Conversation: The conversation between human and AI assistant.
[|Human|] I had a lower lumbar fusin about 5 years ago, DR. told me then my neck was worse than my back, but my neck did not hurt then. I have been having numbness in my left leg, feelings of tingleing in same leg at times, my left hand , the tendons in it are sticking up, and the twofingers cramp up and very painful at times, all this on left side only. My neck on left side makes large popping noises. Should I see the orthopedic DR or just my internest, pain in left shoulder and back very bad
[|AI|]  I read your question and I understand your concern. Spinal changes in lumbar and cervical region often go hand in hand so since it was in no good condition 5 years ago its no big surprise your neck is causing trouble now. The symptoms are related to nerve root or spinal cord compression by these structural changes. As for who to see first, initial medical therapy is fairly standard with painkillers and physical therapy, but since you might have tried these before and are known to have advanced changes already, an MRI evaluation and orthopedic/neurosurgical consult is recommended. I hope to have been of help.