I am a 33 year old female diagnosed with cervical arthritis and

Ask Your Health Question. Health Experts Answer You ASAP.

(Not a Health Question?)

I am a 33 year old female diagnosed with cervical arthritis and anterolisthesis between C3 and C6 following a whiplash injury at age 19. I have struggled with chronic neck pain and headaches for many years. I do not know the percent severity of the anterolisthesis, but it appears to be less than 25%. The slippage appears upon flexion and not on extension, per xray exam. I am concerned about being at greater risk for spinal cord injury in the case of auto accidents or falls. Would surgery be indicated for this level of defect and how much does it typically cost?

Optional Information:
Female , Age: 33

Already Tried:
Chiropractic care, Osteopathic manipulation, pain medication, supplements, massage therapy.

Customer (name blocked for privacy)

Status: Closed Value: $15

Hi,
It is very difficult to coment whether you require surgery withot a complete examination, which includes a neurological examination also. Usually in such cases as yours a surgical decompression with fusion and stabilization is indicated when there is severe cervical spondylosis, progressive multilevel instability, and evidence of early myelopathy. By what you are describing you do seem to have significant cervical spondeylitis, but there seems to be no evidence of myelopathy or instablity. Your concern of a severe spinal cord injury with even a relatively minor accident is justified. But undergoing a cervical vertebral decompression also does not carry 100% success rate and has its own rate of complications.

I would advise you to wait before deciding for a surgey. Rest can be said on a complete examination, which your Orthopedecian must have done.

Please ACCEPT the reply (by pressing the GREEN accept button), and give a BONUS if it was useful. If you need more information, just let me know.
Regards
Dr. Gupta

Reply to Gaurav Gupta's Post: Dr. Gupta,

I do not have an orthopedist, I was diagnosed at a free clinic. The clinic declined any surgical option due to cost. I had only a limited exam, including xray and CT scan. Upon diagnosis, there was no evidence of myelopathy, spondylosis or neurological condition. However, my cervical spine was described as unstable and I was warned of increased risk of spinal cord injury. I do considerable driving (20,000+ miles per year), including long trips and also do some strenuous hiking with risk of falls. I did have a 4 foot fall a few months ago resulting in increased neck pain for several days. In light of these issues, as well as my age, do the risks of surgery outweigh the risk of spinal cord injury? Are there other options to stabilize the spine? My parents are considering paying for surgery, if indicated. Can you give me an idea as to cost and options, if indicated?

Hi,
Your age is in fact a good prognostic sign for surgery. A younger patient can undergo and recover such kind of surgeries better that older people. But if you are not having and myelopathy, spodylosis or neurological symptoms, then I still advise you to wait before undergoing surgery. Moreover the exact severity of your problem can be determined on an MRI of the spine better than CT scan. Patients with spinal cord problems are followed better on MRI scan. I can understand your limitations of finances and the severe pain can be disabling. If your parens are willing to spend for your surgery then it would be a better idea to consult an Orhopedecian who can get and MRI scan and also examine you thoroughly. Then onlyyou should consider surgery. maybe after consulting an Orthopedecian you might get alternative modes of treatment to relieve your pain.

n long distance driving I would advise you to wear a neck collar to support your spine. As far as the cost of surgery is concerned the Orthopedecian who examines you will be a better guide as the cost depends on the extent of vertebrae to be operated and decompressed.

Please ACCEPT the reply (by pressing the GREEN accept button), and give a BONUS if it was useful. If you need more information, just let me know.
Regards
Dr. Gupta

Think you can answer this question?
Login or Become an Expert

DISCLAIMER: You acknowledge that any information you may obtain from individuals you contact through use of the JustAnswer service comes from those individuals, not from JustAnswer, and that JustAnswer is not in any way responsible for any of the information these third parties may supply. The site and services are provided "as is" with no warranty and no representations are made regarding the qualification of an Expert. Responses and comments on JustAnswer are for general information and are not intended to substitute for informed professional advice (such as medical, legal, investment or accounting) and do not establish a professional-client relationship. JustAnswer is not intended or designed to address EMERGENCY QUESTIONS which should be directed immediately by telephone or in-person to qualified professionals. Please carefully read the Terms of Service.

JustAnswer > Online Health Advice

Is there an indication for surgery in my case and what are the risks

Related Answers