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Rick Fountain
Oct 4, 2009 - 2:05PM
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Neck and Arm pain - C5/C6 herniated disk
Hi, I'm brand new to this board -
I've got a herniated disk in C5/C6 which is causing upper back, but worse, arm pain (right arm). I've never had anything like this before. I'm 49 and there is no 'injury' I can point to. I believe it is related to 25 years on a computer and a lot of stress in the last year.
This is 10 weeks old now and I've tried:
- Chiropractic for 4 weeks (think it made it worse)
- Orthopedic treatments (drugs (none worked to alleviate the pain) and physical therapy (no noticeable relief)
- Spine Specialist - prescribed traction (since I'm saying I don't want surgery) and a cortisone shot.
I've had a couple weeks of traction - 3x/week and had a cortisone shot 4 days ago. The shot doesn't seem to be helping too much - argh! I've been taking Gabapentin also for nerve pain but not so sure it's doing a lot either.
Bottom Line: It's been 10 weeks and I'm still in pain - so, I just ordered Jesse's program. I figured I'd give it a try - what have I got to lose and it's refundable, after all.
QUESTION: Has anyone found this program effective for what I'm describing? All the testimonials on his website talk about sciatica which is NOT what's troubling me. My arm is the biggest problem at this point. I'm trying to find someone else who's been through what I've been through and found a way out without surgery!
thanks!
Rick
Connecticut
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Steven Hefferon
Oct 6, 2009 - 1:04PM
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Re: Neck and Arm pain - C5/C6 herniated disk
The lose the Back Pain System does address the Upper Back Neck and Shoulders as part of a complete program to help build balance and stability for your spine...
Steve
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RIck
Nov 3, 2009 - 5:09PM
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Re: Neck and Arm pain - C5/C6 herniated disk
An update, in case anyone is experiencing similar. I'm three months in now and just had my 2nd cortisone shot. Since shot #1 I found that Advil (3 tablets twice a day) is working to help me live with the pain. Today I just got a cervical home traction machine. Insurance wouldn't pay for this model (it's one where you lie down and pump up the pressure vs. the over the door model which no one seems to recommend). I found it on eBay for $200. Hopefully this will help. I've been trying everything: ice, Biofreeze, exercises, etc. but have only what I would call modest improvement. My physical therapists says I"m getting better because I have full mobility moving my head around but the spinal specialist says that't not relevant. But I'm not giving up and I'm not getting surgery! Hang in there anyone who has similar symptoms!
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Mary
Nov 7, 2009 - 11:20AM
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Re: Neck and Arm pain - C5/C6 herniated disk
I have lived with the same neck pain you have for many years. I did have surgery many years ago because I didn't know better. I had severe nerve pain down my right arm. It cured the arm pain but I continued with the neck pain.The second time I had arm pain they said I had another disc that needed surgery. I refused that time. I did find that chiropractic helped relieve arm pain.
I have found that ice is extremely helpful. I use the soft kind and after the cold is gone it is a neck support for me. You have to stop doing things that cause more pain. It is all trial and error. I find that sitting in a recliner that is comfortable and sometimes putting a small neck support behind my neck keeps the pain away. Also don't lean forward using your arms which can make it worse. Be aware of EVERYTHING you do. Then STOP doing those things. Be aware of body position.
Also, there are different types of chiropractors out there. If one doesn't help, try another. My third chiro was the one that helped me most.
Stretch your neck muscles gently. You can use ice (soft) or heat to relax the muscles before stretching. Also a cold pain reliever like bio freeze can relieve pain also. I bought a unit callled the ReBuilder which has helped me so much, especially for foot neuropathy and low back pain.
I hope this information will be helpful.
