How will my cervical neuropathy improve at 43?

Question

Hello doctor,

I got cervical neuropathy 10 days back. Got MRI six days back. On bed rest, analgesics, got Depomedrol 80 mg shot, Pregabalin, Methycobalamine and oral Medrol. Have not got any muscular weakness or UMN signs. Mild parasthesia in thumb and index finger of right hand. Pain has decreased by around 30-40 percent since it started 10 days back and I am not taking any NSAIDS for last two days. I have got a few concerns.

Do these changes occur at this age (43 years)? How bad are the degenerative changes?
Any need of surgical intervention?
How much time usually it takes for complete resolution of acute episode?
Is it going to be a trouble in future as well?
I mean repeat episodes or further complications. What should be the life style changes after resolution of acute episode (you know the nature of a pediatrician’s job)?
If at all surgery is required in future (further canal stenosis causing cord compression), how risky is the surgery and how are the results?

Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have gone through your medical history and the attached reports in detail (attachment removed to protect patient identity). It does not seem to be a serious matter at present. Yes neuropathies are common at this age. Usually, it takes around three to four weeks for an acute episode to resolve depending on the symptoms. If proper care is taken (avoiding use of pillow, avoiding lifting heavy weights, neck exercises) usually symptoms do not recur.

At present there is no need of surgery. You are doing pretty well and recovering fast. Use cervical soft collar and take analgesics for at least 10 days. Get a repeat MRI after three months. Well, decompression surgery is risky and has side-effects and should better be avoided.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.