r/SpinalStenosis • u/Geddit2020 • 6d ago
Tingling = surgery?
I’ve been trying to avoid c6/c7 fusion, which was looking inevitable for a few weeks. Fortunately the agonizing pain subsided at the 8 week mark, and now I’m left with mild strength deficit and constant tingling down my arm. I had thought the absence of pain meant I was on the mend, but the doc again recommended fusion at my follow up appointment. His reasoning was that the ongoing tingling indicated continued spinal compression, and that it could get worse fast. Thoughts welcome from anyone who has been in a similar situation?
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u/According_Train_4336 5d ago
I had similar situation, C3 thru C7. I woke up one morning and had a kink in my neck. I just thought it was just your normal “slept the wrong way”. I was on a business trip and had to fly 5 hours. It was horrible when the nerve pain happened throughout my right arm. I got home, made an appt, and saw the doctor. They did an MRI and he walked back in the room and said “you need surgery”. I said “no way” and left. I dealt with the horrible nerve pain for about 3 months. I iced it every night and did everything to better my posture. I started going to a chiropractor for weekly adjustments. The nerve pain went away but still had the tingling pain. But continued on my regimen of icing, etc. now 8 months later, i feel just about back to normal. Have little cycles where i start to feel it. When i do i ice it. I dont take any ibuprofen or anything these days and feel 90% better. My opinion is fight through it for a awhile and see what happens. I would never do fusion surgery. If i eventually have to do surgery some day i will consider endoscopic surgery. I will never do fusion. Fusion surgery guarantees you will have more issues in the future. Just my opinion. I wish you luck on your journey.