C5-C6 Disc Extrusion - Operation Needed?

[SDR0708]

Hi

I was recently given the following diagnosis from an MRI scan in California

http://img110.imageshack.us/img110/6774/p1010009akb4.jpg

Symptoms are currenty:

Pain in my upper back/spine/neck area
Pain in my right forearm and hand when standing/leaning forward
Numbness in my right thumb

I've since returned to England, went to hospital and was referred to a specialist Nuerology Centre. There I was kept under observation for 3 days and was released, told that they would like me to return in 6 weeks for further examination. Alot of talk of operating was tossed around during this time, including trimming the disc or removing and replacing the disc, but nothing was done.

I'm wondering if this injury does "ease" on it's own:

1. Will I ever be able to make a return to high impact sports such as rugby?

2. How will it heal? Is it possible for ths disc to contract again or go back into place?

3. If the pain doesnt subside and the Doctors decide not to operate (on the UK NHS) what are my options?

Thanks!

[julieanthony]

hi i had a car incident i smacked my head on the headrest of my car i felt pain but did not go to the doctor for 8 weeks as i thought it would mend itself as i did not no what had gone wrong
but then i was told after i was examined by a neurosurgeon i then made a claim on the manufacture as it was a product fault on my motor
i was then told i should have gone to the doctor sooner how long did you Waite before you seen the doctor  

[Curtis1960]

Hello, SDR!

I'm sorry to read that you're experiencing so many symptoms related to the herniated disk.  I've had two surgeries at C6/C7 and I really regret having them.  I was a flyer in the military and wasn the given the option to treat the disk conservatively because my commanders wanted me to fly again soon.  I highly recommend that you try everything prior to surgery.  Chiropracting, massage, accupunture, physical therapy, heat, tens, relaxation therapy can all help.

I never had neck pain prior to the surgeries. My symptoms were a weakened left hand and left triceps.  I was misdiagnosed for three years until I finally had an MRI that revealed the herniation.  Six months after the first surgery, I reinjured the disk and had to have another one, this time with a fusion.  Now, I have extensive neck pain that radiates down the right shoulder and right latisimus dorsi. The pain interferes with every aspect of  my life.

If you can be patient and try the other therapies, I think you'lll be happier.  If they don't work, then you can always opt for surgery.  This all depends, of course, on how your current symptoms are affecting your life.  If it's real bad right now, you may want to just get it over with and have sugery.  It's your call.

As far as playing rugby again, your doctor will tell you if it's a good idea or not. I know you won't be able to play for quite some time.  My surgeon told me to avoid contact sports at all cost.  The risk of paralyzation should I hurt my neck was too high to justify playing contact sports.  Your prognosis will depend on the severity of the disk injury and how extensive the surgery is to repair it.

Please feel free to contact me if you have any other questions.

Best of luck!

Curt