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Bulging C4-5 disc pain
by idesguynyc, Jan 27, 2008 06:44PM
Hi-
I am a 39 y.o. male who was diagnosed over a year ago with a bulging C4-C5 disc (who had a completely herniated Lumbar disc several years back that actually doesn't bother me anymore). I was having radiating pain down my right arm and I went to a neurologist. I did two months of physical therapy 2X per week, but it didn't seem to really help.
My worst pain is when I first wake up in the morning and elevate my head. As soon as I start moving around, I am hit with a stabbing pain in my neck and in the large tendons around my elbow. I even started sleeping with a cervical collar but that didn't take away the stabbing, intense pain.
I tried a pillow that was more elevating, and I take Tramadol or Cyclobenzaprine when needed. I am not comfortable taking pain meds over several years. Sometimes the pain will be a little better if I stretch my neck/head backwards and reach my right arm over my head during an episode.
My two questions are:
1.) Has anyone seen this "morning neck pain" in relation to a bulging disc? What would cause this? It almost feels like the weight of my head "re-herniates" my disc every morning.
2.) If a neurologist and physical therapist don't seem to be helping---who can I see next?
Any information would be appreciate. I live in the NYC area in case anyone can recommend someone to get a more detailed diagnosis.
Thanks!
I am a 39 y.o. male who was diagnosed over a year ago with a bulging C4-C5 disc (who had a completely herniated Lumbar disc several years back that actually doesn't bother me anymore). I was having radiating pain down my right arm and I went to a neurologist. I did two months of physical therapy 2X per week, but it didn't seem to really help.
My worst pain is when I first wake up in the morning and elevate my head. As soon as I start moving around, I am hit with a stabbing pain in my neck and in the large tendons around my elbow. I even started sleeping with a cervical collar but that didn't take away the stabbing, intense pain.
I tried a pillow that was more elevating, and I take Tramadol or Cyclobenzaprine when needed. I am not comfortable taking pain meds over several years. Sometimes the pain will be a little better if I stretch my neck/head backwards and reach my right arm over my head during an episode.
My two questions are:
1.) Has anyone seen this "morning neck pain" in relation to a bulging disc? What would cause this? It almost feels like the weight of my head "re-herniates" my disc every morning.
2.) If a neurologist and physical therapist don't seem to be helping---who can I see next?
Any information would be appreciate. I live in the NYC area in case anyone can recommend someone to get a more detailed diagnosis.
Thanks!
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To answer your first question...yes I also experience EXTREME pain when I wake up in the morning(I have 3 cervical bulging disks). I want to know why too!
Question number 2. - I suggest you see a pain management doctor or a physiatrist (doctor specializing in physical medicine and rehabilitation)
Its approaching 1 year since my accident and I have seen more than 8 doctors with NO REAL REASON WHY I AM IN SO MUCH PAIN . GOODLUCK