Head & Neck Injuries/Conditions - Herniated cervical disc

Herniated cervical disc

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Topic: Herniated cervical disc

Posted By: pudclarke
Subject: Herniated cervical disc
Date Posted: Sep 07 2009 at 4:20am

Hi All,

Just found this forum whilst browsing on this subject.

On the 18th August 2009, i had an MRI scan which confirmed i have a herniated cervical disc (i cannot remember the exat number but i was getting unbearable pain in my left tricep and numbness/tingling in my left thumb).

Whilst the unbearable spasms in my upper left arm have stopped i still have one hell of an 'arm ache'. The specialist who i saw (who ordered the MRI), has put me on a course of phsyiotherapy - i had 2 sessions last week, one one this afternoon and one more booked for this Thursday (may book some more today depending on what the physio says)

My question is this - i have felt my arm getting better last week but is seems to have come to a halt this weekend. I was really hopeful on Friday that i had turned the corner and that it would only be a few days before i was completely back to normal but after another weekend of restless sleep, i am all down again. Am i expecting too much too soon ? How long does it take on average for the aching and numbness/tingling take to disappear completely ?

Also would a TENS machine and/or swimming help ?

Grateful for any advice because at the moment i really just want to chop my arm off !!

Thanks

Replies:

Posted By: Ask a PT
Date Posted: Sep 08 2009 at 2:11pm

Hi pudclarke,
If you are seeing some improvement that is wonderful. For my patients with this condition (mild/mod herniated disc) it can usually take anywhere from 3-6 weeks before they notice some significant improvement with their condition. My advice is to hang in there and give therapy a chance. TENS may help with managing pain if the pain is chronic. Your therapist should have a TENS unit in the clinic and can test it with you to determine if it would be effective or not before obtaining one on your own. Swimming may not be a good idea if you are rotating your head with the front crawl etc. I'd consult with your therapist to see if swimming on your back would be an option as your therapist will know you and your condition the best.