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Playing golf with herniated disk at c6 & c7

I was recently diagnosed (by upper spine & neck specialist) with herniated disc at c6 & c7 with minimal bone spurs (MRI & X-Ray).  The problem started 4 weeks ago and became extremely painful at first.  However, due to medication and 2.5 weeks of physical therapy, the pain has lessened 50% and I am off pain killers. I will continue 2 more weeks of physical therapy in the hopes of lessening the pain even further.  My question is, when can I safely resume playing golf?  I am an avid tournament golfer and Spring has sprung finally in NE Ohio.  I have several tournaments scheduled and need to begin practicing as soon as possible.  However, I do not want to make my condition worse.  Obviously, I am trying to avoid surgery.  What are your thoughts?  Thank you!
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Avatar universal
Thank you for your reply.

My range of motion with my head is actually pretty good, even prior to any warm up.  However if I make a certain movement, which I have yet to exactly identify, it can aggravate the issue and then pain occurs.

I am currently exploring all treatment methods while utilizing physical therapy in an effort to be able to play golf soon and at least get me through the summer.  If I can not golf, I will be even more miserable than I am now.  However, do not want to make matters worse.
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1152183 tn?1273011695
Congratulations on getting help, quickly.

I am not sure my answer will suit your situation, but your ability to play and stay off pain meds may depends on how quickly your bone spurs (osteophytes) multiply and impinge on the surrounding nerves and the closest discs.

How far can you turn your head to the right, or left, each morning, before the muscles warm up?
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