Prognosis of Left sided neuralgia related to herniated cervical disc and osteophyte

[riverhill]

I have a herniated C6 and C7 and osteophyte, diagnosed on MRI -  have had nerve root cortisone injection a few months ago with minimal relief, had physio manipulations of the facet joints which relieved the neuralgic pain in the neck, shoulder and down the arm temporarily. No longer have parasthesia down middle finger but do still get intermittent pain radiating down shoulder/arm to wrist. Have had this condition for 8 months now with restrictions/weakness to left arm limiting movement/useage.
Am off to see a Neurologist next week - can you tell me if it is inevitable that I will need surgery or can you suggest any further conservative treatment

[riverhill]

Thanks for your reply,
If I decide not to go ahead with an ACD as suggested to me, what are the chances of my osteophyte and disc herniation abating? Symptoms are certainly not as severe as they were even a  month ago, however I still have shoulder bicep pain on ABDUCTING my left arm eg. to do up an apron at the back/getting dressed or  reach  above shoulder height. Can this be treated by physiotherapy or will it continue and get worse?

I am hesitant re surgery however need to know if the condition will exacerbate and cause chronic issues to my lifestyle. Thank you

[Dr Sharma]

Hello dear and welcome to the medhelp forum. I understand your dilemma and empathize with you. You have undergone various conservative measures like physiotherapy and epidural steroid injections. Apart from sensory neurological symptoms of paresthesiae, neuralgic pain in neck and down shoulder to arm. There is also evidence of motor disturbance with weakness in left upper arm. I would suggest a decompressive surgery to prevent permanent neurological sequelae. Consult your neurologist for best advice. Wish you good luck.