New diagnosis of herniated disk in neck, need advice - Hernia Message Board

Capistrano · 09-30-2007, 10:29 AM

I've known for a few years that I have 3 bone spurs in my neck, but they haven't been a real problem, until now. I just got MRI results that said "mild to moderate digffuse cervical spondylosis, greatest at C5-6 and C6-7 with both left paracentral discs or osteophytes with some cord abutment as well as significant left foraminal encroachment secondary to disc spurring," OR as my ortho doc said, I have a herniated disk which is pressing on a nerve. He referred me to a neurosurgeon, who I will see in 2 weeks. As I had horrendous throat surgery 2 years ago for sleep apnea, the last thing I want is another surgery. So I am looking for ways to minimize the effects of this problem. Last night I had pain when I slept on my right side, and I work up with pain in my neck and shoulder when I turned my head to the left. This has never happened before. Also some discomfort in my shoulder area when I take a deep breath. Before I freak out, I would appreciate any and all advice concerning do's and dont's: exercise, sleeping, lifting, working at a computer all day, over the counter pain meds (I have gastric reflux and have had gastritis and IBS). Also, my office is moving to another location in a few weeks and I have a lot of heavy notebooks to move. FYI,I am female and 57.
Thanks to all!

AnnD · 09-30-2007, 11:11 AM

I can tell you this it isn't going to get better and the pain can only get worse... lifting heavy things is absolutely out of the question for the rest of you life....unless you have the surgery. But perhaps you have not suffered enough to consider surgery. Your other diagnosis are incidental in comparison with what you are going to go through with your back...the medications that you will need for back pain will not interfere with you other issues. Just the back issue alone will interfere but you just treat the symptoms as they come up. You have already discovered you can't sleep on the right side. For now try different OTC pain meds to see if any of them work for you.
AND other things you can do is have your doctor refer you to a rehab clinic for them to teach you how to use your muscles effectively.(they will need a detailed report of your physicians findings and also doctors note that says you are capable to work with rehab) You would be surprised at the things you can learn from rehab. They can train you on how to deal with sitting all day and and other Lower back muscle building exercises. Maybe this will delay the surgery for a couple of years. There are also cortisone shots that can help you with pain if that becomes an issue. Locals here go to the Spine Institute for those injections . Good luck to you.

Capistrano · 09-30-2007, 12:46 PM

Thank you for your reply. I guess I will need a note from the neuro doc for my office move. I am aware that this problem is not going to get better but I want to avoid surgery for as long as possible,so I'll do whatever it takes. You sould like a veteran who has been through it all.