Herniated Disc -C6 Cervical Intervertebral Disc

[TripleTee]

Been working out for 12 years when all of a sudden I practically lost use of my right arm. No more pushing strength.

Turns out I have a herniated disc -which basically means that the inter-vertebral discs (6 and 7th) are compressed which is pushing against the nerve root and therefore the loss of strength on the right side (right biceps; triceps; delts and back).

I also have constant pain in the neck.
It is unfortunate but I can't really push as mush weight as the right arm always gives and starts to tremble.

The doctor said that I could ignore it and go on not a care in the world -the draw back is the pain and the weakness on the right side.

Any one knows any one who has had a similar situation and who might have found a solution.
I am really frustrated at not being able to work out properly.
I have lost a lot of muscle mass and gain a bit of flab although I pay attention to what I eat (within reason).

Appreciate your input.

[uttaresh]

My father had this a few months ago. One of his discs had slipped/pushed in and he couldn't use his left shoulder. He had to wear some sort of collar thing for two months, it's OK now.

[j_neatherlin]

look into non-surgical decompression.

[lcamino]

I've been dealing with it for over two years. I think it was a result of years of judo and rugby. I've got to tell you it isn't easy to deal with. It all really depends on the level of nerve impingement if any. If you arm feels dead, more than likely there is some. I have tried to deal without surgery, but I will probably have no choice in the end. The first thing I eperienced was some major atrophy on the left side. You might consider a home traction unit, mine has helped alot. They make collars and saunders models. The psychological battle is the toughest. It is definitely hard to feel much of a pump or anything on that side. You may experience the same thing. The best advice is to be humble and get used to some lower weights. Even if you can't feel it the muscle memory is still there. Good luck.

[HRK (herb)]

I've had 3 back surgeries so I talk from experience.

First you have to do is put things in pespective. In the long run, how important is it at this point you can't lift weights when compared to losing the use of your arm. **** happens to good people - usually when they least expect it.Takin' a few months off to properly treat with this problem isn't really a big deal.

One the bright side, this is were 12 years of training is gonna pay off. You have enough muscle mass in your neck and shoulders that rehab will be easier. This is something I found out after my last surgery. They were gonna fuse L4,L5 and S1 but because of 15 yrs of lifting they didn't need too.

Talk to a couple of doctors about surgery, talk to your family and friends to see if you have the support system in place for rehab. The longer a nerve is compressed the more permanent the damage to that nerve is and the worse the loss of motor function is impaired.

This type of surgery has improved over the last 15yrs. and in my opinion waiting will just make it worse. I'm glad I had my back fixed and I"m back lifting heavier than ever.

good luck

[TripleTee]

Originally Posted by lcamino

I've been dealing with it for over two years. I think it was a result of years of judo and rugby. I've got to tell you it isn't easy to deal with. It all really depends on the level of nerve impingement if any. If you arm feels dead, more than likely there is some. I have tried to deal without surgery, but I will probably have no choice in the end. The first thing I eperienced was some major atrophy on the left side. You might consider a home traction unit, mine has helped alot. They make collars and saunders models. The psychological battle is the toughest. It is definitely hard to feel much of a pump or anything on that side. You may experience the same thing. The best advice is to be humble and get used to some lower weights. Even if you can't feel it the muscle memory is still there. Good luck.

He he he, I think it's mostly the rugby -I played a bit as well.
Add that to a couple of car accidents and muscle tears and I guess the result is the herniated disc. it's been around for about 1.5 years now... so not too far away from your situation. But I Guess it is just the accumulation of injuries; use and abuse of my body that lead to it today.

I do feel weakness on the right side and as you say it's the psyche of things that get to me the most. The resentment of not being able to do what I used to. The constant muscle spasm and tention + the irritation (cuz it's not really pain) but I feel the pinched nerve.
Muscle memory does help and I guess I should get used to lower weights. I am also considering resistance ball training just to strengthen all those deep muscle fibers that heavy lifting overlooks!

Thanks for your comments it does help.

[TripleTee]

Originally Posted by HRK (herb)

I've had 3 back surgeries so I talk from experience.

First you have to do is put things in pespective. In the long run, how important is it at this point you can't lift weights when compared to losing the use of your arm. **** happens to good people - usually when they least expect it.Takin' a few months off to properly treat with this problem isn't really a big deal.

One the bright side, this is were 12 years of training is gonna pay off. You have enough muscle mass in your neck and shoulders that rehab will be easier. This is something I found out after my last surgery. They were gonna fuse L4,L5 and S1 but because of 15 yrs of lifting they didn't need too.

Talk to a couple of doctors about surgery, talk to your family and friends to see if you have the support system in place for rehab. The longer a nerve is compressed the more permanent the damage to that nerve is and the worse the loss of motor function is impaired.

This type of surgery has improved over the last 15yrs. and in my opinion waiting will just make it worse. I'm glad I had my back fixed and I"m back lifting heavier than ever.

good luck

I'll bump that as well. unfortunately I have taken just about a year and few months off the gym when I was doing physio and chiro.
It helped releive loads of pain; although my doc now told me to stay clear from chiro!
If I want to weigh things... lift and loose arm or not lift and have sufficient good use of arm very few people would disagree that the second option is the wisest.

also true that my years of training have paid off. I worked out well and good that even though I lost quite a bit of muscle I still am fit. The doctor was even surprised how I could still maintain that. Offcourse I smiled and said it's easy to look this way when you were three times as big!
I think what is keeping things together is rightly the fact that I have sufficient muscle for support.

I am glad the surgery worked for you and true methods have changed. What sort of surgery did you get? did you remove any discs? Those are the options my doc gave me: either place a support (platine screws to keep things in place) or removing the disc and replace it with an artificial one.
Both are very expensive and at this stage of the problem and at this relatively young age we agreed I could afford to wait a little longer before considering surgery. Hopefully medicine will develop more and find a more convinient solution.

In the mean time -I'm sticking to light weight; resistance balls; cables and hyper expentions + abs I thinks now back and abs are really important for support.

Thank you as well for your share of thoughts I kind of feel less bad!
This is a conquerable situation.
cheers

[HRK (herb)]

The both discs blew exactly the same 1.5cm bulge ( 3/4 of an inch). The disc material was pressing on the nerve (L5/S1) and I couldn't feel my toes and was unable to completely lift my foot off the ground. I was forever tripping and rolling my ankle when I walked.
L4/L5 I had loss of sensation on the outside of my lower leg, toes and muscle spasms in my hammies. That one hurt more.

They removed the herniated portion of the disc sutured the remaining disc and packed the area with fat. Discotomy or something like that. The lumbar discs have considerably more material than cervical so they don't have to remove the whole thing.

I saw the bill for the last surgery - $44,000. If they had to fuse it probably 75k or so. Lets hear it for insurance.

Good luck.
Herb

[Wolfman1265]

i have a what they call a "slightly" bulging disc in my lumbar area.. any tips or any suggestions of stuff that i should stop.. or things I should do to prevent it from getting too much worse??

[TripleTee]

Originally Posted by HRK (herb)

The both discs blew exactly the same 1.5cm bulge ( 3/4 of an inch). The disc material was pressing on the nerve (L5/S1) and I couldn't feel my toes and was unable to completely lift my foot off the ground. I was forever tripping and rolling my ankle when I walked.
L4/L5 I had loss of sensation on the outside of my lower leg, toes and muscle spasms in my hammies. That one hurt more.

They removed the herniated portion of the disc sutured the remaining disc and packed the area with fat. Discotomy or something like that. The lumbar discs have considerably more material than cervical so they don't have to remove the whole thing.

I saw the bill for the last surgery - $44,000. If they had to fuse it probably 75k or so. Lets hear it for insurance.

Good luck.
Herb

Ouch that does sound painful... reminiscent of what I felt the first day my arm just gave away. I had constant numbness in my right arm fingers and couldn't really move it much.

My doc suggested a discotomy... that would cost over 20k (that my insurance refuse to cover!). but as you say the cervical discs are different then lower or lumbar ones and thus should be removed all together!
I am not to keen on that option. It sort of scares me.
I might opt for the temporary releife of an epidural the sort of injection directly into the disc to "fill it up" which should last for about six months or so.

An operation seems ineveitable but I just refuse to opt for that now at the age of 30.

otherwise, if you are saying that your operation was a succes and now you are better than ever -perhaps i should take your docs contacts and pay him a visit!

any views on gravity boots? hanging up side down? bought myself a pair for some temp relief -not so useful but fun. I kind of slept well the two times i used it

Ok cheers guys got to get back to work!

[HRK (herb)]

I've always taken this stance when it comes to injuries. I know what works for me, what makes things worse or better.
Regardless what anyone says, if it makes my back better I"m gonna do it.

Consider yourself as your own ongoing experiment in rehab. Once you find something that works. use it until it doesn't work.
glucosamine/MSM and fish oil will help with inflammation.

educate yourself. then help others figure it out. It is part of the reason I'm studying to become a chiropractor.

My Dr. is in San Jose,Ca, now retired but the guy who took over his practice is pretty good.

[HRK (herb)]

Originally Posted by Wolfman1265

i have a what they call a "slightly" bulging disc in my lumbar area.. any tips or any suggestions of stuff that i should stop.. or things I should do to prevent it from getting too much worse??

See my last post, you're the best person to answer that. If heavy squats make it worse, do light ones.
If running make it worse - think about the surface or your shoes. Or don't run.

To keep em from getting worse.....CORE WORK. It should be a daily thing especially if you like to squat.


Doing nothing is the worse thing to do.

[HRK (herb)]

I just saw this tonight. An MMA fighter, Nate Quarry has surgery on his LB.

The company is nuvasive.com. It looks very promising.

worth some research

[jdmalm123]

Originally Posted by TripleTee

Been working out for 12 years when all of a sudden I practically lost use of my right arm. No more pushing strength.

Turns out I have a herniated disc -which basically means that the inter-vertebral discs (6 and 7th) are compressed which is pushing against the nerve root and therefore the loss of strength on the right side (right biceps; triceps; delts and back).

I also have constant pain in the neck.
It is unfortunate but I can't really push as mush weight as the right arm always gives and starts to tremble.

The doctor said that I could ignore it and go on not a care in the world -the draw back is the pain and the weakness on the right side.

Any one knows any one who has had a similar situation and who might have found a solution.
I am really frustrated at not being able to work out properly.
I have lost a lot of muscle mass and gain a bit of flab although I pay attention to what I eat (within reason).

Appreciate your input.

\

I herniated L4-L5 and L5-S1 (lumbar) and was near crippled.

Look into Epidural steroid injections. Series of 3 injections usually 2 weeks apart...significantly reduced my pain.

I ended up having a MICRODISCECTOMY. It was outpatient surgery. Immediate pain relief (except for sutures!). Hopefully, you're a candidate.

Some discs can be worked back into place with time or proper spinal manipulation by a qualified chiropractor or osteopath.

[AutumnalPark]

Discs cannot be worked into place by manipulation!

Good news is that there can be some natural resolution of the size of the disc protrusion over time.

Cervical discs are commonly removed and fused, but the results vary.

Partial discectomy is much better usually, leaving as much material as possible. But, surgery is best avoided is possible. Non-surgical options should be pursued first.

Exercises for the stabilisers of the neck may help, as can maintaining a good ROM in the cervical and thoracic spine and good posture.

[TripleTee]

nuvasive seems interesting. I just logged on and will see what sort of information it has.

I have been my own lab rat for the past 12 to 15 years of my life so totally agree to going by what my body tells me is the right thing to do!

I am more leaning to exhausting all "natural" solutions before considering surgery. Cervical is different from lumbar in the sense that you guys have brought up.
I want to consult a few more docs to get different opinions.

Epidural injections were one of my choices...
jdmalm123: did they just relieve the pain or helped repair the problem?

I spoke to my chiro and he said he would 'probably' be able to help but he will have to check all the X rays and MRI's before he could answer.
I have taken an appointment in 2 weeks (the earlier I could) since I am traveling for work -which I do a lot and it does not help much.

AutumnalPark; yes -Good posture is primal... I am conscious of that especially that I spend countless hours behind the desk using this crap as well as hours driving... (or mostly stuck in traffic! It took me 1h and 20 min to get to work today!

I spent about a month doing nothing but cable exercises with Full ROM. and now I alternate with stability ball exercises just to make sure the core is strong enough for support.

Lately I have been feeling some irritation on the left side which I think is due on me dumping all the pressure on the left since most of the weakness was on the right and I guess I should be more careful with and treat both sides equally.

Most importantly agreed that not doing anything is the worst option; so I still try and keep my self in the gym; swim ?the worst however is having to stay clear from squats; dead lifts and rugby!

[liquidshredda]

Originally Posted by TripleTee

Been working out for 12 years when all of a sudden I practically lost use of my right arm. No more pushing strength.

Turns out I have a herniated disc -which basically means that the inter-vertebral discs (6 and 7th) are compressed which is pushing against the nerve root and therefore the loss of strength on the right side (right biceps; triceps; delts and back).

I also have constant pain in the neck.
It is unfortunate but I can't really push as mush weight as the right arm always gives and starts to tremble.

The doctor said that I could ignore it and go on not a care in the world -the draw back is the pain and the weakness on the right side.

Any one knows any one who has had a similar situation and who might have found a solution.
I am really frustrated at not being able to work out properly.
I have lost a lot of muscle mass and gain a bit of flab although I pay attention to what I eat (within reason).

Appreciate your input.

I have 2 bulging disks in the cervical. alot of times not having the proper curve in the neck contributes. I bought a 60 dollar pillow that helps www.arc4life.com. and also cerical traction helps.

[TripleTee]

the cervical traction device lools a little midevil -sad like! worth looking into.

It seems I will have to consider surgery sooner that I thought as the pain is now shifting towards the left side and yesterday i felt numbness in my left ring and pinky finger!

seems to be getting worse. I have a chiro appoinment next sat and I might follwo it up with an additional docs -second opinion sort of thing.

I will be going to Paris begining november -any one know a good doc there?

cheers

[tvf1413]

I herniated my disc (C4-C5). Two separate neurosurgeons told me it was a big enough hernia that the only option was surgery. I was all set to schedule surgery until my girlfriend asked me to try physiotherapy as a last resort. I was lucky to get referred to a very good therapist. After a slow and painful recovery process (almost 5 months) I'm almost a 100% back to normal and back in the gym.

The key to physiotherapy IMO is a good therapist and lots of patience. You have to let the therapist figure out the optimum exercise for your condition. This may take some trial and error.

Also, you have to get conscious about your posture, especially when you sleep. Never sleep on your tummy.

BTW I got my physiotherapy at TIRR (Texas Institute of Rehabilitation Research) and highly recommend it.

[TripleTee]

tvf1413; thx for that info... there is a light of hope then.

I agree to that my chiro actually helped me alot. I have done many sessions over a period of 6 months or so until he told me there is not much more he can do for me.

In my region he is the best actually and comes quite higly recommended.
In light of the developments that have taken place (then i did not know i had herniated the discs) I am going back to see him this saturday with the MRI's and Xrays... hopefully there will be something more he can do.

I am very conscious about my posture. I sometimec can only sleep on my tummy so I guess I should avoid that now.

I am also starting to feel similar symptoms on the left side + some numbness in my pinky and ring finger! plus the pain in my middle back.

I hope chiro will be a good alternative to surgery as I don't really want to opt for that yet!

One more question: did your physotherapis only do massages and manipulation or did you also do specific exercises with him?

thanks for your help and I glad your feeling better!

[tvf1413]

My physiotherapist did some massage and manipulation in the first few sessions. He also spent some time looking at my MRIs. After that it was just exercises.

The first exercise he had me try was this...
Sit up straight in a flat backed chair, scoot all the way back in it so your butt touches the chair back. Look straight ahead. Now pretend there is a rod entering your head at the forehead and exiting the back of your head. Try to slide your head back on this imaginary rod. Just move your head without tilting it. Use your fingers to push on your chin if required. I could barely move my head back on this one. By the time I was done with my therapy I had full range of motion. Of course this is all specific to my particular injury.

I've never been to the hospital for anything before that so I was very naive when it came to doctors. When the specialist recommended surgery I was ready to go. Lucky for me my gf was more skeptical and had me exhaust all non invasive options. I even did accupuncture and accupressure.

Bottom line - dont go under the knife until you have exhausted all options or the pain/numbness is so great you cannot wait.

[ejt4305]

My C6-7 hernitated and unfortunately I had a disectomy and fusion. The herniation pressed against my left nerve root too long prior to surgery with the end result being no muscular endurance and about 75% loss of strength on pressing movements, especially overhead movements. Has anyone regained strength in their effected arm/shoulder after therapy and/or surgery? I share the same frustration in this one-sided weakness...extremely frustrating, physically and emotionally, thus my third attempt getting back into weight lifting in six months. Looking for some answers...

[Al Swearengen]

bump

anyone have any updates or anything they could add please do.

[agsuper]

Bump

[Al Swearengen]

Originally Posted by agsuper

Bump

how are you making out with your fusion and how long did you wait before having it done?

[Grind4Mine]

Physical therapy first, this should straighten you out bro, surgery should be the last option

Get with a PT, if you continue to see ortho's and other Docs they are all going to suggest you get cut on A) they are trained to cut B)they make alot of money when they cut

As mentioned a good month of regular visits using in department and home cervical traction units will make a world of difference and possibly even cure your problems...if not, then you should think surgery as spinal nerve impingment from a herniated disc is no joke and not something you should just "live with"

[Al Swearengen]

Originally Posted by Grind4Mine

Physical therapy first, this should straighten you out bro, surgery should be the last option

Get with a PT, if you continue to see ortho's and other Docs they are all going to suggest you get cut on A) they are trained to cut B)they make alot of money when they cut

As mentioned a good month of regular visits using in department and home cervical traction units will make a world of difference and possibly even cure your problems...if not, then you should think surgery as spinal nerve impingment from a herniated disc is no joke and not something you should just "live with"

if pt and time doesn't help i will still not be doing anything until December when i will have time for proper rehab and recovery. no way do i wish to have them do surgery until all possibilities are extinguished.

[agsuper]

Originally Posted by Al Swearengen

how are you making out with your fusion and how long did you wait before having it done?

I am doing ok. Still sore around the shoulder blades and the base of the neck(4 weeks post op) I can not lift anything over 15lbs for 3 months and it will be 6 months before I can lift again. I will not be able to do certain lifts overhead press squats etc. I occassionally take darvoset or norco at night and nothing during the day. I had to have the fusion since my muscles in my forearm and hand were disappearing before my eyes. My thumb and back of hand are still numb and could take a year to subside if ever. I do feel my strength coming back to my arm and hand. Everyone is different I would see a nerou or ortho if you already haven't. Not all of them want to operate on you only if it is necessary. Always get a second or third opinon if possible. Just my 2 cents. Good luck. BTW I waited 4 weeks

[Al Swearengen]

Originally Posted by agsuper

I am doing ok. Still sore around the shoulder blades and the base of the neck(4 weeks post op) I can not lift anything over 15lbs for 3 months and it will be 6 months before I can lift again. I will not be able to do certain lifts overhead press squats etc. I occassionally take darvoset or norco at night and nothing during the day. I had to have the fusion since my muscles in my forearm and hand were disappearing before my eyes. My thumb and back of hand are still numb and could take a year to subside if ever. I do feel my strength coming back to my arm and hand. Everyone is different I would see a nerou or ortho if you already haven't. Not all of them want to operate on you only if it is necessary. Always get a second or third opinon if possible. Just my 2 cents. Good luck. BTW I waited 4 weeks

i can appreciate wanting to get it taken care of quickly for anyone. glad too see the strength coming back for you. i have pain in my shoulder, elbow and slightly in my hand, but no numbness at all. i am seeing a neuro and have had an mri to show it as a herniation c5/c6. going to do the pt and steroid shot route for now and hope it comes down. it has improved quite a bit in 4 weeks and my pain is down and strength is coming back a bit also so keeping my fingers crossed here. thanks for the input amigo.

[agsuper]

Originally Posted by Al Swearengen

i can appreciate wanting to get it taken care of quickly for anyone. glad too see the strength coming back for you. i have pain in my shoulder, elbow and slightly in my hand, but no numbness at all. i am seeing a neuro and have had an mri to show it as a herniation c5/c6. going to do the pt and steroid shot route for now and hope it comes down. it has improved quite a bit in 4 weeks and my pain is down and strength is coming back a bit also so keeping my fingers crossed here. thanks for the input amigo.

sounds good I hope you keep progressing with out the surgery.