Introduction, Considering ADR, Questions.

[tmross131]

Hello, my name is Taylor. I'm 24, herniated a disc in my neck in 2012. Lately the pain has increased dramatically and I fear the disc below it might have gone too. Gonna have to get another MRI soon.

Anyway, I'm considering ADR. I was wondering - my neck is sort of curved to the right, its not super noticeable unless you were looking for it, but its definitely not straight... would that complicate the ADR surgery/success? What about for a 2-level surgery? I believe the curve is the reason for the disc herniation to begin with, as there was no injury or trauma in my case. But what do I know. The one Dr. I saw about this problem said that probably wasn't the cause, but I trust that Dr. very little - has anyone else on this board with spinal curvature been told/suspected their disc problems are because of that?

I plan to go consult some US Neurosurgeons in the next month. I'm in FL, but if I turn out to be a good candidate for ADR, it seems like Germany/UK - M6 - is where its at for that.

Thanks

[pittpete]

I'm not an expert on the neck, but if you are having lots of pain and the nerves are compressed it can cause muscles to tighten up and pull to one side.
Have you had another injury since the first incident?

[tmross131]

I've always had the neck curve, thats what I think may have caused the first herniation, and left me vulnerable to further herniations. No injuries, so thats just sort of my theory, but I don't know for sure. Can't really think of any other reason why an active 22 year old (how old i was at the time) would be so vulnerable to this condition. I do play drums, thats another theory.

[pittpete]

How long have you been a drummer and does a drummer tilt his head to one side?
I've never heard of scoliosis in the neck area.
I've always had a slight curvature in my lower spine and believe it did contribute to my injuries at such a young age(24)
I wouldn't doubt that such a curvature would contribute to pressure to one side of your discs.

[annapurna]

I think that it's time for a reality check on what your doctor told you. In the absence of trauma, there are very few reasons why a 24 year old should be needing ADR. I'd seek other opinions about the curvature. You might need to regard it as a second effect and not a cause. That is, you have a herniated disk and you have curvature of the c-spine; both might be caused by a third, undetected cause.

[tmross131]

I just did a little research, turns out ADR is not recommended for people with scoliosis. And the method for correcting scoliosis - fusion.

[tmross131]

Ok, i'm gearing up to consult an array of Dr.s about my cervical scoliosis + disc issues. I think addressing the scoliosis may be a good place to start. I hope the pain I'm experiencing now is a flare up and not indication of further damage.

Can anyone tell me the major differences between a cervical vs lumbar fusion or ADR? I've seen it mentioned a few times that lumbar is more complicated/presents more long term issues, but i'd like to know specifics and why. Peyton Manning had a cervical fusion after all, and he seems to be doing alright for himself.