I'm new to this site. (Edited My Admin) I have been diagnosed with 3 herniated discs in my neck, DISH - diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (my spine is fused from the base of of my neck to my waist due to this disease - it is a form or arthritis), and cervical stenosis. I've also been told that I have a congenitally narrow spinal canal -- where most people have a 5 mm space around the spinal cord, I have a 1 mm space. I've been treated with 4 epidurals (so far), physical therapy, tried acupuncture (this did nothing). I've been told by spine surgeons I'm not a good candidate for surgery due to high risk & projected low success. I've been turned away by a chiropractor who uses the Spine-Med machine, who is not willing to risk treating me because of the DISH. I've been told by other doctors not to go to a chiropractor because of the risk of fracture in the DISH area. I am unable to take pain meds due to allergies. I also have periodic spikes in my blood inflammation levels that the rheumatologist is unable to account for. DISH does not cause that. I believe it is from my neck issues.
The numbness and tingling are in my left arm (the side that the discs are protruding on) and radiate down to my index finger and thumb. I've had symptoms from this condition for 2 years now, although after the 3rd epidural the pain and numbness abated. I was also getting regular massage therapy which helped with the permanent muscle spasms in my shoulders and upper back. However, my massage therapist left and I did not receive regular treatment for several months. That's when the pain and numbness and tingling returned. I had my 4th epidural a week ago; it relieved a lot of the pain, but not the numbness and tingling (which at times increases in intensity until I feel like I'm plugged into the wall). I'm scheduled to receive another in 2 weeks and am hoping it will alleviate it.
My question is, are there exercises in the book I would be able to do that would help me, considering my situation. Or should I wait until after the next epidural to see if the numbness & tingling go away?
Sorry for the novel, but I am really hoping this book can help me.
Thanking you for your input in advance
