Cervical Spine

[health2go]

In December last year I woke up from a great sleep and noticed I must have twisted my neck during the night. During the day I started to get very severe nerve pain down my left arm that was unbearable. I went to the hospital and they suggested I go to a Physio for treatment. I also decided to go to my doctor who advised that I may have a bulgeing disc. After two weeks I had pains and numbness in my fingers which after 4 months my fingers are still a bit tingle and numb sometimes. After several Physio appointments I decided to get a MRI. The report says the following C5-CS Level a shallow annulus bulge is evident. The central canal and exit foramia are adequate C6-7 There is a large left posterolateral and foraminal disc protrusion. This causes sever compression of the exiting left C7 nerve root and mild flattening of the left side of the cord. The disc measures 10 x 6 mm in size. The lower brainstem and upper thoracic cord are normal. Comment Left forminal disc protrusion at C6-7 severley compressing the left C7 nerve root. I am 44 and have never ever had a back injury or problems of any kind. I do not get any other pain apart from the weakness in my left arm especially when I lift something above my head and the tingle sensation in 3 of my fingers. It does not interfere with my work at all but I would like to know what I should be focusing on and how long does it take to heal. Will the nerves in my left arm go back to normal.

[health2go]

Thank you for your respnse I will follow up on this.

Regards

[kittyluv1]

I am sorry to hear of your continued discomfort and health concerns.
Your MRI does show indication of degenerative disc changes (DDD) primarily at the\
C6-C7 level.  The intervertebral disc has protruded through its protective covering and is causing pressure on the exiting spinal nerve roots and also some flattening of the spinal cord.
Because of the severe compression of the exiting C7 nerve root you are experiencing the weakness of your left arm.
Physiotherapy is directed at attempting to reduce/remove the pressure being exerted on the nerve.  It may not be able to provide adequate relief of your symptoms as there is probably stenosis (narrowing) of the vertebral disc height.  In cases where conservative treatment does not provide sufficient relief, a referral to a neurosurgeon or orthopedic spine specialist would be indicated to determine other treatment options which could include surgery.
While you may not have sustained any specific injury or trauma, these degenerative changes are a normal process of the wear and tear on our spine as we age.  The MRI indicates that the primary level involved is C6-C7 with minor bulging at the C5-C6 level.
If you have not received a referral to a specialist from your primary care doctor, it might be beneficial to pursue this option.
If surgery is indicated, the recovery would be based on the extent of the surgical procedure and the success of removing the pressure on the nerve root.
Many times the preop symptoms are totally relieved after surgery, or it can take time for the nerves to regain full function.
Post again with an update and any additional questions/concerns you may have.
Best wishes ----