I am a 32 yo male and have been powerlifting for several years. About 3 months ago I suffered from a bulging cervical disk that resulted in acute neck, shoulder, and left arm pain with tingling in the 2nd and 3rd digits of my left hand. With consevative treatment of NSAIDs and prednisone, the pain has all but disapeared as has the numbness and tingling in my digits. I still have minor discomfort at times that is relieved with ibuprophen. I also continue to feel pain in my neck and shoulder when I sneeze. I exercise daily without pain complications. However, my left tricep and pectoral muscles will not completely contract. This results in significant weakness compared to my right arm. Will the full use of these muscles return on their own in time? That is, without surgery? If so, how long should I wait before becoming concerned?