Posted 1/12/2015 1:55 AM (GMT -5)
Hi everyone!
I'm trying to work out if I have cervical stenosis and if it's Lyme related.
Background - history of brain fog, head + neck swelling symptoms for the last 10 years or so. Diagnosed with Lyme through positive ELISA, Western Blot and CD 57 in 2009.
Neck symptoms or mostly stiffness and I also have a general weak feeling in my left shoulder and arm (no pain as such, just not as strong and a bit numb at times). Although this is worsening by the week which is quite distressing.
X Ray Through Chiro - no abnormal bone formations in the neck. Slight tilt but nothing major. Chiro says I have degeneration (although this could be referring to my lower back) that is reversible.
Cervical MRI - Foraminal stenosis relayed to the unconvertebral overgrowth at c3-4, 4-5, 5 - 6 on the left hand side. Most likely nerve root involvement would involve c5 and c6 on the left. Stenosis is only moderate at this stage and nerve roots exit without compression.
Brain MRIs also come back normal.
I've had no accidents or injuries to my neck that would cause this. I've just turned 30 so it's unusual (from what I'm told) for someone to have stenosis like this, particularly without injury.
Chiro also reviewed MRI (which was done through a separate GP) and was confused as she couldn't see any oesteophytes on the X Ray. MRI reported mentioned "evidence" of small osteaphytes. Not sure if this means that this was deduced if they actually exist on the scans. Chiro treatments don't seem to do anything and doctor said that there's nothing I can do.
Can these problems by Lyme related? I also have other issues on my left hand side (brain, stomach, leg soreness etc) that aren't explained.
Many thanks!
Ade