Should I or shouldn't I? So worried

[Micki723]

I have a torn cervical disk around the C5 C6 area. A surgeon recommends removing the disk and fusing. this pain started with a car accident last November. I have had nagging burning neck pain radiating into the shoulder since then. I only recently learned through an MRI reading that I had a torn disc. I am interested in alternative therapies, such as acupuncture, more physical therapy, and the use of anti-inflammatories. I really wish to avoid surgery if possible. But perhaps I am being too paranoid. I would love comments from anyone. Thank you.

[Micki723]

Oh I'm so sorry to hear of your troubles. I only have pain, and I am finding ways to control it with heat and traction and some stretching. I so appreciate your response, because some people in my life are very much in favor of surgery. In your case, you really didn't have a choice, but when surgery is elective, yes, one must think carefully. My heart goes out to you, and I am sending you all the best wishes for a full recovery .... and soon.  

[Micki723]

Thanks so much:  what you say makes 100% sense to me!  

[weezygoff]

Hello Micki, I am 58 years old and had the same herniation at C5 C6 area that happened very fast, within a week I didn't have any grip in my left arm and would have been paralyzed if I hadn't had the surgery done. I had surgery on May 16, 2012. If the things you mentioned are the only symptoms you have, believe me I know the pain is bad, I would try to avoid surgery if you can because I am eight weeks post-op and the pain in my neck now is excrutiating, still using ice packs and pain medication which only takes the edge off. Also my left leg just went completely numb and I lost some bladder control Monday. I was in the hospital for four days and am now on home health care because I can't do very much. I had an excellent neurosurgeon for my surgery but if you do some reading about ACDF surgery (Anterior Cervical Discectomy Fusion) on google or whatever search engine you use, you'll find that many people have these problems after the surgery. My surgeon saved me from being paralyzed but if you have any other options, I would definitely try them first. From what I've read about this surgery you're better off with a good neurosurgeon than an ortho. I really don't know but I would probably ask the surgeon about his experience with this surgery. I hope this helps and I wish you luck. It's a hard decision to make but no you're not being paranoid at all. This is major surgery.

[squirtatious]

Any dr that recommends surgery right off the bat is one I would RUN FAST from!! I personally go the chiropractor route as they are experts in the muscular/skeletal system. I wish u well hun, id get second and third opinions!!