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.
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!!!!!
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.
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