Good Morning. I saw my 8th doctor yesterday, an orthopedic surgeon. About a year ago they found I had a herniated c-5 &6. I was told by 2 neurosurgeons that they did not believe it was my disk as I have pain and numbness in both hands, arms and left buttock and left foot. This doctor said he thinks it is from my herniated disk as it is pretty bad. He asked me if I was willing to have surgery, saying that it could possibly make me worse or much better. I am scared and confused. What would you do? Please help!!!!!! Kathy

Surgury is a big step. They say it may work or not. That's a 50/50 chance you will get better. That's also a 50/50 chance you won't. You have to weigh your options. I've been fighting to find something operable on my body so that I can take that chance and hopefully get better. There are horror stories about back surgury but then there are also success stories. Exhaust all your nonsurgical options which it sounds like you have. I know I'm rambling. This is just the stuff that would go through my head in the same situation. Take a step back, take a deep breath, and then start thinking about it again.

My husband had injections that took care of his 3 problem discs. The chemical is injected into the disc. This shrinks the disc. They were low in his back though. This may not work higher in the back and has other risks than traditional surgery. But it is something to consider.

I also have a herniated disc in my neck C5 and C6 - I have tingling and numbness in both hands but most of my pain is in my left arm. Doctor said it can be in either arm and is called referral pain. I was diagnosed with this 10 years ago and have chosen not to have the surgery. But that is a personal decision. They said they would go through the front of my neck and using a piece of my hip bone fuse the vertebraes together. I have managed pretty well. I have a home traction unit that I lay in - it is called a Saunders Unit and it is great for relieving the pressure on my neck. Good Luck and God Bless.