Something to study

… before my appointment next month with the neck-and-spine PA.
MRI was 2+ weeks ago, http://365project.org/rhoing/365/2015-12-22
This is a plastic model at the physical therapy office.

1 year ago (“Sedum burrito (Burro’s tail sedum)”): http://365project.org/rhoing/365/2015-01-08
2 years ago (“Resistance is futile”): http://365project.org/rhoing/365/2014-01-08
3 years ago (“Goldfish in a [Glass] Bag”): http://365project.org/rhoing/365/2013-01-08
4 years ago (“Epiphany”): http://365project.org/rhoing/365/2012-01-08
5 years ago (“Saturday morning breakfast”): http://365project.org/rhoing/365/2011-01-08

[ IMG_8338SOOC12x8tm :: f/8 :: 1/30" :: ISO-3200 :: 60mm ]

All the "action" seems to be at C5/C6/C7. MRI report had these impressions:
» Neural foraminal narrowing is *severe* at C6/C7 on the left. There is moderate to *severe* narrowing at C5/C6 on the left and at C6/C7 on the right.
» Disc osteophyte complexes indent the thecal sac at C5/C6 and C6/C7 without significant spinal canal narrowing.
» Disc desiccation with mild to moderate disc height loss at C5/C6 and C6/C7.

And these findings:
» C5/C6: A disc osteophyte complex (DOC) indents the thecal sac. This along with uncovertebral and facet joint arthropathy causes mild-to-moderate right and moderate to *severe* left neural foraminal narrowing.
» C6/C7: A DOC indents the thecal sac. This along with uncovertebral and facet joint arthropathy causes moderate to *severe* right and *severe* left neural formainal narrowing.

Way too many instances of "severe"…

[Jane Anderson]

This is very interesting to me as I've been having many talks with professionals about my mother's back. Hers is in L2 and L3, and she had cement put into L3. I feel really sorry for your suffering, and I hope that you soon will find some relief.

[Thom Mitchell]

@cejaanderson Aww, thanks, Jane, but physical therapy (traction) has been miraculous for pain relief for many weeks now and I'm sleeping well! I'm just concerned about what the PA will "suggest" I should-and-shouldn't do from here on out…

[Rick Schies]

I must say Thom, you find yourself a good physical therapist who knows what they are doing they can do wonders. As you know I have been battling with my thumb joint acting up & I thought I was facing a joint revision but after 4 weeks of therapy the pain is gone and I have what appears to be better strength in that joint than before. The location of your issues could pose some significant problems if it is not properly addressed but it sounds like the traction has been effective. If that works, way to go. Much better than surgical intervention although today they have made some significant advances in such techniques.