Is There Any Surgical Treatment For Severe Neck?

Posted on Fri, 20 Feb 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 20 Feb 2015 Answered on

Mon, 16 Mar 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : Over the past 25 years my husband has seen numerous doctors about ongoing neck pain. He has tried physical therapy, shot to the cervical spine, traction, other home exercises, & a myriad of pharmaceuticals. Recently he went to go see an orthopedic group here in XXXXXXX The orthopedist took xrays and sent him for an MRI. I have attached one of those pictures. Upon receiving the results of the MRI the orthopedist sent him to a neurosurgeon in his group. This morning he saw the neurosurgeon who at that time looked at the MRI and said he would like to try injections to C 5 C 7 under anesthesia and physical therapy along with the medication. These injections will be done by the orthopedist he saw at the beginning of this month. We are wondering if this is some kind of run around or scam as we are right back to the first doctor. Does this seem like a logical approach? Should we find a different neurosurgeon and take the MRI to him? Please advise. Thank you very much.

Answered by Dr. Saumya Mittal (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
The picture is not uploaded.

Detailed Answer:
Hi
I am Dr Mittal.
I have read your query.
I think I would be able to help you.

The symptoms of the query are quite suggestive of a severe neck issue , possibly a disc issue. However, unfortunately, the mri is not yet attached. I think I would suggest that you try to upload the file and the report again.

As for the plan of care, I think all surgeons prefer to go for a non surgical option before trying surgery. If you saw one who asked for conservative therapy first, I think he is a good surgeon. A scam would be when he did surgery without trying conservative therapy.

Please upload the images so I can help you better. Best of luck. Dr Mittal.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Saumya Mittal (32 minutes later)

it says it is attached. please let me 5 if you do not get it.

Answered by Dr. Saumya Mittal (22 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Suggestions

Detailed Answer:
Hi
The image you have uploaded is not the perfect one.
It is not the ideal picture.
I would suggest that you attach the report instead.

However, the image does show some changes.
The disc bulges are definite.
I think the neurosurgeon you have met wants to give it another shot with conservative therapy before he goes for surgery.
Its neurosurgery.
Too many nerves can get potentially damaged in surgery.
Therefore surgeons always prefer to avoid it.

If you really want to consult someone else, i would suggest a spinal surgeon instead.
Best of luck
Dr Mittal

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T