I was just diagnosed with Cervical Spinal Spondylosis, I am 27 years old what the hell is going on here?

Question

I havnt been able to get much information from the doctor, one has told me he isnt very familiar with this condition in such a young person. I was referred to a physical therapist and because there is no real cure a was given a "routine" physical therapy appointment. Surgery is out of the question till it gets worse and I get older because it so invasive. This isnt suppose to be a genetic disease but my mother, aunt, and uncle all had surgery on their necks for this exact reason, bone spurs putting pressure against nerves/spinal cord. I am starting to notice swollen joints and pain particularly in my hands/wrists, and knees...mostly when I wake up and late at night. I was given percucet, tramadol, and indomethacin. The percocet has run out, and they probably will do pain management before they refill that one they are very against perscribing that for good reason. At first the indomethacin and tramadol seem to work well, but a month and some later they dont seem to be doing much any more but taking the edge off the pain I get from the pinched nerves in the cervical area. There is mild spondylosis in all but 1 c-vertebrates and ddd in the t-1. Now with the joint paint in the hands and knees im gettin worried something else is going on. Unfortunatly it seems like the Army doctors dont take it nearly as serious I have seen a PA, and the physical therapist apparently has a doctorate in physical therapy. I have asked to see a specialist and have been told that we arent there yet, and I have asked to see a MD and was told the PA is good enough. Any advice, would you raise a big stink? Should I ask for more MRI's/XRAYS of the other joints, does it even matter since there isnt much they can do? Im just so confused and afraid that if im already getting these diagnosis now what my life will be like when im 40. WTF is going on with my body? The only trauma I have had to the neck was when my HMMWV blew up, basically whip lash and that was a couple years ago.

Answer 1

How's this made some very good points.



First, that spondylosis is a natural occurance, beginning in the second decade of life, and nearly all joints are spondylytic by the time we reach our 60s, only for a small portion of the population experiences more than normal, transient neck pain.



However, changes outside of the "norm" for your age group may be worth a second look.



The first to consider is, does the pain radiate anywhere other then the neck...into one arm, this is common with disc derangements and is a rather common problem that often responds very well to conservative care (ie, physical therapy).



If it radiates to both arms, this CAN happen in disc derangement, but can also be suggestive of more serious pathology: Stenosis, myelopathy, upper cervical instability, etc.



Yet, another thing that is concerning is the widespread joint pain. In someone such as yourself, there is some consideration for further underlying medical pathology...especially if it is disturbing your sleep.



Based on the information you've given, I would push to see a rheumatologist...

Answer 2

Spondylosis is wearing out of the spine. It happens to all adults to varying degrees, and progresses with age. It can be aggravated by trauma. Smoking is a known risk factor. As you have seen, some families seem to be more susceptible to it.

There is no specific treatment for spondylosis (that would require a new spine or an anti-aging treatment). When it affects the lumbar spine, its progress can be delayed by avoiding heavy lifting, bending, etc. There is not much you can do when it affects the neck (unless you are a circus performer, when it would be time to change jobs).

Surgery is only of use if the spondylosis causes pinching of a major nerve. The aim of the surgery is to decompress the nerve, not to rejuvenate the spine.

Intervertebral disc arthroplasty ("disk replacement surgery") is not yet established as a worthwhile therapy comparable to other joint replacements (e.g. hip and knee).



So, what can you do?

Listen to a physical therapist's advice on taking care of your spine.

If you are a smoker, cease.

If you do get symptoms of nerve pinching (pain, tingling or numbness, or weakness in an arm; or clumsiness and stiffness of the legs), see a doctor and get an MRI.

Answer 3

I'm so sorry for your loss. It must be a terrible feeling to lose a child, I can't even begin to imagine the pain you're feeling. I think out of those three, As I Lay Me Down is the best choice. Ut is about death, and being so close that death is no obstacle. I wouldn't recommend the other two though. Other songs that are good are: 1. One Sweet Day - Mariah Carey/Boyz 2 Men. 2. You Raise Me Up - Westlife. 3. Tears in Heaven - Eric Clapton.