Cervical Hernia C5-C6 C6-C7, corticosteroids

Guest · Guest

I just found out that my c5-c6 disc is ruptured. I guess it happened 4 years ago when I broke my jaw. My left arm had a deep pain for a month until I got an MRI. My tear is too bad for therapy so I'm going for the fused disc. One thing the doctor did say though was to never get an epidural because there is more of a chance for that to do more damage, the doctor also aid that going to the chiropractor once you know your c6 is involved is a bad idea!!!. I'm scared but I can't live with out my arm.

Dave Stewart · Newbie Joined: 29 Jun 2008 Posts: 1

I too have herniated (protruding) disks in my neck at C5, C6 and C7. The disj between bones C5 and C6 is significantly compressing my spinal cord, and C6 to C7 to a lesser degree. I am not living; but surviving day-by-day. I am not suicidal; but don't want to live anymore because the tension and pain are so bad in my neck. It feels like a horrible constant toothache in my neck, near the bone area at the bottom of the neck.

I was rear-ended 15 years ago by a school bus, and didn't know that I had sustained a condition called "reverse cervical curve," which means that the whiplash ruined my neck's alignment. The awkward alignment eventually led to degenerative cervical disk disease. I've tried message therapy to no avail (the shooting pain down my right arm is sharp during a message while lying face down), 3 steroid injections (which were worthless), 4 months of 50lbs. cervical traction (which is useless because my disks are being pinched horizontally), 3 chiropractors (which did nothing at all to help), and then lots of drugs (I'm now taking 2 Hydro/APAP 10-325 pills at a time, which gets me buzzed enough to feel relaxed, but the tension and pain never go away). I am also taking Percocet 5-325 which seens to be less effective.

I'm terrified to get the surgery, because of the possibility of further damage to the spinal cord. Also, I've heard that the pain after surgery is excruciating in the neck, and there will be difficulty swallowing and eating solid foods, and talking. Then there's the scar-tissue and the further pain it may cause. However, I'm miserable and want to die. I have no life, and my wife divorced me two years ago in my misery and pain. If I do get the surgery, I will awake to a lonely hospital recovery room with no wife or friends. I go to work and come home, that is my existence. I am irritable and sad all the time because of the agonizing neck pain.

I have gentle tingling and pain extending down my right arm into my right thumb, and on occasions (but hardly noticeable) in my right leg and right toe. I have all my strength in all arms and legs. So, my condition is borderline for surgery. I've been advised that if my neck hurts worse than anything else that I'm better off not getting surgery, because an anterior cervical discectomy likely won't eliminate the pain and ripping tension in my neck.

My heart goes out to others who suffer the same conditions and worse. I wish there was a cure. I'm hoping that somehow I might be able to get Microendioscopic sugery, which is minimally avasive. Unfortunately, I was told by the Bonati Institute for Advanced Arthroscopic Surgery in Florida that the surgery won't help someone with degenerative disk disease, because the problem will just continue. I don't know what to do anymore except take it one day at a time with God's help.

I welcome any feedback or suggestions. You can e-mail me direct at guampalm@yahoo.com

Thank you

Guest · Guest

To relive pain:I have cervical herniated disl C5-C6 and i am 33yrs
1.In 1st month heat pad 4 times a day didnt help me.I read some where apply ice packs till affected and painful areas get num in rotation after every 5 mins.I did 10 sessions of physiotherapy which would relive me for 1hr and then every thing would be same.In begining of second month got steriod injected in cervical spine.Helped for while to reduce accute pain.But it still lasted .i did take oral steriods which relieved me from accute pain...but have side effects of hair growth like mustash and periods went irregular.
2.In mid of 2nd month i was massaged with massage oil in one direction from neck,back towards handtowards hand.Dont massage in oppsite direction and as patient feels comfortable.massage oil is Ayuvedic:mahabhring raj oil found in Indian stores
By end of third month I did Yoga for Spine by baba ramdev India.But except the once that need lifting the body on hands and shoulders.Usualy do very easy breathing and easy yoga exercise from this dvd.Daily.
i also combine cobra ,cat camel and wal angels with these exercise
Twice a week i float or sit in pool usualy in cold water
3.In third month I am trying homeopatic too(which has no side effects).
Apply ice pack daily on the effected area (yrather then hot packs)...theory is it subsides inflamation of nerves and muscles and where ever it hurts.if pain is very less then try sitting and jumping on execersise ball.....consult doctor.Theory is pumping action gives oxygen to spine and hence helps in curing it fast .
4.I am doing computer job with lots of breaks in mid like a small walk in office and 20 mins walk in luch time.sit straight,sleep straight without pillow.keep posture in mind for evey task you do.i had lot of pain in hand too...which I managed using evoluent ergonomics mouse.it worked instantly.It changes the angle of your hand while working on computer.I relax a lot on week ends it works for me to manage office and home and 2 yr kid too.
5.Dont take any stressful job even when pain has reduced.Bcz stress triggers the pain.If possible sleep on matress which is hard or try sleeping on floor.
but still on stressful days I return with pain and heavyness around my neck,shoulders,head at times...I do all the above to destress my self...icepack,yoga,massage,walk all in breaks not in a strech.

tscr · Newbie Joined: 02 Sep 2008 Posts: 1

Guest · Guest

Wow! I have never had a cervical neck injury. 10 years ago my MRI said c5, c6, c7 are buldging (but not to worry unless they rupture)?
Recently found out I have high blood pressure...causing migraines and blurry vision and shooting electrical pain down my left arm and abdominal swelling (10lbs in 1 month). After a 2 hour nap blood pressure read 155/81 pulse 101. What is going on? I'm confused like you guys!

Guest · Guest

I have had two cortisone injections and am now following up with range-of-motion exercises in physical therapy. I am feeling relief for the first time in a year. For me, the meds were just a temporary fix. I felt no relief after the first injection; the doctor will do a third if this round of physical therapy does not alleviate the pain and restricted arm and neck use.

jen254 · Newbie Joined: 12 Oct 2008 Posts: 2

Hi,

I am 28years of age and last feb.2008 I was in a car accident where I was t-boned passenger side. I was hit pretty badly. After the accident I was diagnosed with a wad 3 whiplash. I had almost no movement in my neck for over a month. Things were not getting any better for me. My lower and mid back we improving but my neck wasn't. I had refferal pains down both my arms since the accident and they were getting worse as time went on. I was having headaches all the time which the therapists were telling me they are tension headaches. After about 7months of physical therapy from a chiropractor/physical therapist I asked for a mri. We did the MRI and sure enough the found the disc herniation at c5/c6. Things are still not getting better. I have been taking Percs for almost four months now and they are barely working for pain. I have insomnia which is making things so much harder. I finally went to a pain clinic this week where they did my first nerve block injections. I didn't find any relief but it was the first ones. The pain clinic doctor really feels i should see a neurosurgeon right away because he says I am a candidate for surgery. My chiropractor has says she can admit when things aren't working anymore that is why she had me go to the pain clinic to see if that will help us through therapy.

In therapy we are doing a lot of manual traction and I just got the at home Dr. Ho traction kit. I usually have a lot of pain and tears when I am at therapy. I am really at my wits end with all this. I am constantly is a lot of pain. I can't really do much of anything. I haven't been back to work in 9mths. I would really like some opinions on what to do. I am seriously considering the surgery route because I can't take it anymore. I want my life back..

Please any suggestions or thoughts would be great..

Sincerly so much pain..

jen254 · Newbie Joined: 12 Oct 2008 Posts: 2

Hello,

I am 28years of age and last feb.2008 I was in a car accident where I was t-boned passenger side. I was hit pretty badly. After the accident I was diagnosed with a wad 3 whiplash. I had almost no movement in my neck for over a month. Things were not getting any better for me. My lower and mid back we improving but my neck wasn't. I had refferal pains down both my arms since the accident and they were getting worse as time went on. I was having headaches all the time which the therapists were telling me they are tension headaches. After about 7months of physical therapy from a chiropractor/physical therapist I asked for a mri. We did the MRI and sure enough the found the disc herniation at c5/c6. Things are still not getting better. I have been taking Percs for almost four months now and they are barely working for pain. I have insomnia which is making things so much harder. I finally went to a pain clinic this week where they did my first nerve block injections. I didn't find any relief but it was the first ones. The pain clinic doctor really feels i should see a neurosurgeon right away because he says I am a candidate for surgery. My chiropractor has says she can admit when things aren't working anymore that is why she had me go to the pain clinic to see if that will help us through therapy.

In therapy we are doing a lot of manual traction and I just got the at home Dr. Ho traction kit. I usually have a lot of pain and tears when I am at therapy. I am really at my wits end with all this. I am constantly is a lot of pain. I can't really do much of anything. I haven't been back to work in 9mths. I would really like some opinions on what to do. I am seriously considering the surgery route because I can't take it anymore. I want my life back..

Please any suggestions or thoughts would be great..

Sincerly so much pain..

Cervical Hernia C5-C6 C6-C7, corticosteroids

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