TREATMENT: cervical herniated disk, bulging disk, ddd, djd, root damage

[mylove4logan]

I'm 38/F
The MRI report showed:
*Herniated disc @ c5-6 with some mild bulges @ c4-5 & c6-7.
*Minimal arthritis.
*HNP (L) c5-6.
* (L) c6 nerve root damage.
*Mild  DJD-degenerative joint disease.
*DDD-degenerative disk disease.

My neurologist wants to do the Epidural Steroid Injection on C6-7.
My husband thinks I should just go to a chiropracter.  Is this too late for a chiro?  I think I'm better off sticking to my Neurologist.  Any opinions deeply appreciated!
Also, do you think my MRI report is bad news??  
Are there any limitations that I should not do??  (Lifting over certain pounds, etc.)??  
Anything else I can do at home to ease the pain in my neck, shoulder, tingling in my thumb & couple other fingers, and massive headaches?  My neck movement is limited.  
I'm on Tramadol & Neurontin, prescribed by my nuero.  I also take Ibuprofen 800mg when needed.  Heating pads.  Memory foam pillow.
Please help!!
Terri

[Adam Tanase, D.C.]

The injection you speak of will numb the sensations around the whole area, and give the impression that the problem is miraculously fixed. People love them the first go round. But it will wear off in time... sometimes in just a few weeks! And when you go back for the second one (and third), it won't last as long...

I've never once recommended a patient to put their arm in a sling for this situation.

The problem at hand involves a network of nerves that begin at the neck called the brachial plexus. When any portion of these nerves between C5-T1 become irritated, patients feel the numbness, tingling, and weakness in the arms in overhead positions.

Physical problems require physical solutions. There's no shame in visiting an Upper Cervical Chiropractor to get a look at what's going on from a different perspective.

Warm wishes,
AT

[mylove4logan]

I also started this week  starting with my arm and eventually hand constantly tingling (like it's asleep).  Will this injection shot on c6 help with that any?  It doen't help to hold my arm raised either.  What else can I do for this?
Will a sling on my left arm help any?  I think it would help when I'm walking a distance, instead of letting it hang.  What do you think?
THANKS SO MUCH FOR YOUR REPLY!!  
I look forward to hearing from you again.
Thanks,
Terri

[Adam Tanase, D.C.]

Thanks for writing.

Your report isn't "good" news... but it's not horrible news either. You've got a disc problem at C5-6. If this were me, I would refrain from "rotational" manipulations of the neck. That's not to say that you can't see a chiropractor -- I would just be very careful in this situation.

I suggest you look into consulting with a specialist called an Upper Cervical doctor. You can find a referral in your area on this website: www.UpCspine.com -- they'll be able to adjust your neck without twisting or popping the affected segment.

I'd definitely take it easy... don't go trying to win any weight lifting competitions... I'd also recommend against sleeping on your stomach. And even though the heating pads may feel good, if this were me, I would not be using those. It'll only delay the healing process.

Right now, the pain is the *effect* of the problem, not the cause. The pills your neurologist prescribed will help with the pain... but just remember that it won't actually fix what's wrong.

Stay active, don't sit around doing nothing... Gentle motion, albeit tender and sometimes painful, will help with the healing process.

I hope this information benefits you.

Warm wishes,
AT