I had a 5 level lumbar fusion and disc removal in January, but needed a discogram to diagnose disc degeneration with no disc issues evident in all the scans I had previously. 3 months in, still recovering from surgery, but this resolved the nerve pain and inflammation from degraded discs. I had a multi level laminectomy and coflex implant a year prior which was unsuccessful, and was on high dose painkillers with limited mobility. I had 2 years of misdiagnoses and had 6 different spine surgeons review my scans until I found a spine doctor that diagnosed it correctly. The other surgeons has recommended single level fusions, while all lumbar discs were degraded. So important to advocate for yourself and get secondary (as many as it takes) opinions - I had some very reputable doctors that would have had me on a yearly fusion schedule.

My diagnosis came about 7 years ago with 3 spine surgeon consults, one orth, 2 neuro. My spine problems, like most on this site, are top to bottom. I looked into and considered nervenablations, but decided against it due to risks and lengthbof time for relief, I was told about 6 months then the nerve grows back, and they will only do one at a time, 8 need at least a dozen. Just sounded not worth the effort. Surgeries I was told would be yearly once I begin and likely go on until my entire spine is fused. Severity of disease is too advanced for things like disc replacement or laminectomy, etc. Fusion is my only option and 3 is the max they will do in one go. I'm trying stem cells hoping for the best until better techniques come online. Im 58.

I was told 6 months ago i had severe spondyloarthritis in my cervial spine..plus stenosis and large spurs causing my swallowing problems.
My right lung diaphram paralyzed a few years ago along with the atrophy of the vocal cords.
Have a great spine doctor treating me last 6 months. He has been giving me nerve blocks in lumbar so i can tolerate walking...which we know we need to keep moving!!
Plans are to completely treat my entire spine with nerve blocks and ablations where necessary. This dr in not a surgeon and believes in physical therapy, aquatic, and allveiating the relentless pain with these treatments.
It's the plan for now...people just do not realize how a degenative spine really affects the entire body...mind and soul!!
PS...i have also had uveitis many times! All of my spine problems began in my 30s...i am now 76!

I have Stenosis. My vocals fade, I believe it to be from inflammation in spine. I have numerous chronic, no cure diagnosis. See a spine specialist if possible. I'm working on that now. Praying for you. Got d has been my light in the darkest of some days. ❤️❤️🙏🙏

Yes. I have this too, and severe C-spine stenosis, arthrosis of facets, spurring, collapsing herniated discs etc. C3-C7 has laryngeal, vagus, and diaphragm nerves all of which will cause intermittent vocal paralysis, inability to project voice, hoarseness, even tongue making it sound like you're slurring. Dont you love it?😑 Mine goes C2-T1, reverse curve. At least my head is still attached.😄