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Cervical Disc Problems

Posted , 4 users are following.

Pinoyboy
Pinoyboy

I have been diagnosed with a moderate sized disc herniation at C5-C6 indenting upon the thecal sac and corresponding lateral nerve root. I also have disc bulges at C3-C4 and T1-T2. It all started with the use of a new pillow, and seemingly, introduction of "halos" to my kettlebell exercise workout.  I am now alble to do almost nothing without incurring severe pain in my neck; tuit, walking has even become a painful experience.

I I have been diagnosed with a moderate sized disc herniation at C5-C6 indenting upon the thecal sac and corresponding lateral nerve root. I also have disc bulges at C3-C4 and T1-T2. It all started with the use of a new pillow, and seemingly, introduction of "halos" to my kettlebell exercise workout.  I am now alble to do almost nothing without incurring severe pain in my neck; tuit, walking has even become a painful experience.

I am now under a non-surgical treatment regiment. I'm getting traction, TENS and ultrasound treatment, stretching, and medication (Lyrica None of this seems to be effective in correcting the problem. Have any of you had successful results with non-surgical treatment?  It seems like a waste of time, and frankly, the pain makes me want to pursue surgery at this point. 

I want to resume an active life style encompassing rigorous exercise? Will I ever be able to do that? now under a non-surgical treatment regiment. I'm getting traction, TENS and ultrasound treatment, stretching, and medication (Lyrica). None of this seems to be effective in correcting the problem. Have any of you had successful results with non-surgical treatment?  It seems like a waste of time, and frankly, the pain makes me want to pursue surgery at this point. 

I want to resume an active life style encompassing rigorous exercise? Will I ever be able to do that?

0 likes, 9 replies

9 Replies

  • Guest
    Guest Pinoyboy

    Posted

    Hey, mine also started with using a pillow. This pillow way too high and started a pain in my neck. In response to this I started "popping" my neck which made matters worse. Now, I've been extremely active all my life with zero neck pain -- but, I did suffer a fall and neck injury when I was 19 y/o (now 52 y/o male). Long story short - got an x-ray and turns out I have reverse cervical curve with some arthritic changes in front of neck. This pain started about 1.5 years ago and I've done tons of research since that time and feel I have made great progress. Here's what I've done: Resisted the urge or instruction to do "stretches" -- instead be gentle and allow it to heal; got a good cervical pillow that gently supports the cervical curve; focus on maintaining good posture. I hit the inflammation on three fronts: (1) I use a combo of three natural supplements specific for inflammation (2) Ice gel packs daily at the source of pain (3) and last but certainly not least, a hand-held low level laser unit LLLT. I feel these have done wonders for me. I would like to elaborate more on specifics but I think the censors here won't allow it  (name brands etc.). Research LLLT and use ice in gel pack form; rest and go easy - necks take a while to heal. I also used these natural supplements along with ibuprofen (carefully). Best of luck. 

    • Guest
      Guest

      Posted

      I also tried TENS with no good effect - I think it actually inflamed it worse. 
  • Pinoyboy
    Pinoyboy

    Posted

    Thank you for a great reply, Joe. I also have curve problems too, which I didn't mention. I'm 55 yrs old, similar to you. I wish we could email or PM eacother. I'm very interested in the supplements you took. I can get a cervical pillow, and I can research LLLT. I think most of my problems stem from playing American football in high school.

  • sideways67
    sideways67 Pinoyboy

    Posted

    May I recommend dry needling!  I am in physical therapy for the second time and the first time was in December. C5 is my worst .  The results from therapy lasted  five months and was successful but due to chronic sinuses issues I did not get to the gym like I planned  to strengthen my posture.  I am back in therapy because chronic migraines and sinus problems  stopped me in my tracks.  Every inch forward your head goes it pulls on all the back muscles tendons or ligaments and vertabraes.  Incorrect  posture can even cause TMJ for which that had braces late in life to correct because of chronic pain in my face. Dry needling is more intensive than acupuncture and each therapist has a different certification and level of expertise. It has been a godsend for me. My plan is to get back to the gym once the pain level settles a little from nudging my cervical spine back in place.  I’ve seen a surgeon and they would’ve already cut only had I chose that direction. I have seen a pain specialist twice and of course by the time the appointment comes around I’m feeling better so I choose the therapy option for which that I’m grateful that I chose therapy. The first  few sessions are very painful but it gets better.  When my core is in shape,  I feel so much better.  As we age, we start losing muscle tone and everything slides out of place.  A year ago,  I was toned and in better physical shape than I am now  but my daughter had knee surgery a month apart from my husband having his first complete knee replacement and then a couple months later he have a second one and it was just overwhelming and exercise went to the wayside.  I hope you find reluef. Blessings. 
    • Pinoyboy
      Pinoyboy sideways67

      Posted

      Thanks for your reply and advice. I will look to see if dry needling is available here.
  • sideways67
    sideways67 Pinoyboy

    Posted

    I have tried TENS, Laser, chiropractors for years. Nothing helped like dry needling. In the US insurance, will pay therapist for procedures that a chiropractor will not be probably not be repaid unless you go to physical therapy. 
    • Guest
      Guest sideways67

      Posted

      About TENS - it didn't help me and maybe made it worse. My theory is those nerves in the neck need to rest and calm down. Sending current through them aggravates more. Will have to look into the dry needling.

    • Pinoyboy
      Pinoyboy Guest

      Posted

      Hi guys, I want to give you an update. As you'll recall, I herniated the c5/c6 disc in my neck back in May, and consulted this forum in June for practical advice from anyone who could give it. Well, here I am 7 months later and it's been a very slow road toward progress. I continued with Physical Therapy (PT) through July. My pain was becoming manageable. I resumed working out at that time. Unfortunately, I was not careful enough and actually worsened my condition. All the pain resumed, and then some. I was worse than I had been originally. Simply walking made my neck feel like a dagger was sticking in it. The pain in my shoulder, deltoid, upper back, biceps, and forearm were horrible. I returned to PT. I realized some improvement at PT, but not enough to resume a normal life. (One thing I did experience was the Shockwave machine. OMG. It hurts so damn bad for about 30 seconds, but then causes the pain to quickly disappear. Too bad its relief wasn't permanent for me.) After PT, I set out on my own with the help of Youtube. In early November, I was certain I would need to consult a surgeon to finally get relief. Then, a friend pushed me to do exercises in the swimming pool. After seeing some Youtube videos on these exercises, I developed a modified version of the elementary backstroke. My pain relief was nearlly instantaneous. Within a week, my pain levels went from an 8 down to a 4. After another week, they went down to zero! But, the tingling in my hand increased dramatically during that time. I stuck with doing the backstrokes every day. Now, the tingling ranges between 0 and 3. Things are better than they've been in 6 months! That said, I am reluctant to resume any serious exercise because I'm afraid I might reinjure it again. So, I'm being patient. Thanks to both of you for your advice 4 months ago!

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