i was diagnosed with OA of the neck 3 years ago, since then it has spread to my left shoulder and arm, I have not bothered to go back to the doctor because all they say is "it's old age (75) and wear and tear.
but recently I have felt a weakness in my legs and have stumbled 3 times in the last 2 weeks, someone tells me that it could be due to the OA.
i was wondering if anyone else has experienced this.
Max
Hi Max,
Yes my original symptoms were actually in my feet (oddly cold) and then I felt strange muscle aches especially behind my right knee. I had several doctors tell me the level in my cervical spine could not cause that and others say it's possible, they personally knew people. I guess my take away is once you mess with nerves, it can potentially cause problems anywhere.
Oh yes definitely. But you really should see your doctor and if they don't offer treatment options then find a different doctor. For me, epidural and transforaminal steroid injections in cervical spine and lumbar spine help for 6-8 months and you deserve to manage your pain and clumsiness. Yes my issues are also in my arms and feet and legs even though originating in my spine.
Hi,
Same here, c/s with spondyllosis and myolepathy at c4567. I also have bladder problems, difficulty urinating, and now both legs very heavy and clumsy. Nothing to do with your neck was also my neurosurgeons reply.
I had to go to urology specialist and have 5 intrusive tests done only to find out that my bladder spyncter was spasmming involuntarily due to spinal cord being pinched at cervical levels.
I have to be very careful not to put any stress or strain on my neck, shoulders and upper spine as I cannot have an operation because multi level fusion is not possible because of extra stress on remaining vertebrae.
Mike.
Thanks very much for your reply. Very helpfull
max
thanks very much for your reply, very helpful
max
thanks very much for your reply, I also have trouble urinating and have again been told by my doctor that it is an an age thing.
i don't really know where to go from here, I think if I was younger I would push harder for some solution.
max
Hi max,
The trouble with a lot of medical practitioners is that they will insist on knowing your body better than you.
I had an accident at work which left me disabled, as soon as I stood up after falling from a ladder and hitting right side of head I noticed I had lost all strength of upper limbs. I went on the Internet researching my many symptoms and told my wife that I have cervical spine problems especially spinal cord.
After 13 months and X rays mris ct scans and nerve conductivity tests the medical professionals reached the same conclusion.
Go to your GP and ask for a referral to the Urology clinic, if you manage to get an appointment a small tip:make sure you wash/bathe yourself and clean underwear, you will be seen by 2 nurses and the stories they told me about the mess that some patients turn up in would set your teeth on edge.
Mike.
Hi max I am female had OA in my neck since I was in my early 20,s cracks creaks always and has feels like it going to snap. They told me them it will worsen as I got older which it has , I always avoided trying to take painkillers etc I just got in with. It 😢... I am 53 this year I had MRI 2 years ago and lots of other x rays as I was having Terrible lower back hip knee pain for years , the results were
x arthritis / calcaneal spur.
:T23/L1 diffuse disk bulging. indentation of the cal sac.
:Schmorks nodes at multiple levels.
:L4/5 disc bulging.
:Ligamenta flags hypertrophy & facet joint degenerative causing mild/ moderate canal narrowing Both forming show moderate narrowing due to disc bulging and osteophytes.
:L5/s1 disc bulging , left forming moderate narrowing due to disc extending into formina.
:The right forming shows narrowing disks .
:There are modic type 2 changes around this disc.
:Several vestigial disks noted within the sacrum spine.
:XR pelvis degenerative change in both hips appearance of :Femoro acetabular impingement.
:Osteoarthritis in spine , both knees & hips & foot , 1st metatarsal.
Also have :JOINT HYPERMOBILITY
Now my knees feel like I have weights on them and and I feel as though from my waist down to my feet is weak, this is also the OA ... they give me Arcoxia which really does help but I can only take it 10 consecutive max, then told I have to have a break
So basically I can have 10 in a lot less pain which is good but then back to normal with usual pain 😢😢
Thanks Angela very helpful information.
Max
Yes, I too experience problems with my legs. The Neurosurgeon didn't want to hear anything about my bottom half, I will not return to him. I am going to take my 2 MRI cervical & lumbar and go to UCSF! They have a great team there!