Cervical ruptured disc anyone?

[Mikepol2]

So I have a C5-6 herniated disc in my neck. Have been dealing with it for 3 yrs but the past 2 months have been horrible, I can’t stand upright or walk without feeling like my whole right arm is being electrocuted. They are recommending either disc replacement or fusion surgery. Anyone else go through this torture?

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[Balr14]

My brother has had one disk replaced and is currently awaiting more surgery on other discs. I am also be evaluated for both types of surgery. Get the disc replacement if you can. Recovery time is shorter and you won't lose mobility.

 

[Burkey]

May I ask how this happened? Is it the result of an injury or is it more one of those luck fo the draw type deals?

 

[Mikepol2]

May I ask how this happened? Is it the result of an injury or is it more one of those luck fo the draw type deals?

I first noticed it doing pullups, the surgeon thinks it's a combination of lifting weights and age. Normal deterioration of the disc that got accelerated by straining my neck or maybe in a bad position.

 

[Superspirit]

Yes sir, I have herniated discs at C5-C7, also fused from L3-L5. Bone on bone from L5 to S2. At this point just dealing with the pain. Already had 2 back surgeries no sense in going through anymore! It's called the life of a retired mechanic.

 

[Veteran]

I’m not at the stage you guys are yet, but years of MX has caused compacted disks in neck. I go to physio etc and now only ride with super light helmets, and try stand as much as possible when riding.
I will face same in long run and also don’t know what’s best option.

 

[Mikepol2]

Talk about timing....

I do probably 3 sets of 20 light to moderate weight neck resistance excercises for left, right, front and rear, 4 times a week. Am careful not to compact disks with extreme attention to range of motion.

Anyone see this as risky of have suggestions?

Hmm surgeon told me age, posture, and amount of weight what are the factors in my case, not sure how that would apply specifically to neck exercises. He suggests that with me it was pull ups.

 

[Balr14]

Yes sir, I have herniated discs at C5-C7, also fused from L3-L5. Bone on bone from L5 to S2. At this point just dealing with the pain. Already had 2 back surgeries no sense in going through anymore! It's called the life of a retired mechanic.

You sound like my brother. He is a retired millwright, so many years of heavy physical labor. He has tried everything including having nerves killed.

 

[lacanteen]

I did fusion on C5 & C6 25 years ago. The surgery is nothing, Initial recovery, 5 days, complete recovery 3 months.

 

[Mikepol2]

I did fusion on C5 & C6 25 years ago. The surgery is nothing, Initial recovery, 5 days, complete recovery 3 months.

Wow that's very encouraging!! Part of my concern is, will it work, and will it only last a couple years before something else needs done.

I have to get a CT scan in a couple weeks so they can decide if I'm a candidate for disc replacement, and if not it will be C5-6 fusion.

 

[Biggus Dickus]

So I have a C5-6 herniated disc in my neck. Have been dealing with it for 3 yrs but the past 2 months have been horrible, I can’t stand upright or walk without feeling like my whole right arm is being electrocuted. They are recommending either disc replacement or fusion surgery. Anyone else go through this torture?

Do anything but those suggestions until you exhaust all options:

NSAIDS + tylenol concurrently
Strength and Conditioning C-spine
Epidural steroids followed by PT
Cervical Traction
Cervical support collar
Adjunct meds like gabapentin or Cymbalta - at maxxed out doses if needed.
Narcotics for really, really bad days only.

Ask about just going with a foraminotomy or discectomy before the nuclear options

Let a top notch pain doc work on you first - they may put you through some diagnostic blocks, but if you have C-radiculopathy, you may benefit from transforaminal epidural steroids.

All the best

 

[Mikepol2]

Do anything but those suggestions until you exhaust all options:

NSAIDS + tylenol concurrently
Strength and Conditioning C-spine
Epidural steroids followed by PT
Cervical Traction
Cervical support collar
Adjunct meds like gabapentin or Cymbalta - at maxxed out doses if needed.
Narcotics for really, really bad days only.

Ask about just going with a foraminotomy or discectomy before the nuclear options

Let a top notch pain doc work on you first - they may put you through some diagnostic blocks, but if you have C-radiculopathy, you may benefit from transforaminal epidural steroids.

All the best

Clearly someone who has been in the game.

At this point my options are getting cut or sucking it up for the next 30+ yrs.

 

[Balr14]

Clearly someone who has been in the game.

At this point my options are getting cut or sucking it up for the next 30+ yrs.

My brother tried the "suck it up for the next 30 years" route and it pretty much ruined his life. He should have opted for the surgery a long time ago. I'm glad he's doing it now. I want my brother back like he used to be.

 

[Biggus Dickus]

At this point my options are getting cut or sucking it up for the next 30+ yrs.

If that's case, and if you haven't already, get another opinion first. Again, all the best.

And Pitt (UoP) has a really good Pain Management Department.

 

[oneheadlite]

Yes sir, I have herniated discs at C5-C7, also fused from L3-L5. Bone on bone from L5 to S2. At this point just dealing with the pain. Already had 2 back surgeries no sense in going through anymore! It's called the life of a retired mechanic.

....this^^^
I went to my MD after open heart surgery for a 6 week check up in May of '16.
He asked me if I had any other pain?

I named off my back, wrist, both shoulders and chest (most from a motorcycle wreck)
He asks; 'do you want any pain meds??
I said "no." He asks; "why?"

"I figured most of my pain is from what I have done to myself over the years."
He says; "most of my patients want pain pills."

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