United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

About one year ago I had a really bad rollerblading fall, at 54 years old! I shattered my left wrist and it was surgically repaired (kind of), but no one realized that I also suffered a traumatic brachial plexus injury at the same time. After about eight months I could no longer raise my left arm above chest level or flex my left bicep. I went to the neurologist here in Denver, as well as a neurosurgeon, and after looking at the MRI's,they decided my C-5 disc was bulging and that I needed a discectomy and fusion. I'm not in pain for some reason, so I'm looking for alternatives to the surgery. It doesn't seem to be getting any better at this point. Does anyone have any
ideas for me, like chiropractic,or kinesiology or anything. I'd love to raise my arm over my head again, but the surgery and recovery time scare the livin' daylights out of me!Any and all suggestions would be greatly appreciated.Thanks.

I only experienced my TBPI 3 months ago and am still waiting for corrective surgery I envy you being able to say you are not experiencing any pain. My advice would be to seek an Experienced Neurosurgeon, get an MRI, find out exactly what your problem is, and this will hopefully help you in your decision as to what you do next. Good Luck

Joe,
In 1988 I herniated a disc in my back. I couldn't work, etc. I was off work for 5 months. My doctor told me he only used surgery as a last resort. It got better to a point, then leveled off. We decided to have the surgery. Smartest thing I could have done. It gave me my life back. I was able to do anything I wanted to after I got back in shape. I competed in 5k & 10k races for years after that. I have a friend that damaged 3 discs in his neck. He had to have 3 discectomies and 4 vertibrate fused. He is back riding his jet ski like a mad man. My point is that surgery scares the sh** out of all of us. And that it should not be intered into lightly. But it can be benificial if done properly. Hope this helps...Karl...

I would defo go for surgery. Its not even exploratory surgery they have pinpointed the cause and know they can fix it. I always think kinseology/spineology etc.etc. are all for more minor ailments or for when the cause can't be pinpointed.