u/Ok-Natural5224

What are the chances of “full” recovery from cord compression? My surgery will be 3 month after having the first symptoms, no signal change on mri, no myelomalacia, the disc is “touching” the spinal cord, not fully compressing it. No motor function problems, only neuropathy like sensation in arms and feet as of now, but they are sometimes painful. Did anyone had full recovery from this? Do you think that there are good chances of full recovery? What should I do to have the best outcome? I still have 3-4 weeks until surgery.

Hi,
I am a 32-year-old female.
In September 2023, I underwent C5–C6 artificial disc replacement surgery.
Unfortunately, in August 2024, the disc above it, C4–C5, herniated and mildly compressed my spinal cord.
At that time, I only had neck pain for about two weeks, which resolved with physical therapy.
Since then, I have been almost completely symptom-free.
My doctors advised me to monitor my symptoms.
My only symptom was occasional neck pain lasting a few days.
Honestly, it probably would not have bothered me if I had not known about the cord compression.
However, about five or six weeks ago, I developed neck pain again.
The pain resolved within a week.
Soon afterward, I developed numbness in my feet.
Since then, I have experienced burning sensations in both feet and hands.
I also have pins and needles and increased sensitivity.
Because of my history, I suspected my neck was the cause.
In December 2024, a similar episode occurred.
Mild neck pain was followed by numbness in one foot for about a week.
Because I was worried, I had MRI scans of my brain and lumbar spine.
Those scans were normal, so those areas were essentially ruled out.
My EMG and nerve conduction studies were normal.
Unfortunately, my SSEP test was unsuccessful because no signal could be detected at my neck.
I am planning more extensive blood work to exclude vitamin deficiencies and other causes.
I have already spoken with the surgeon who performed my disc replacement.
He suggested ACDF at C4–C5 if other causes are ruled out.
I also believe my neck is responsible for these symptoms.
At this point, I do not have balance problems or weakness.
My reflexes are somewhat brisk.
I have seen four different doctors regarding the Hoffmann sign.
Two doctors said it was present, while two said it was not.
Honestly, I do not know what to make of that.
My surgeon could perform the ACDF in August.
My question is whether you think I am still having surgery in time.
By then, I will have had symptoms for approximately three months.
The compression is considered mild.
Two surgeons even told me they do not think my neck is causing my symptoms.
However, they did not seem interested in my previous history.
This is the second time I have experienced a similar problem.
The symptoms are also worse than during the first episode.
There are no T2 signal changes or signs of myelomalacia on MRI.
My surgeon told me it is better to act before the condition becomes more serious.
I understand that surgery is primarily intended to stop progression.
I also know that symptom resolution cannot be guaranteed.
However, in a mild case like mine, do you think recovery is still possible?
I am feeling very depressed right now and would appreciate some encouragement.
Thank you.

I am a 32-year-old female.
In September 2023, I underwent C5–C6 artificial disc replacement surgery.
Unfortunately, in August 2024, the disc above it, C4–C5, herniated and mildly compressed my spinal cord.
At that time, I only had neck pain for about two weeks, which resolved with physical therapy.
Since then, I have been almost completely symptom-free.
My doctors advised me to monitor my symptoms.
My only symptom was occasional neck pain lasting a few days.
Honestly, it probably would not have bothered me if I had not known about the cord compression.
However, about five or six weeks ago, I developed neck pain again.
The pain resolved within a week.
Soon afterward, I developed numbness in my feet.
Since then, I have experienced burning sensations in both feet and hands.
I also have pins and needles and increased sensitivity.
Because of my history, I suspected my neck was the cause.
In December 2024, a similar episode occurred.
Mild neck pain was followed by numbness in one foot for about a week.
Because I was worried, I had MRI scans of my brain and lumbar spine.
Those scans were normal, so those areas were essentially ruled out.
My EMG and nerve conduction studies were normal.
Unfortunately, my SSEP test was unsuccessful because no signal could be detected at my neck.
I am planning more extensive blood work to exclude vitamin deficiencies and other causes.
I have already spoken with the surgeon who performed my disc replacement.
He suggested ACDF at C4–C5 if other causes are ruled out.
I also believe my neck is responsible for these symptoms.
At this point, I do not have balance problems or weakness.
My reflexes are somewhat brisk.
I have seen four different doctors regarding the Hoffmann sign.
Two doctors said it was present, while two said it was not.
Honestly, I do not know what to make of that.
My surgeon could perform the ACDF in August.
My question is whether you think I am still having surgery in time.
By then, I will have had symptoms for approximately three months.
The compression is considered mild.
Two surgeons even told me they do not think my neck is causing my symptoms.
However, they did not seem interested in my previous history.
This is the second time I have experienced a similar problem.
The symptoms are also worse than during the first episode.
There are no T2 signal changes or signs of myelomalacia on MRI.
My surgeon told me it is better to act before the condition becomes more serious.
I understand that surgery is primarily intended to stop progression.
I also know that symptom resolution cannot be guaranteed.
However, in a mild case like mine, do you think recovery is still possible?
I am feeling very depressed right now and would appreciate some encouragement.
Thank you.

Hi,
I am a 32-year-old female.
In September 2023, I underwent C5–C6 artificial disc replacement surgery.
Unfortunately, in August 2024, the disc above it, C4–C5, herniated and mildly compressed my spinal cord.
At that time, I only had neck pain for about two weeks, which resolved with physical therapy.
Since then, I have been almost completely symptom-free.
My doctors advised me to monitor my symptoms.
My only symptom was occasional neck pain lasting a few days.
Honestly, it probably would not have bothered me if I had not known about the cord compression.
However, about five or six weeks ago, I developed neck pain again.
The pain resolved within a week.
Soon afterward, I developed numbness in my feet.
Since then, I have experienced burning sensations in both feet and hands.
I also have pins and needles and increased sensitivity.
Because of my history, I suspected my neck was the cause.
In December 2024, a similar episode occurred.
Mild neck pain was followed by numbness in one foot for about a week.
Because I was worried, I had MRI scans of my brain and lumbar spine.
Those scans were normal, so those areas were essentially ruled out.
My EMG and nerve conduction studies were normal.
Unfortunately, my SSEP test was unsuccessful because no signal could be detected at my neck.
I am planning more extensive blood work to exclude vitamin deficiencies and other causes.
I have already spoken with the surgeon who performed my disc replacement.
He suggested ACDF at C4–C5 if other causes are ruled out.
I also believe my neck is responsible for these symptoms.
At this point, I do not have balance problems or weakness.
My reflexes are somewhat brisk.
I have seen four different doctors regarding the Hoffmann sign.
Two doctors said it was present, while two said it was not.
Honestly, I do not know what to make of that.
My surgeon could perform the ACDF in August.
My question is whether you think I am still having surgery in time.
By then, I will have had symptoms for approximately three months.
The compression is considered mild.
Two surgeons even told me they do not think my neck is causing my symptoms.
However, they did not seem interested in my previous history.
This is the second time I have experienced a similar problem.
The symptoms are also worse than during the first episode.
There are no T2 signal changes or signs of myelomalacia on MRI.
My surgeon told me it is better to act before the condition becomes more serious.
I understand that surgery is primarily intended to stop progression.
I also know that symptom resolution cannot be guaranteed.
However, in a mild case like mine, do you think recovery is still possible?
I am feeling very depressed right now and would appreciate some encouragement.
Thank you.