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A MyFibroTeam Member asked a question 💭
Cincinnati, OH

I was just diagnosed with cervical degenerative disc disease and I am shocked! Doctor found extreme weakness in my right arm. I've been having a lot of neck, shoulder and upper back pain. Previous doctors just blew me off so I thought it was fibro related. Has anyone had arm weakness, numbness and cervical degenerative disc disease? If so, what was the treatment? Thanks!

February 18, 2016
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Answer Summary

Members connected deeply over cervical degenerative disc disease diagnoses, with many sharing experiences of arm weakness, numbness, and... Read more

Members connected deeply over cervical degenerative disc disease diagnoses, with many sharing experiences of arm weakness, numbness, and overlapping fibromyalgia symptoms that were often dismissed by doctors until they advocated persistently for proper imaging and specialist referrals. Several members described treatments that helped them manage pain, including cervical fusion surgery (with mixed long-term results), trigger point injections, physical therapy, TENS units, massage, chiropractic care, and medications like Nortriptyline for sleep, though many emphasized the challenge of distinguishing spinal pain from fibromyalgia flares. A recurring theme was the importance of self-advocacy when doctors minimize symptoms, trusting your own body's signals, and finding a personalized combination of treatments since what works varies greatly from person to person.

A MyFibroTeam Member

Hi, Vicki. So sorry to hear about your cervical disc troubles. I can speak at length about this. But I'll try to be brief. I have had 6 failed back surgeries, including C 4-7 (I think). The cervical surgery was more successful than the lumbar ones. I am NOT a fan of surgery, needless to say. My massage therapist was the one who diagnosed it, then it was confirmed thru MRI and x-ray. Physical therapy, massage therapy, gentle Pilates and yoga moves may be helpful. I'm going out on a limb and saying it's not related to FMS but is pain is exacerbated by FMS because of stress, intolerance to weather change, restless sleep patterns. Hopefully you can find someone to work with you on a protocol to treat it without having to have the surgery!! If I knew then what I know now, I would have done things differently! Degenerative disc disease can be genetic or the result of injury or lifestyle. Watch your posture!! I am optimistic that with the proper treatment you can work throught this without drastic measures. Oh--I also had injections. Some people swear by them--I swear AT them--they should work, but for me did not. Hope this helps. Let me know if you have more questions about it from my experience. Wish you all the best and sending hugs!--J

February 18, 2016
A MyFibroTeam Member

I am seeing a physical medicine and rehabilitation doctor. She is in a group of neurosurgeons. This is a good example of why you keep pushing if you feel your doctor isn't taking you serious. Neither the PCP or rheumatologist checked anything this doctor did and noticed the issue immediately. Trust that you know your body and keep pushing.

February 18, 2016
A MyFibroTeam Member

@A MyFibroTeam Member I just want to comment about what you said regarding knowing which pain is fibro and which is spinal. I know what you mean. Most of the time I can tell, but many times they are concurrent and it doesn't matter. Don't know if one is aggravating the other. I have a spinal implant for my lumbar pain and I can tell when the battery needs charging. (My 6 yr old granddaughter is amused and impressed that Grammy has a battery in her! Haha) It helps me, but I know people who have them to no avail. This is really such a valid question for fibro sufferers because I think there may be a cause and effect--which way I don't have a clue, but would love to know the answer. Nevertheless, it's like who needs more pain?? Glad some have found relief from injections. Those are painful too. Best to you Patti! --J

February 21, 2016
A MyFibroTeam Member

I have ddd along with osteoarthritis. I had surgery 10 years ago for bulging discs and had c3, c4 and c5 fused. My pain was off the charts. Surgery was a complete miracle. The only pain I had was from surgical opening.
Now with fibromialga it's hard to tell if it's my spine or the fibro.

February 18, 2016
A MyFibroTeam Member

Try a tens unit. That's what I use. Had DDD since 1973. Won't do surgery can't take meds so I don't have much I can do. The tens unit helps. I also use meditation. Hope this helps. Prayers and gentlet hugs

February 18, 2016

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