Bulging C4-5 disc pain

[idesguynyc]

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!

[lowbuz1]

I don't know about back pain, but as for neck pain, try it all.
PT, accupuncture, cortizone shots, maybe a chiro, and research doctors to find the best neurosurgeons that are out there.
I read posts where people say their doctors laugh at them. Well that may be a hint that you are not seeing a good doctor.
If nothing works, surgery is the way to go. If you are a candidate you may be able to get an artificial disc, if not a fusion. I know people with both and both alleviated there pain and let them resume their normal life.
One more thing.....pain is mental as much as physical. Wonder why people say they have normal MRI's and horrible pain. It's because people don't psychologically take care of themselves, and they forget about their minds. There are people that have discs pressing on the nerve but have no pain. Try reading a book by Dr. Sarno, maybe it will help.

[sunshine2008]

Im an 18 year old female who got in a rearended accident march 2007 ( I was at a complete stop and and two cars rear-ended me, the first car that hit me was totaled and second car was just really messed up).

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

[prttyinpnk]

I might sound silly but try acupuncture i felt better for about a month, also i have been receiving battery powered patches with ketophen and dexamethazone that absorb through the skin which have helped me greatly, i have two bulging disc that have been medically found wrong with me and the doctors cant find out why i am in so much pain. hope this helps