Where to go from here

[matthew6934]

It has been discovered that I have some Arthiritis and a Bulging Disk on the left side C5-6. No nerve root Damage "yet", but I am in serious PAIN in my neck,shoulder,arm and head/face areas. What is the next step so in preventing a herniated disk problem and to relieve the pain?

[Louellen]

Dear mattew;
I OA, and bulging disc at c5-6 with neck and shoulder pain that continued to worsen.  PT, traction, pain meds...nothing was working until I found a super surgeon.  It know is a last resort, but I have to tell you that I am only 2 weeks post op and I am feeling amazing.  The pain that would not abate is lower every day, very manageable.  I had the disc removed and a cadaver bone fused in its place. No hardware or pins!  The doctor I used is a fan of the gamma knife for the brain surgery he performs....very cutting edge (no pun intended).  His name is Dr. Swaid Swaid and he is in Birmingham, Al.  I would trust his skill if I needed any more surgery of this sort.  I can't believe how much better I feel....and fast.  My procedure was an anterior cervical discectomy and fusion.  There is hope.  Best of luck.  I hope you can find the relief I did.
Louellen

[Joyce K Lee, MD]

Dear matthew6934,

Thank you for submitting your question.
I will answer your concerns to the best of my abilities, but please be informed that I am unable to offer a diagnosis based on your history and list of symptoms.
I am extremely limited in not having the opportunity to perform a full neurologic examination on you, nor am I able to review the pertinent imaging.
This is solely for educational purposes and should in no way be a substitute for a formal evaluation by a certified physician.

Neck and bain pains are common problems in our clinics.
It is reassuring to know that you have been imaged and that no nerve root damage has been appreciated.

You have a good question -- if not surgery, what next?
Many patients feel that surgery is the answer to many dilemnas.
This may be true in some instances, but false in others.
I have seen many patients who undergo neck/bain surgery too prematurely (before exhausting conservative management) and continue to be in pain.

This is what I suggest -- inquire about physical therapy.
I have found that this is the most effective treatment in my patients.

Secondly, to prevent further problems -- avoid activities that put more stress in that area.
For example, riding on rollercosters that cause thrashing of the head back and forth or cracking your neck are potential hazardous activities.

For the pain, I would see a pain managment specialist.
They are equipped at controlling pain with certain pain medications and even cortisol injections into the area of pain.
I would avoid narcotics if at all possible -- these are addicting.
Non-steroidal antiinflammatory medications work well for this type of pain as well.

Hope this helps,
Best of luck,
JKL, MD