[Guest]

Hi!

In February you were kind enough to answer a question I had regarding Fibromyalgia and my losing strength in leg and arm. You suggested going to a neurologist for a re-evaluation.

Well, it happens that I have a herniated disk C5 pressing on my spinal cord. MRI is confirming the condition.

I am still doing physical therapy but the loss of strength is really worrying me. I have trouble with the fine gestures needed for trying to put on an earring for instance, and miss letters when I type etc. I still walk with a cane because I lose my balance and my leggs are still weak especially the right one. I believe that I had this condition for a long time but never had an MRI of the spine before.

My question is, do I have a chance to regain the strenght I have lost so far and what would be the realistic outcome let say in a few years from now - I am a 56 year old woman and suffer from CFS and osteoarthritis? The EMG and nerve tests seem to be OK.

Anyway, thank you for your past help your advice was really on target!

[Guest]

If the disc is significantly pressing on the spinal cord and resulting in the symptoms you describe, in many cases, surgical decompression would be recommended. Thereapy would not usually be too helpful for the weakness, and EMG/NCV tests rae often normal in this setting. You might plan to see a neurosurgeon in consultation if your doctor feels it is appropriate. Good luck.
[quote] Hi.

In February you were kind enough to answer a question I had regarding Fibromyalgia and my losing strength in leg and arm... [/quote]