Fairly large Disc Protrusion in C5-C6 : Treatment advise.

[iamindrak]

Hi,

I am 26 year old software profession. I am suffering from neck pain and chronic pain in my right hand.

I did my MRI report. Report is given as below.

-----------------------------------------------------MRI Report Start here--------------------------------------------------
MRI REPORT dated 9-March-2009:

MRI of the cervical spine has been done by acquiring T1W sagittal, axial, FSE T2W sagittal, axial images.

There is a fairly large paracentral disc protrusion at C5-6 level which is extending into the right
neural foramen causing compression of existing right C6 nerve root. Thecal sac indentation is seen at
this level but no significant cervical cord compression .


A tiny hyperintensity is seen in the central part of the cord at C6-7-D1 level. This probably
represents central canal of the cord.

The cervico-medullary junction is normal.

Visualised part of brain stem and cerebellum look normal.

Impression:

Right paracentral disc protrusion of C5-6 disc causing compression of existing right C6 nerve root.

-----------------------------------------------------Report End here--------------------------------------------------

I am too much confused regarding treatment of the pain.

Now a days,
i take one capsule COBADEX in morning.
I go for traction once in day.
In mornings, due to more pain, i take heat treatment in neck and hand areas by heating bag.
I do some light exercise also suggested by physiotherapist.
I try to sit straight.
I do this all these since around 10-12 days.. but no significant reduction in my morning pain.. and some time whole day pain..
What should i do? Which kind of care should i take?

1. As per my age, 26 years, is this problem is fully curable? Will i be normal ever??

2. Should i take leave from  my office and take rest for certain time?

3. I drive motorbike to go and back from office. Should i stop this?

4. Should i go for homeopethic treatment? Which is the best way to cure this problem?

Please give detailed advise that can help me to come out of the problem.

Thanks,
Indrajeet.

[iamindrak]

Hi KuttiLuv1,

I am going to meet Doctor tomorrow. And i am improving since last four days. I face very less pain in morning these days.

I continue to taking care whatever  i am doing.

Is is the sign that i am recovering?

Can i recover completely?

These kind of patients recovers completely? What s ur opinion?

Thanks,
Indrajeet.

[kittyluv1]

It would be beneficial if you were under the care of an orthopedic specialist, but if this is not available to you, a primary care physician who can supervise your treatment.
Absent professional care, you need to become educated on protecting your back from any further injury.
A web site that can provide a lot of information which would be too lengthy to reproduce here can be found here: www.mayoclinic.com/print/back-pain-treatment.

It will probably offer you a lot of instructions and helpful information to maintain your back in as healthy condition as possible.
I hope it helps ----

[iamindrak]

Thanks KittyLuv1 for reply.Thanks a lot.

I am not under treatment of any doctor as of now. i was admitted for 4 days when the pain was severe. Then my doctor did MRI.

At that time my physician suggested me traction. No other physiotherapy prescribed.

Few questions i have are as below:

1. You suggested Good body mechanics.. can you please describe more what can i do for this?

2. Apart from avoid motorbike driving, which kind of care should be taken while sitting, standing, sleeping?

3. I am thinking to start swiming as a part of remedy of my cervical problem when i am out of pain.(In day time i am having very less pain.. almost zero pain.. in morning times it got worse) Is swimming is advisable for me?

4. I read some where magnesium and malic acid is helpful in such cases? is it correct? can i have name of few tablets for cervical issue which contains these elements?

THanks a lot to be with me in my pain.
Indrajeet.

[kittyluv1]

Welcome to the Back and Neck Community. Members are  here to provide assistance and support to individuals experiencing symptoms related to possible abnormal conditions of the spine. Advice given is non-professional and is primarily based on personal experiences

I am sorry to hear of your prolonged discomfort.  The symptoms of neck pain and arm/hand pain can be related to the findings on your MRI.  There is a fairly large disc protrusion at the C5-C6 level which is causing narrowing of the neural foramen (opening through which the spinal nerve roots travel) and causing compression (pinching) of the nerve root at C6.  Although the thecal sac (protective covering of the spinal cord) is in contact by this disc protrusion, there is no significant compression of the spinal cord.
The resulting inflammation, compression and irritation of the nerve root is probably the source of your acute symptoms.
The fact that your job is rather labor intensive with computer work is a contributing factor as well.  Repetitive strain injuries are a hazard in any related profession such as yours.
The fact that you are younger is in your favor, as the older we are the greater the degenerative changes exist.
Good body mechanics and ergonomic work settings are essential in preventing further disc problems.  Riding a motorbike might be exacerbating your symptoms (the vibrations are heavier than riding in an automobile).
Cobradex has anti-inflammatory properties aimed at reducing the irritation of the nerve.
Traction is intended to align the spine to reduce the pressure that might be contributing to the pain.  Are you under the care of an orthopedic spine specialist?  Is your treating physician involved in prescribing the physiotherapy?  Conservative treatment has proven helpful for many people and surgery to remove the affected disc material is considered only after a trial of anti-inflammatory meds and physio has not produced significant relief and/or the symptoms are progressing and causing definite hurdles to performing usual activities.  
Discuss the treatment options with an orthopedic spine specialist.  A referral to a neurosurgeon might be indicated if continued conservative treatment does not produce adequate response.
Post again with an update and any additional questions/concerns you may have.
Best wishes ---