I am so frustrated. I have degenerative disk disease with one herniated disc in the thoracic area and many bulging discs. I also have a syringioma. I have been getting steroid shots in the thoracic area for three years. My body is getting to the point where the side effects from the shots are so severe, I don t want to have anymore of them. Two neurologists say my herniation isn t large enough to cause me the pain I m in. Their findings are based upon MRI findings. My uestions are: 1) Are there any other tests I might have besides MRI to determine what is going on, 2) How can I find a highly recommended neurologist near Arkansas, my home state? Thank you!
Hi, Usually, the diagnosis of symptomatic nerve root compression as result of disc herniation or any other pathology is based on three things.1 - Symptoms2 - MRI findings3 - Selective nerve root blockhouse, when all three of them points towards the same level of nerve root involvement only then the diagnosis is confirmed. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further. 