Cervical Discectomy anyone?

[koolbeans]

Interested in knowing if any other lifters have had surgery to repair damaged discs in their cervical spine (neck)?

Over the past year I have experienced a great amount of upper body strength loss due to bone spurs compressing the nerve around C5-C6 according to the MRI' s.

Consulted with two neuros and I really need to know if surgery is a viable option that will allow me to regain my strength so that I can train again. It is tough to get a straight answer from the docs on recovery possibilities b/c they don't work with athletes (particularly BB's) that beat up their bodies daily.

I tried endlessly searching the Net for any information about athletes (bodybuilders) having any type of cervical surgery (anterior cervical discectomy, cervical endoscopic discectomy, artificial cervical disc replacement, etc.) and cannot find any credible info.

There has got to be another lifter out there experiencing the same symptoms and issues I have been having who had surgery or considered alternatives, BUT still continued to train.

Looking forward to your replies.

Getting older is beginning to suck!

[takniteasy]

i've had ACDF 3 times in the past 15 years. levels C4 through C7 fused and plated. Dealing with multiple spurs now at C5-C6. considering the minimally invasive spinal surgery if I am deemed a candidate. otherwise, will have traditional surgery to have the spurs shaved down once again. The difference is recovery time: 1 week vs. 6 months. Since I am getting older (46 in July), my recovery time is now longer. don't heal like I did 15 years ago.

If you want to try conservative pain relief measures, inquire about Cervical Epidural Steroid Injections (CESI). Does not address the actual cause of pain, just relieves symptoms for some time.

I was fortunate enough to find both a sports med doc and neuro who understand my lifestyle and know where I want to be activity wise. Keep looking for a neuro who is familiar with athletes. You will be more comfortable with a physician who understands your lifestyle.

As for training, I have continued at various levels. My latest venture was PL. I do still have loss of strength on the left side due to nerve damage but it is not significant. Just have to train the left a little heavier/more than the right to help it keep up.

Feel free to PM me if you want more info.:)

[slemons]

I am 43 and had a fusion of c4,c5,c6 about 3 years ago. At first I thouht it was the worst decision I had ever made, the pain was even worse. Pain (nerve pain) lasted for about 1 1/2 months then was gone, I am now pain free and bench is around 400. If surgery in inevitable don't wait too long or you could end up with permanant nerve damage.