I recently had to get a new primary care doctor because the one I had been seeing is moving on to another hospital system in another state.
The new doctor that took over her practice looked at my medical records and had me take another MRI.
She said that I should see a neurologist/nerosurgen from what she concluded from the recent results.
I do admit, I do have days that are a little bit rough… but for the most part I’m tolerable,,, WAYYY better than I was a few short years ago when I could barely lift my arms and it hurt to even walk wearing a neck brace.
I know I’ve been blessed,,, and GOD gets the glory every day for my life and health to get back on track.
My chiropractor has strongly encouraged me to NOT have surgery… and I trust him with that., and the doctor I was seeing before this one was in agreement to avoid surgery.
To be honest guys,,, I’m scared I’ll come out the other side with things not being positive.

I’m probably going to look for another doctor.

I would look for another opinion. I was recommended surgery by an orthopedic surgeon on my shoulder at 18. I thought nope not going to start geting cut in at 18. Years later at an appointment at a different orthopedic surgeon for my knees my shoulder came up. She had the same issue it was tendons being to tight and simple stretches greatly reduce the pain. The first guy wanted to remove bone so the tendon had more room and woulf not get as inflamed.

Multiple opinions are a good thing. Im on my 3rd neurologist first 2 were clearly not specialized in MS this practice is. Night and day difference. But I had no idea until I made it to the 3rd place.

I'm getting mri on Monday for my shoulder. If it is torn bad I must be a tough rascal because I put up five otter last week. Hurt like heck but I got it done.

Surgeons only make money when they're cutting, so that's their recommendation..if you can manage without surgery great, there's no surgery that can guarantee results....That said, sometimes that's the only option, another opinion can't hurt, but if it's another surgeon.......you get the idea, lol

Always exhaust physical therapy before resorting to surgery but at the same time it greatly depends on what the MRI results showed.

Of course that is untrue that they only make money if they're cutting. They get pain for every appt no matter what. But they are surgeons. In the same way I wouldn't go to a plumber and ask him to roof my house. If you don't want a surgeon's best opinion on what to do for you, then don't go see him. If you tell me the pain is unbearable and you've done everything else and it didnt work, surgery may be the only option you have left. But if you think the symptoms are manageable- don't go and see a surgeon. And the last person who's advice I'd take on whether to get neck surgery is a chiropractor. They have exactly zero knowledge of surgical options, and definitely benefit from someone seeing them 2x a week for the rest of their life. It's like the old joke, How many chiropractors does it take to screw in a light bulb? Only one, but it'll take him 3 appointments a week for 10 years to get it done

Just ask for a strong perception and take them with a couple beers. You will be a new man.

That's funny, beer usually dulls my perception.

I've had c4,c5,and c6 fused. C7 is kicking my buttons. Gotta get another MRI. Probably gonna get it fused.
I also have spinal stenosis in l4. This sucks getting old.

Good luck

[quote=gcs ... another opinion can't hurt, but if it's another surgeon.......you get the idea, lol[/quote]

Just don't go to the same doctor that I went to. I asked for a second opinion and he said, "Ok, you're ugly too."

Rickey

Look at the “joined “ date on the poster….
No wonder ..

Mmmmmmaaaaabbee?

I grew of with this guys daughter,,,,,, Rich and perty.

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Listen to your Doctor not your Chiropractor
And Chiropractors don't make money if the surgeon fixes it

Recommending you see a specialist is not the same as recommending surgery. Your new doc (I think) sees an issue beyond her expertise and wants you to see someone with the expertise to provide an informed recommendation. She would be remiss not to do so. Wait and see what happens when you go to the specialist before making what may be a rash judgement of your new primary care doc.

Not true, I have a close friend who is a surgeon. They are paid a salary each year by the hospital they are employed by, regardless of how many operations they perform. Naturally, the hospital tries to get their money's worth out of each employee. But its up to the Dr to determine if someone needs an operation.

OP, your primary Dr has nothing to gain by sending you to be evaluated by a surgeon. Rather, they are covering their bases. I was sent to see a surgeon by my primary because my lower back is shot. The surgeon agreed may back is shot on paper. But wouldnt operate and recommended another route. That was almost 20 years ago and my back hasnt given me issues since. Despite me working construction, lifting more than I should, and doing what every other "guy" does. Good luck with your issue.

It was his primary care doctor that said surgery . Not a surgeon. She didn’t get a penny if he gets cut on.

A lot of times there is compensation to primary Dr. for referrals.

Also, not all surgeons are paid by the hospital, but the ones that are can be motivated by $$ as much or more than privet practice surgeons. If they are not booking enough surgeries the hospital will find someone who will.

The days of the old family Dr who only had your best interest at heart are dwindling fast. It’s run like a business now and you should be on your guard the same as if you were in a car dealership.

I would look into prolo therapy. It'll fix it or it won't but it won't hurt you worse.