Acupuncture & c5,c6,c7

My husband damaged his c5,c6, & c7.  He has had 2 MRI's and the nuerosurgeon says he doesn't know how to fix him.  He has pain in arm, tingling in his fingers and his fingers are numb.  He has lost a lot of strength and at times can not even sign his name.  Doctor says surgery won't help and he doesn't think physical therapy will work.  My husband is considering acupuncture.  Anyone have comments on this?

[richmill1]

I tried it...same c5-7 problem..a little help..why does'nt he have fusion surgery?

[kelloggs]

I had tried acupuncture, I went about 6 times and was treated in the same area. The only thing i felt it helped with was the stiffness of my neck and the muscles in the shoulder. This however was temporary because within a week or so of stopping due to the cost out of pocket the muscles tensed right up. Maybe your husband should get a second opinion. Good Luck !!

[momsthename]

My husband has similar problems with the cervical spine and the numbness going down the arm. In fact he has a problem turning his head to the side without pain. He has been getting steroid shots at a pain clinic for years. He gets some relief for a while, but has to go back every 6 months or so. Acupuncture was just a temporary fix also, and expensive. Now we are researching laser spine surgery. It is just like arthroscopic knee surgery but now they are doing it for the back. Much less invasive and the recovery time is practically none. He is having this done in April because there is no other "fix" and it will only get worse as he ages. We all will have degenerative disc disease as we get older, but its worse when you have other problems. Good Luck

[ADSF]

Your husband needs to get a second opinion pronto.   Nerve damage can be permanent.   Do you have a teaching hospital near you?   I would try to go to a teaching hospital if I were you to get a second opinion.   My dad had a very complicated situation in his back, and it wasn't until we finally transfered him to the teaching hosp that we found a surgeon who specializes in complex spinal surgery.  I really wouldn't wait, and I would accept one doc saying "there's nothing I can do for you" unless several different docs have conferred and agree.   Even going to a place like the Mayo Clinic or the Cleveland Clinic would be good if you could get a referral.  

I have had acupuncture and think it is good for some things, but it is not going to bring your husband's arm strength back or fix the underlying problem.  

[Zak_Han]

Can acupuncture help?
Dependent on where the inflammation is Acupuncture can help with neck pain.  Acupuncture works well when the inflammation is outside of the spinal column.  Acupuncture does not work when the inflammation is in the spinal column itself.

So first of all,you should go to find a reputable acupuncturist for advice.

[CindyRKT]

I have damage to c5-c6 and c6-c7 worse at c6-c7.  Same numbness in hand and fingers.  I also have had musle spasm in my back, pain running from my neck all the way into my shoulder and down into my elbow.  So extreme I could not stand.  I went to an acupuncturist who was able to help me.  She told me she could help me manage my pain, but was unable to cure the problem.  It took several treatments and she used some newer technology, but she gave me my life back.  I researched who was the best acupuncturist in my area, and went to that person.  Some will even take insurance.

[Melanie75]

I have spurs at C5 and C6, which the doctor says is moderate.  However, I have tried therapy, massage and chiropractic and have no relief of the pain.  The doctor is recommending either cortizone or surgery.  Can anyone shed some light on what they have experienced?