I do have therapy scheduled tomorrow and have a cervical cortizone epidural scheduled as well (in 2 damn weeks). But looking at the MRI it doesn't look like the cortizone shot can offer much help... My C5 is compressed with a small hemhorage at the spinal chord, my C6 is the main issue that has a solid hold on the nerve into my left arm, and the C7 is also compressed and is getting close to doing the same to the right side. So 2 of the problem discs can be made better with the traction and shots while one will need a posterior cervical foramenotomy to add clearance for the nerve passage... what sucks is that it is in the upper spine at the shoulders so it puts pain in the arms and took half the stregnth from mt left arm... so I can't even do "light duty" work until it is fixed. It would actually be easier for me if it was a lower back problem where I could still at least turn wrenches.
Oh well, one day at a time I guess.
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Originally Posted by X5rolls
Weasel - sorry to hear bro. I've had some serious ruptured disk issues and before you go the surgery route, get to a doctor who performs spinal injections.
Although mine is lower back, the injection of cortisone (called an Epidural Injection) immediately decreased pain and inflammation. It shrinks the disc tissue and relieves the pressure on the nerve. Got it twice and cured my significant pain. I was ready to get surgery in my mind, the pain was so bad. Then my doctor suggested this route to see if it would work and I avoided surgery.
It is absolutely worth seeing a specialist in this to see if this is a recommended treatment for your condition.
No fun at all, good luck and keep us posted.
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