Neck Problems - Wanting to know how best to sleep with c6 nerve impingement

Dear Friends,

I'd be the first to say that I was not an expert in ANY of this. NOT AT ALL. In fact, sitting here, I just feel lost. 

I have had neck problems - well, foraminal stenosis - since 2012 - indeed probably before but that was when I became aware of it.  At first I had all kinds of things going on - electric shocks, numbness, one attack with clawing pain down the right and left arms and in both thighs.  I eventually had an MRI done and it showed my neck was the culprit.  I waited some months and things seem to get better ... I was fine ... up until a few weeks ago.

I was then sitting at my desk and had a major shock in my right elbow ... and then - shortly after - in my right shoulder.  These were momentary - but very noticable with pain.  Then I had some tingling - well, a crawling sensation - over my right hand.  That passed.  I thought I sensed a weakness in my right arm ... certainly muscle tightness ... but that seems to come and go.  I have little of what I would term 'pain' blessedly.  In no way am I crying out in agony.

My problem is sleeping.  I have tried everything - (I have long used a cervical pillow) - but cannot seem to sleep without waking up with some limb numbness - usually in my hands.  During the day I often feel a tingling at the back of left shoulder - but that is very mild and really does not trouble me.  On waking the limbs come to quickly but this actual happening is causing me some concern.  

I attach my latest MRI report (received this week).  I wondered if anyone who has a similar condition might let me know how they successfully manage to sleep - position, etc.  I have now taken to just using a rolled up towel and no pillow.  Still, I find myself frightened to go to bed (although I have no trouble falling asleep) lest I do more damage.  

Can you help this 60 year old Caucasian male? I would be ever so grateful if you could. 

MY GP (I live in the UK) at my local surgery signed off on the MRI (I had it done privately)  When. I called to follow up all he said was that I was 'like his old boot, just wearing out'. He asked me 'if I could still write?' .. I said I could. That was about the extent of the conversation. I asked for some physiotherapy. He said in his experience it did very little good. 

This telephone consultation I fear I did not feel very helpful. Certainly I came away no wiser about the report than when I went in. 

Honestly I don't know where to turn with this - or what to do - and I very much want to DO something. Thus I am coming to you. Bless you for being here.

I transcribe the MRI report immediately below: - 

MRI scan of the cervical spine.

Comparison is made with the previous study.

On the previous scan, at C3/C4 there was left-sided foraminal narrowing.

At C4/5 and C5/6 level there was bilateral foraminal narrowing more prominent on the left side.

On the current scan at C5/6 there is bilateral foraminal narrowing - this is now more prominent on the right side with impingement of the exiting nerve roots in the right side at this level as well as mild impingement of the left sided exiting nerve root.

The findings at C3/C4 and C4/5 are unchanged since the previous study.

The cord returns normal signal throughout and the craniocervical junction is normal in appearance.

Conclusion:

Since the previous scan at the C5/6 level there is bilateral foraminal narrowing more prominent on the right side with impingement of the exiting nerve root seen on the right side at this level as well as mild impingement on the left side.

The findings at C4/5 and C3/4 are unchanged with mild impingement of the exiting nerve root on the left side.

Can someone read between these lines for this poor fool who is unclear as to what explicitly is being said?  I find it hard to know how this change happened - the report isn't clear short of noting an impingement.  I have I promise been very careful and not been involved in any noticable incident that I am aware of which would alter my status.  

If someone could advise on the sleeping position for a person with C6 nerve impingement I will be eternally grateful.  (I do realise that I'm not going to die from this.  I don't mean to sound hysterical.)  

Bless you for your patience and kind understanding. Please know each and ALL are hugely appreciated.

Bless you BIG TIME. 

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