Maybe not Polymyalgia

[Purplegloss]

Quite a while ago now, as I am on NHS, I posted that my Consultant Neuro Surgeon who I had my initial consultation on a private basis with, had said that I may not have Polymyalgia, and the imflamation in my blood could be coming from my head problem. 18 months ago, I had a scary pain up the back of my head behind my left ear that felt as if my brain had been shaken, and to cut a long story short I had an MRI scan with the result that I could do nothing or see a consultant. Well, I went for the do nothing option, but during the year I have had problems with my head, wobbly/muzzy and a pulse beating.

The neuro Surgeon said I had a serious but not life-threatening problem with my head, and in due course I had x-rays and a CT scan of my head.

I got the result this morning, and basically it is in Doctor speak!

Dynamic x-rays show subluxation of C2-3 and C3-4 with facet joint arthropathy at the relavent level. Severe degenerative disc disease at C5-6 and C6-7 level.

CT scan shows facet joint arthropathy

on the right at C4-5 and on the left side C3-4 as well as C2-3.

I have a phone call appointment on the 2nd October, but any help in interpreting this would be good.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

"Dynamic x-rays show subluxation of C2-3 and C3-4 with facet joint arthropathy at the relavent level. Severe degenerative disc disease at C5-6 and C6-7 level."

Subluxation is a minor or incomplete dislocation in which the joint surfaces still touch but are not in normal relation to each other - so the positions of the cervical spine vertebrae C2-3 and C3-4 aren't as they should be and there are signs of joint disease such as arthritis. There are also dodgy discs further down. (dodgy - well know medical term )

The CT scan shows much the same, Facet joints are made up of two bony surfaces cushioned by cartilage and lubricated by synovial fluid. Facet arthropathy occurs when the facet joints begin to wear down and put pressure on the spinal cord, resulting in pain.

I think that is all correct - does that help?

[Purplegloss in reply to PMRpro]

Thanks for your reply Pro. At my original consultation when I asked what my options were, he said depending on what was found either do nothing, an injection or possibly he may need to operate. Guess it is just a case of wait and see. Thanks for helping with the interpretation.

[piglette]

Are you having symptoms of PMR? ie bilateral hip and/or shoulder pain? If so you could suggest you try steroids say 15mg for a week or so to see if things get better. If things improve perhaps you may also have PMR.

[Pixix]

I have hypermobility and quite often my joints subluxate…it’s painful, but not as bad as a full dislocation from my point of view! I haven’t yet have vertebrae that have done it, but other joints are manipulated back to their correct spot! Sounds as if old age may be starting to show in places, too!! Take care!

[VeeW]

Hi, I have the same thing on the right side, it's been so bad over the years sometimes I felt like I couldn't hold my head up with the pain up my neck into my skull and the earache. I was diagnosed with osteoarthritis in my neck and I now have a steroid injection in my kneck once a year which gives me pain relief almost straight away.If you are offered this you should consider it.

Hope you are feeling better soon xx

[MiniSpec]

Years ago my wife and I used to see a very good chiropractor, who did wonders with our vertebrae. He used to manipulate our necks in order to remove air bubbles from the joints, and also to realign each bone to the rest. The difference was noticeable immediately, and his services were well sought after in the local area.

He moved away from north London, where we used to see him, and we didn't continue any further treatment. Pity really, as we could both do with his services now.

If you find a good chiropractor you may find some lasting relief from the pain in your neck, so Google chiropractors in your local area and try a couple out, to see if any of them can help with your spinal problems, you may be nicely surprised.

[marionofnorwich]

Or a good osteopath. Mine is very knowledgable and will always say if he feels he shouldn't treat something but does manage to straighten any misalignments

[Purplegloss]

Thanks for all your help everyone. Been laid low since Sunday with a diverticulitis flare up, which I have never had before after 20 + years of being diagnosed. Definitely don't want one again either. On two lots of antibiotics at the moment, and feeling pretty weary after not eating, and being in bed for three days. I am due to go to Spain on 6th September, so hope things pick up soon. Good job I wasn't out there, as all I could do was lay flat on the bed, because of the awful pain.