C5-6 disc herniation

[DDiaz]

In 1998 a filing cabinet fell forward on me. There were computer printouts stored on top that hit me in the face and jerked my head back. I went for PT and was released. In 2000 I lifted files overhead and felt a pulling/tingling feeling go down my neck and into my shoulder. Since the earlier accident I had trouble with my R shoulder and needed surgery on my rotator cuff. It was determined that my neck pain was coming from my shoulder. Was released, but last year started having more pain and spasms in my neck and pain in my R shoulder. Have arthritis in should. I sit in front of a computer all day and have neck pain while working and while sleeping at night. Had 3 months of PT. Had an mri that showed C5-6 is herniated with mild mass effect on spinal cord. EMG says no nerve damage. Had a discography/cat scan that showed painful right C6-7 disc herniation is considered the cause of the pain in my neck, and shoulder blades. Saw an ortho spine dr and was told to think about surgery. I am not sleeping well, have changed my computer mouse to the left side, driving bothers me, can't look toward the floor w/o pain. Wearing a bra is painful and uncomfortable. Typing at a computer all day is painful. I have weakness and pain in my bicep/tricep. Am taking muscle relaxers and darvacet but it causes dizziness. I am usually very active and would like to return to a normal life. I had another mri last week, and it confirms C5-6 is herniated. When I had the appt with neuro, there was no reflex in my right bicep. What does that mean? Still waiting for my neuro to call me.

[CCF-Neuro-M.D.-PW]

Absence of a refex in the bicep usually means a problem with the nerve supplying the biceps muscle (the musculocutaneous nerve)
This muscle is predominantly supplied by the C5 root coming out of the neck below the C5 vertebral body

A disc at this level, if herniated, can cause compression of the root causing pain in the shoulder,upper arm, or upper back, along with potential weakness of the biceps and elevating the
arm.

Whether surgery is needed or not, is a difficult question, but if you are beginning to lose a reflex (and therafter muscle trength) then it is more serious, and may require surgery to prevent furhter damage.
Good luck

[2005cowboys]

ANY RESPONSE WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED!!  THANK YOU!!  

     Hi, i'm Brian.  I've had a badly herniated disc at C5-6.  The injury come out of nowhere, with no memorable type of impact that would cause this.  My right leg, especially right calf muscle, felt paralyzed.  I walked with a severe limp, tripping etc.  I also began to notice a similar dead feeling in my right hand and forearm.  Visited Neurologist, said could possibly be multiple sclerosis.  After viewing MRI's, concluded that it was the disc caucing the problems.  There were no other evident herniated disc's.  The injury is now about 6 years old, some days are worse that others, but there is noticable atrophy on the entire right side of my body, especially my lower right leg, and although i never experienced ANY pain, recently feeling pains in upper back and neck.  I have health insurance and have decided to get surgery.  Has anyone ever heard of such symptoms?  Does anyone know if surgery will reverse this partial papalysis on my right side?  What's the best type of surgery for this??  Thank you.

[cheryl ann]

Hi Brian,

I have herniated c5,c6, and c7. I get pain down my left arm anf sometimes right. Typing on the computer for more than 20 mins causes numbness. I also get pain in my left leg and extremely bad headaches. I had an emg test which shows nerve damage. Traction made pain worst and while going thru traction arms and hands went numb. I now have to try pain management, which entails cortisone shots. Hope this helps. Sounds like you are a cowboys fan!!!!!

[jeangenie]

C5-6, C6-7 large disc herniation; anterior compression on spinal cord, "pain management", Physical Therapy, Accupuncture, Massage, CESI 3 wks ago, no relief. My Career is Surgical Tech in the OR 10 hr shifts, been out of work for 5 wks. I would prefer surgery while I'm 35, no kids, great health insurance, and healthy. Rather than go back to work, and have 2 weeks, or 4 months of relief (which I'm not in yet) and be out of work again. Would like to get pro's con's vs surgery. Some days I wake up "ok" and by mid afternoon I'm a wreck, can't picture working in surgery for 10 hr shifts, lifting pt's or surgical instruments for that long. Please send advice.

[shuggy360]

A related discussion, herniated disc c5-6 degenerative disc disease was started.