C3--C6 Spinal injury ??

kmchugh · Mar 27, 2004

Lots of different things can be wrong. I'm not a doctor, but the diagnosis of Reynaud's sounds to me as though your doc was hearing hoofbeats, and looking for zebra's. Might want another opinion. It is possible that you have a ruptured disc in there, causing nerve impingement. Lots of things can cause what you describe.

Short answer? Get another opinion. Seeing a neurologist might not hurt.

Kevin McHugh

sjoe · Mar 27, 2004

kmchugh writes: "Get another opinion. Seeing a neurologist might not hurt."

Yep.

Jolie, BSN · Mar 27, 2004

I originally posted this on Neuro Intensive Care, but have not received any replies yet (Not a patient person). So I thought I would try you guys, God knows you have been able to help me out before!!
My problem is: About 5 years ago I sustained an injury to C3--C6, don't know how!! I did the PT, NSAIDS and eventually the searing pain in my left arm/shoulder/back/neck subsided. Recently I have begun having the pain, tingling and spasms on my right side-same signs I had previously with the left side. Also had the middle finger on my right hand turn WHITE, not pale, blue, or any other color, it was WHITE. As quick as it turned white, it returned to it's normal color.Some tingling in the hand for a short time but nothing major.
GP said I have Reynauds? This does not make sense to me, as what I have read about Reynauds it does not affect just one digit and there is a gradual returning of color.I do have poor circulation though, so maybe he is right.
Do you think I should go back and have another MRI done? I hate to complain, but I really do not want to go thru that kind of pain again.

When I read your post, the first thing that came to mind was reflex sympathetic dystrophy. I agree with the others about getting another opinion. Good luck!

UCDSICURN · Mar 27, 2004

What kind of injury was it? Sub lux, vert. body fx? Was there surgery done or just immobilization for a period of time?

A CT of the spine should be sufficient in determining any problems. I work in a Surgical Trauma ICU and we rarely MRI anyone with spinal injuries. Definately get the 2nd opinion. A neurologist or an ortho-spine specialist.

Donn C.

lady_jezebel · Mar 27, 2004

Run to a neurologist.

bellehill, RN · Mar 27, 2004

I agree, CT and a neurologist should do it.

lazyrocking · Mar 27, 2004

Several years ago I had a c5 - 6 fx. After a couple years I experienced the same s/s. It turned out to be a small cyst at the site of the initial injury. MRI was the only way to dx it. It was just watched and the fluid reabsorbed but was told that if it continued to grow, another surgery was called for. Please get right in to a neuro.

I originally posted this on Neuro Intensive Care, but have not received any replies yet (Not a patient person). So I thought I would try you guys, God knows you have been able to help me out before!!
My problem is: About 5 years ago I sustained an injury to C3--C6, don't know how!! I did the PT, NSAIDS and eventually the searing pain in my left arm/shoulder/back/neck subsided. Recently I have begun having the pain, tingling and spasms on my right side-same signs I had previously with the left side. Also had the middle finger on my right hand turn WHITE, not pale, blue, or any other color, it was WHITE. As quick as it turned white, it returned to it's normal color.Some tingling in the hand for a short time but nothing major.
GP said I have Reynauds? This does not make sense to me, as what I have read about Reynauds it does not affect just one digit and there is a gradual returning of color.I do have poor circulation though, so maybe he is right.
Do you think I should go back and have another MRI done? I hate to complain, but I really do not want to go thru that kind of pain again.

Tweety, BSN, RN · Mar 28, 2004

Yep. See a neurologist and insist on an MRI. Good luck.