Thanks for using the forum. I am happy to address your questions, and my answer will be based on the information you provided here. Please make sure you recognize that this forum is for educational purposes only, and it does not substitute for a formal office visit with your doctor.
Without the ability to obtain a history from your relative and examine your relative, I can not comment on a formal diagnosis or treatment plan for his/her symptoms. However, I will try to provide you with some information regarding this matter.
It sounds like you have a disc herniation. The vertebrae (bones of the spine) have material between them to cushion and allow for mobility. This material may be squished out. This is called a herniated disc. It can be squished out centrally or laterally. In most people the pain associated with a herniated disc may resolve within 4-6 weeks. A minority of patients do not respond to medical/conservative management and require surgery. Symptoms suggesting the need for urgent surgery include muscle weakness, loss of bowel or bladder control, loss of sensation, and progressive pain.
Given that you have reinnervation, as long as the impingment is taken care of, then you should regain function within 15 months (takes that long for the nerve to grow back).
Thanks for responding. The results of my Cervical CT revealed 2 bulging disks and two partially herniated ones. I want to believe this is the source of the problem but I remain frightened that something more serious is happening.
I suggest you try stretching exercises for your pectoralis minor muscles. They helped relieve almost all of my pain.
excellent question, too suffer from this, it's been nearly 2 years now since i was first diagnosed and literally my left arm has burning sensation and im waking up so stiff, ive had physio all ready.
But i also have impingement of the exciting nerve root and it comes into contact with the spinal cord so i am interested what the doc replies.
Thank you very much for the quick reply. I just wanted to clarify what you mean by as long as the impingement is taken care of?