axiomed freedom cervical disc
 

hello everone,

Firs a quick about me. I was in a car crash at 19, had symptoms of a bulged disc for 6 months (didn't know it) after. Eventually became asymptomatic. Fast forward to last summer at 22 years old and I reinjured throwing out a mattress. Didn't realize it was anything serious anyhow, just sometimes driving hurt my shoulders and neck. Kept lifting weights until I woke up with pain at about a 5 and little function in my right hand and arm. Now, 5 months later, one ortho says go do what you want you'll be okay just a small bulge. Second opinion sent me to pt which I just started.

I wake up regularly in the night because my arm goes numb, can't much lift weights or run (basically only two things I like to do for myself) and have back and neck pain. Regularly a 3/10, and occasionally a 7 or 8/10

I found a clinical study in Europe for the freedom cervical disc. Makes much more sense than these ball and socket designs (much more natural). Im considering trying to get into the trial. Based on your experiences, should i wait and see if the bulgr (C6-C7) becomes asymptomatic, or try ADR while I'm still a good candidate? My quality of life has gone significantly down without athletics. Are outcomes generally good? Its difficult to tell because of what papers consider a good outcome, and most people who are online about it tend to have bad outcomes (understandably so).

Thanks

ADR,

I sent you a reply on your first thread. It is way too soon for you to consider ADR. You should create a signature with the details of how you were injured as well as what treatments you've tried up until now. Have you even gone through physical therapy? If so, put that in your signature. Look at mine as an example. This way the readers can give you the best recommendation possible. I believe that you have many options to go through (physical therapy, pain management, minimally-invasive surgery) before even thinking of ADR. I truly believe that you have a chance to get better if you follow the order that I outlined. One final thought, have you had an EMG test? This is a test of nerve conductivity, usually performed by a neurologist, which will let you know if the pain and discomfort you are experiencing are the result of a pinched nerve in the area of your disc herniation. If there is a direct correlation, pain management specialists and surgeons will be more comfortable treating you (knowing that treating the herniation is likely to make you feel better and improve your life).

Gene

Gene, thanks for your advice and for both replies. Duly noted.

I'm currently doing PT after several months of McKenzie and inversion at home, just started, but they seem to think damage is done and haven't given me any idea that they hope to fix the problem, only lessen symptoms by strengthening and stretches for ROM. I was really hoping at PT they would want to focus on fixing whats wrong. The whole process is pretty frustrating. I dont want to just go through life with pain management and pills, Im hoping for an actual solution. The reason im even yhinking surgery so early is becayse im afraid problem will get worse and i will live years in pain than have to fuse.

My mother has had 2 fusions and still has constant pain and limited function in both arms. I'm very scared to end up like that.

ADR,

I'm glad to hear you've tried PT but not happy to hear that it's not helping. What I was suggesting is that many pain managements specialist can actually perform coblation nucleoplasty. Look at the following link: Pain Management DR Scottsdale Introduces Coblation Nucleoplasty Treating Spinal Pain

If this is something you are seriously considering, a pain management specialist is the type of physician you need to consult with.

Gene

Ah I see. I think they perform it st my surgeons office, the stony Brook university spine and scoliosis center. At leastit says so online. I have a follow up after PT, so if that fails then I will discuss it. A shame insurance doesn't cover the procedure. I have weeks where there are minimal symptoms and I think I'm getting better, than the next week its like I just got out of a fist fight 24/7.

Also see this topic:

http://www.adrsupport.org/forums/f45...therapy-12096/

When you can, pls insert a signature too.

Thanks Harrison. Added. Also this website is a great service.

Hey new buddie, don't thank me yet -- my questions may drive you nuts! Tell us more about your spinal condition and health. Most people here use parts of their MRI studies to convey the health of their spine -- both soft and hard tissues.

When was your last MRI? How raw, organic and healthy is your diet?

PS: If you search the site, you'll find app 50 topics on Axiomed.

Well before thus happened in december I was eating decently (not perfect, certainly not raw or organic, but mostly cooking my own food) but was in great overall fitness. Actually the more serious symptoms started the day after a personal record bench press. Didn't expect it to possibly be my last at any rate. I ran about 3x a week (ran track and xc in HS and college) as well as the gym every 2/3 days. I was training for a race called the Arnold swarschennegar (sp?) Pump and Run. Bench press then run a race.


Since the injury I've gone into a pretty severe depression to be honest, since I've decided this might not just go away with conservative care. I do my stretches and go for walks every day to get juices flowing, but overall my diet has gone far downhill because I dont have the motivation to cook and am too upset to think about eating on bad days. So I'd say my diet is really bad right now. I do drink tons of water every day.

With regards to my MRI and X Rays, my x ray was about as good as can be. The MRI found a mild bulging disc right at the nerve root to my right arm C6-C7. I will attach a still when I get to my computer. The first surgeon said its not a big deal, mild arthritic disc bulge, keep living life how you were. I saw him during a time I thought it was getting better, so I decided I wouldn't go back to working out but would keep being conservative until it got better. It stayed the same and some weeks feels worse, so I got a second opinion. He said that if it were him he wouldn't consider surgery yet at all, and sent me to PT. I spoke with him about ADR and he said we will discuss after my round of PT, and said it might still improve.

That's basically my story. I've been lurking these boards for quite some time but held off joining because it kind of felt like once I joined it was admitting conservative care failed. Hence the lame username Haha, I was originally not planning on sticking around for long, but it seems like I just might. And I certainly don't mind questions, I'm just glad to have some sort of supportive community.

And sorry that my posts are like short stories Haha. I'm a writer by trade.