A Pain in the Neck

Had an MRI of my cervical spine due to some issues I have been having to my left finger and thumb. Also as a symptom a tingling up my arm to my to just past my elbow, then the constant pain to my left shoulder blade and some to my neck. With the way they do MRI and CT scans and almost any sort of X-Rays now a day you are able to, if not read the results, you can most certainly get a glimpse of what it is showing. Then all you do is type a search and there you have it, instant information. Severe spinal cord compression is what I have come up with and of course there are several options to help with the pain. These include upping the medicines I already take, physical therapy, steroid injections, and of course surgery. The final decision will be made after talking to my surgeon but between now and then I get to play the full guessing game.

As I was looking through all the myriad of information there are always other things that pop up and make you wonder. Myfirst  thought looking at my MRI was why is there a gap from C2/C3 to C4/C5. There is not much of a bulge at C3/C4 compared to the other two. Why is that? I do not know!!! You would think if I injured it that they would be adjacent.

As any normal, I guess normal person would do, you keep searching the internet for answers. Pretty much I have not found a good answer for that but I am sure it is there somewhere. The biggest issue I have found is the times that tumor show up when discussing spinal stenosis. Now I have done comparison glances at the tumors and do I believe that is one of the issues I have. NO!!! Just saying that this is one of the things that pops up when searching the internet. I believe that it is best to not guess or self diagnose because all it does is create a higher anxiety level to which I really do not need. What I have is a pain in the neck, well actually, as stated above, it all started with a numbness to my index finger, moved to my thumb and middle finger also. Then the pain in the shoulder blade and somewhat to my neck area. The tingling and numbness enveloping my hand up to my elbow was what gave me the greatest concern. Instead of fretting and worrying about what could be or may be I am writing it in this blog. It allows me to share my concerns and hopefully will keep me from obsessing prior to my doctor visit in the next day. Maybe by doing this I will not become someone else Pain in the Neck.