, I opted for my own. they took mine from my hip, no big deal on that part.

No surgery for me. Saw a great dr who gave it to me straight. When a surgeon tells you don't need surgery, that's good news. I'm 56 and 15 years of weightlifting has given me the neck of a 70 year old, two wore out vertebrae. Someday, maybe but for now an injection if I want it. I've been in PT and it has helped a lot. My mistake, reading my MRI report and going to the internet looking up the definition of big scary words. Thanks for the advice I received from some of you, I appreciate it.

That's great news.

I'm happy to hear that you don't need surgery.

I am curious what it was about weight lifting that gave you the neck of a 70 year old?

Any lifitng up and overhead, like a seated tricep extension done with neck (chin tuck) out of position. From now on, no lifting over my head. Actually going to change my whole fitness approach. More cardio, core, and lower body stuff. I've missed leg day my whole life.