Head & Neck Injuries/Conditions - Cervical Disc Herniation

Print Page | Close Window

Cervical Disc Herniation

Printed From: CyberPT - Your Online Physical Therapy Resource
Category: Patient Forum
Forum Name: Head & Neck Injuries/Conditions
Forum Description: Patients can post questions and experiences about head & neck injuries/conditions.
URL: http://www.cyberpt.com/ptforum/forum_posts.asp?TID=361
Printed Date: Dec 12 2024 at 9:48am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 11.03 - http://www.webwizforums.com

Topic: Cervical Disc Herniation

Posted By: Ask a PT
Subject: Cervical Disc Herniation
Date Posted: Feb 06 2009 at 1:54pm

Our user asked: "Hello, I was diagnosed with a herniation at level C6-C7 back in September. I started to feel better in October, and flared the injury up by lifting things that were very heavy. After the acute pain went from severe to just mild, I started doing cervical traction. I continue with the traction, along with bouncing on a exercise ball (something I picked up on the Internet that is supposed to help bring oxygen into the disc). While I am much better, I still feel some radicular pain at times when coughing, sneezing or singing. What else can I do to help the healing process and get rid of the radicular pain?"

Ask a PT Response: "Sounds like you are doing well and on your road to recovery. For my patients who continue to experience some sx with activities which exert stress and pressure on the disc, I continue to have them work on cervical strengthening/stabilization exercises, cervical retraction exercises, and McKenzie based exercises along with the home cervical traction. If my patient's condition doesn't improve further I would usually refer my patient to an orthopedic MD or pain management MD for a consult for possible cortisone injections. The cortisone acts as an antiimflammatory which may assist with decreasing the inflammation at the disc. Good luck and thanks for using CyberPT."