I have been diagnosed with a herniated disc at c6/7 causing the typical pain/ weakness and numbness.

I have also been diagnosed with a bulging disc at c5/6 and told that I am at increased risk of spinal compression and should I fall becoming paraplegic. This was by a surgeon who has naturally put the fear into me. He has recommended surgery or a life of low activity. I am just wondering how worried I should be and if there is anything that can be done in place of surgery i.e physio to manipulate the disc back ? I have heard of the Mackenzie technique which I believe is meant to have had some very good results- any advice welcome.

Regards Barbara

 

Have you seen a physical therpaist yet?

 

I personally think your surgeon is giving you some crazy adivce about becoming para. I personally have never heard of such a thing. I may be wrong, but I've never heard of a disc bulge causing para.

 

Main thing is what kind of pain are your experiencing and what is your MD advising you do about it. I would never have surgery unless conservative measures have been tried.

 

I would go into great detail of anatomy education, poper posture, activities of daily living and how to maintain good posture. Go over low back posture as well as cervical, sleeping positions, sitting positions, lifting training, etc. I would try and find some exercises that could hopefully help and issue them systematically, try some traction, McKenzie etc, but be sure to see a P.T. before trying to self treat. Their are a lot of things to go over and try, but with a trained P.T. who can hopefully try things in a systematic way. In others words carefully try and see if there's a good combination of treatment that can work for YOU.