Cervical Radiculopathy - Why do you hurt and what is the plan to get you better?

[@deanweyer4205]

Thank you doctor. For the first time I actually understand what's wrong with me and how to treat it. Many thanks

[@ERAUAPF]

This is the best and clearest explanation of cervical radiculopathy

[@ArmaghaniSpine]

Thank you so much!

[@user-ur5rz5nw3s]

Wow! This is by far the best and clearest explanation of cervical radiculopathy and MRI imaging I have ever heard and seen! You have a talent of explaining things to the patient, the way the patient can really understand! Thank you, and God bless you, Dr. Armaghani! 🙏

[@kellys6164]

This was an incredible explanation. Thank you so much.

[@dianamoncada6734]

This pain is no joke. I have this at 29 years old and I get really bad headaches to the point even my eyes in the back it hurts.

[@zee.234]

Omg yesss... me too!! I hope.you feel better xx

[@imveryhungry112]

You just go get spine fused then you feel good 😊

[@pattitysz9031]

Love this video. Just got home from doctor with this diagnosis. This makes it clear.

[@ArmaghaniSpine]

Good Luck!

[@MsDI1sbatl]

Thank you. Thorough, informative, reassuring. 🙏🏼

[@lwarteman]

Just went to ER with severe pain like I have never experienced and was diagnosed with CR. I hope I can get in with a neurosurgeon soon because I can't take the level of pain. My left hand is numb. 😣

[@nomudnolotusnodragonnogold]

What happened? How are you?

[@ianthesiow3013]

TQ for the video. It has been very informative and helpful. Appreciate. Cheers.

[@caroltuifua5184]

Thankyou I couldn’t understand while reading books your explanation helped me understand 👏.

[@SM-zf6ye]

#1 issue is posture! Setting on a couch or chair with back hunched over, neck bent downward looking at electronics. Better to set back with the neck as straight as possible. Want instant relief tuck the chin to the chest and the numbness will usually subside for a bit. I cured mine for a year now it’s back so it’s back to correct posture and neck exercises . Posture isn’t always the cause though. Not a doctor just a guy who’s been through it and come out of it multiple times.

[@mariaperalta2212]

Thanks for the info I will hold on ,on the Surgery and try what you just recommended thanks again doctor 😊

[@collettjason]

Thank you for the timeframe breakdown and reasonable expectations. I have not found this info anywhere else.

[@ArmaghaniSpine]

You're very welcome!

[@rajkarunai8659]

Excellent explanation... Thanks a lot

[@ArmaghaniSpine]

Glad you liked it

[@gittipatthaweepkul1681]

Excellent and superb. Thanks so much. Dr. Gittipat from Thailand.

[@ArmaghaniSpine]

Most welcome!

[@bekahboop]

Thanks for posting this and making it so simple to understand I was just diagnosed less than a month ago and the only thing that’s going to help they say is spinal cord stimulator

[@fanqingmeng8561]

Thanks b

[@Hiii4507]

Are you a doctor that sees patients for this? Where do you reside? You seem very knowledgeable and understanding

[@ArmaghaniSpine]

Yes, I'm a board certified surgeon practicing in Orlando, FL with Orlando Health-Jewett Orthopedic Institute.

[@vipashagupta2244]

I have been diagnosed invertebrate disk space reduced between c5 and c6 lost lordotic curvature of cervical spine. Initially the pain was sharp on shoulder , arm with numbness on forearm and thumb. After starting pain medication and vitamins along with physical therapy, the pain has subsided but there is a persistent numbness in left arm along with thumb. My doctor suggested to try therapy for 2 weeks ( been 1 week so far ) before he would recommend for mri. I'm not sure if I'm getting better or worse

[@ArmaghaniSpine]

MRI is the best way to tell if there is nerve compression. Wishing you the best!

[@SPEED-7]

Hi how are you right now? Did u do any treatment?

[@RGByeayouknowme]

Just found this very helpful video, thank you! Pain going on 3 months now, pinched nerve in c6, scheduled for an MRI soon. Question: do you ever see issues with enlarged neck (under ear) lymph nodes, in association with the pinched nerves in neck?

[@OurAshX]

Hi Racher, don’t mind me asking, how are you now?

[@jembenben]

Thank you for this very detailed and clear explanation. I am currently under physical therapy and medication for neuropathic pain due to cervical radiculopathy as a result of disc herniation. I was wondering why in my X-ray there was calcification of the nuchal ligament and your explanation about the inflammation somehow made me understand it better. I have read in medical websites that one of the causes of calcification is inflammation, and with your explanation about its connection with radiculopathy made me see the link between the two. Please correct me, I might had the wrong grasp of the info. Really, thank you for this.

[@ArmaghaniSpine]

you are spot on

[@geetanjalibudharkar4197]

Thank you for being positive

[@ArmaghaniSpine]

Always!

[@avfan967]

Outstanding presentation

[@ArmaghaniSpine]

Many many thanks

[@zainabndakun4088]

Thank you for this education on cervical radiculopathy! My diagnosis is cervical myelopathy. And on 3 different occasions and from 3 different doctors, surgery was prescribed. Am so afraid I don't want to become paralysed after the surgery. People around me who have had such spinal cord surgery always come out worse. If I have money going outside of Nigeria for this kind of procedure would be the best. But, no money. Am in so much pains. From my left head to my legs.

[@nancyk.degroot9688]

I am so sorry to hear this Zainab. Do not give up. Keep searching and do thorough research on your options and surgeons! It sounds like you really need the surgery. Hopefully you can find a competent doctor that can perform it. Make sure youu research them thoroughly!!! Utmost importance. I have seen many of these surgeries I can attest that the outcomes are excellent so there is hope so don't give up your search & options Zainab!

[@raymurphy5230]

Very informative. Thanks sooooo much!!!

[@ArmaghaniSpine]

Thank you!

[@lucyespila3401]

Thank you for this information... glad to know that all will be well eventually and with non operative care.

[@ArmaghaniSpine]

I always tell patients that humans have been getting better from spine conditions for a whole lot longer time than there have been spine surgeons!

[@lucyespila3401]

Thank you for this it is really encouraging... i have been really scared for quite sometime now...

[@gabyaguirre3100]

Cervical hernia here lol (C5,6&7) pain irradiated to left arm all the way to fingers.. currently getting better,just left with tingling and a bit of weakness in bi/triceps

[@ArmaghaniSpine]

if you are improving see how much it keeps improving. Some people keep getting better. if you plateau and you aren't happy with where you are, talk to a surgeon.

[@Rama41]

Very informative. I had intermittent arm pain for about six months, but only while shaving. While away from home, it began to occur daily and I went to Urgent Care. Received an injection, was placed on NSAIDs, got an MRI and was told I had a radiculopathy, though without thorough discussion. Symptoms have gone away, but I have an appointment with my regular MD next month. I appreciate your video on MRIs and what to expect . Thanks.

[@ArmaghaniSpine]

Sorry to hear. Luckily, most cervical radiculpathies that occur in patients resolve by 10-12 weeks after symptom onset. About 75% of patients get resolution of their symptoms without any interventions.

[@chuckakung]

Very nice video! You mentioned symptoms mimicing cardiac symptoms.... I am curious which nerve root compression would mimic that? Thanks!

[@ArmaghaniSpine]

Very interesting presentation when you see it. It is the left C7 nerve root which can give sensation of pain over the left front chest wall and down the arm sometimes makes people believe they are having a heart attack. They end up in the ER and they are checked out but everything is fine. When that occurs we will then start thinking it could be coming from the neck. Not something you see everyday but I see a few times a year.

[@chuckakung]

@@ArmaghaniSpine This actually happened to me a few weeks ago and went to the ER. Another surgeon here (kzbin.info/www/bejne/b6q2omNmbKydgsU) agrees that it's the C7. My doctor thinks it might be the C6. And I have read some journals saying C6 is possible. Unfortunately I don't have "frank" symptoms to narrow it down. Trying to decide on a lamnio-foraminotomy. Looking forward to a video on this :).

[@kimchi52570]

I been in pain last 1 month. Don’t really have too much strength loss in my arm. In the beginning I was taking 2 400mg Advil and 500mg Tylenol 3 times a day. No help. It’s been a month and it seems responding okay to to pain medication. 1 Tylenol and and 1 Advil 3 times a day. Much of my pain comes from shoulder blades and deltoids. It feels like it’s improving each day. I am scared that I might need surgery. I am a very active 54 year old who work out regularly and have not worked out in a month. Still going for a 1 hour walk each morning. Do you think I need surgery. X-ray shows mild reversal of usual cervical lordosis C4-5, likely related to patient positioning or muscle spasm. No fracture or prevertebral soft tissue abnormality. The C5-6 disc demonstrates mild narrowing, especially anteriorly, and there are small endplates osteophytes atC5-6. No additional degenerative change. This what X-ray show. Please tell me I have hope in not doing a surgery!! Your comments will be greatly appreciated. I do feel like I am getting better each day. 2 steps forward and 1 step back kind of scenario.

[@davidplante4624]

D3, K2, magnesium and Aspirin did it for me. My symptoms started when I was in bed with Covid in 2020(Burning Pain and Weakness in both arms and a very weak Right arm which sort of recovered on its own. Saw PCP, Neurologist and had an MRI/MRA of C-spine and Brain. Had similar findings on my MRI as your X-ray. Physical therapy didn't help and NAIDS didn't work. After a year, I tried Vitamins and took 325 mg aspirin as a last resort (instant relief) then twice a day for 2 weeks then 81 daily. Took over 6 months to recover but felt different after a week. Spent an entire summer in the sun. My Mag was normal, and Vit D was low/normal prior to supplements. I feel much better now. Best of luck.

[@judithwalker5983]

Im diagnosed severe cervical stenosis at c5c6c7 with severe right side forminal stenosis and radiculopathy its been 2 yrs since diagnosis and r yrs in pain what surgery am i looking at please

[@dannypangan3561]

Thank you so much doc

[@ArmaghaniSpine]

You're welcome!

[@serkigiwa7706]

Dear Dr, I had an MRI but the result came out with mild cervical Spine straightening but my physiotherapist and chiropractor with orthopedic wasn’t convince but asked that I do an X-ray. The result of the X-ray came out and the physiotherapist, orthopedic confirmed that my neck bone is narrowing and it’s hitting on my nerves that is why I have neuropathic symptoms tingling and burning sensations . My question is does it affect the legs too? Because I have sensations on my arm and legs both. Please advise on what to do

[@yettyfalentinamanikrj]

Thank you so much doctor. My twin sister was diagnosed by the doctor last week and I was sad to hear that. Now, it is clear and actually there is hope. 😊

[@ArmaghaniSpine]

Best of luck!

[@nancyk.degroot9688]

Yes and here is your hope Yetty! I am 5 days post ACDF and I am 100% physically fine! And I have absolutely NO PAIN! None! So yes there's hope and yes the surgery works! Bless your sister 😇

[@yettyfalentinamanikrj]

@@nancyk.degroot9688 thank you for sharing Nancy..

[@nikkyshairades9078]

@@nancyk.degroot9688 you did surgery? I am going through the same 😭😭😍

[@renee1484]

Hello diagnosis with this. By taking the medication will it work?? An is this a permanent illness? Thanks

[@ArmaghaniSpine]

About 75% of patients get full relief of symptoms with conservative measures by 3 months from the time their symptoms began. If it persists, we start to talk about more invasive options to help.

[@s2sreerag]

I have c5, c6 disc bulge and first symptom i had was chest pain, i thought i was going to have a heart attack and done all cardio checks and all were normal, later in MRI it was diagnosed as IVDP of c5 and c6. I developed left arm pain and pain in left shoulder and left side of neck later but chest pain in left side is still my most prominent symptom.

[@ArmaghaniSpine]

cervical angina is an actual symptoms and something that we see from time to time.

[@FrankDavoudi]

i have weakness on my hand. My pinky and finger next to it can't fully flex. I did a MRI of my C8 and an EMG test. Any advise, you said this is an extreme cause which has me more worried.

[@paulkatz8250]

X ray by a chiropractor is diagnosed as vertebrae subluxation. MRI only shows up as spinal stenosis. Why ???? I think the X-ray is correct. I also had an earlier mri and the neurologist claimed it was osteoarthritis.

[@ArmaghaniSpine]

subluxation can cause spinal stenosis. when you are laying down during the MRI the subluxation can improve or resolve but once you are standing and gravity kicks in the bone can sublux again.

[@gouthamthota4750]

1) Spondylotic Protrusion at C5-C6 and C6-C7 Disc causing compression on cord lateral recess (L>R). 2) Bulging C4-C5 disc Causing indentation On cord and lateral Recess. 3) Bulging C3-C5 disc Causing indentation on cord. This is the MRI of my mother age 53 is surgery needed?

[@mc-eo1wh]

What symptoms does she have? Has she tried physiotherapy first? If yes for 10 -12 weeks with all sorts of medications given at optimal dose then surgery

[@brendaechols5929]

Can it start from one side of your shoulder muscle, go up the neck, around the ear, and cause a massive headache?

[@helenmorrell5340]

I have been diagnosed with cervical radiculopathy and have been referred to surgery without any of the other treatments first. I have no pain. I did have tingling down my right arm and into my hand. The MRI shows bone spurs. Do you think that it would be prudent to try alternate treatments prior to surgery? The surgery would entail disc removal from C4 to C7. I am 79 years old and have a breathing problem (small airway disease).

[@ArmaghaniSpine]

The nice thing about these issues is that almost never is surgery emergent. This is almost always elective. For some patients, symptoms are bad enough that they want surgery without the conservative measures. For other patients, they want to try everything. This is a personal choice but all options should be offered to you so you can make the most informed decision.

[@renee1484]

Hello was just diagnosed with this. Doctor says if dont get surgery the neck,spine will get worse in my hands arms shoulders... Git hit by a box at work and going through workers compensation... Could I get by body parts 🤔

[@ArmaghaniSpine]

it is possible that you can get worse from this. Good news is, about 75% of ppl who have this get better within 10-12 weeks of their injury. Those that don't after that time period can consider surgery but it is not an absolute that you have to in most circumstances. Good luck, DaSean!

[@rainbow7666]

Sir, thanks for the detailed information. My query is - why foraminotomy was not recommended in the surgical options?

[@ArmaghaniSpine]

Foraminotomy is a great option for sure. I just haven't gotten around to make a video on it just yet!

[@shawankumar5020]

can gabapentin safely be taken with tramadol despite their noted interaction?

[@bmp713]

I have mild neck pain but lots of numbness on my neck, shoulders, and hands all greatly aggravated by bending my neck. 4 surgeons have recommended 2 level ADR and diagnosed radiculopathy and myelopathy because of also having hyperreflexia, mild balance issues, and positive Hoffmans. How is it possible I can have severe bilateral foraminal stenosis and cord compression at C5-C7 yet have only mild neck pain and no pain radiating down my arms? Does the numbness sound more like radiculopathy or myelopathy? How can you tell?

[@Lord_Don]

I'm 6 weeks in For the last 2 weeks its moved down to my left index. I only have postional pain with chin tucks or trying tk stand like a soldier. When should i worry about compression??? My local practitioner is foreign so she doesn't listen!! Had regular 600 ibuprofen and 6days of methylprednisolone Please tell me something becuse the language barrier is killing me too

[@Lord_Don]

& Ftr I did some light sparring swinging kinda wide is what sent me to Radiculopathy street. No accidents or falls Please tell me something

[@NiccBlacc-NCBC]

can the disc buldge in a way that it causes bilateral CR at one level and or is it that CR can only happen bilaterally if its on a seperate level?

[@sltho]

Thanks doc. Going through absolute hell right now. Discomfort in the left arm is killing me: pinky and ring fingers, forearm, triceps, and scapular all hurt. I cannot type on a keyboard nor can I sit down in front a desk as the discomfort is so distracting. Luckily the EMG done early June 2022 shows no nerve damage. MRI impression report from Sept 2021 reads: mild left facet arthropathy, tiny annular fissure and a tiny central disc protrusion at c6-c7. Tiny central disc protrusion at c4-5 as well. My neurologist prescribed me B6, B12 and folic acid early June 2022. I was prescribed gabapentin as well but did not take it. I've been taking the vitamins and getting enough sleep. The rest of June and July 2022 we're fine but this week my arm is in pain. I don't know what triggered it or is causing the pain. I will see my neurologist in two days. I hope I fall into the 75th to 90 percent of patients. Doctor, what do you recommend I do? I am totally fine when I'm not hurting. And when this pain hits the left arm, my life comes to a complete stop. How can I live pain free for the rest of my life? I'm late 30s male, healthy w good vitals. Thanks.

[@ArmaghaniSpine]

it's probably not a bad idea to get an evaluation from a surgeon to see what your options are. typically people have a few months to see if their body can heal.

[@Wtizreal]

Hi can you give an update Are you well now is your arm 100% back to normal

[@sanaarasheed433]

Great video. Thank you so much As I understand that the neck range of motion will not the same after ACDF surgery. Is that right?

[@ArmaghaniSpine]

It depends on how many levels are done. If you have only 1 level ACDF done, you are unlikely to notice any difference in your range of motion. If you have 4 or more levels done you will def notice a difference but still will have about 50% of your motion up and down, as well as side to side, after it is healed.

[@monaabbas9674]

Hello doctor: What is your opinion on acupuncture and cupping for pinched nerve in the neck

[@ArmaghaniSpine]

There is no evidence in published literature that it provides any more pain relief compared to other more traditional avenues like physical therapy. However, those modalities you describe have no downside so i usually leave it up to the patient if they would like to do it or not.

[@mikeallindquist7461]

Had acdf on c4 and c5 two years ago, I still have trouble walking and controlling my hands. I'm in severe pain 24/7 my feet drag when I walk. Will I ever get better. I am 60

[@veruslupus]

I have no idea, but I'm due to have mine shortly at 33 year old. I strongly advise that you ask for a second opinion from a different Dr if your gp isn't helping. My guess would be that the condition that lead to you needing this operation was untreated too long and permanent damage was caused. But its also possible a second condition existed and was undetected. I'd try to get a copy of your scans and try for a follow up scan and see where you stand and if that second doctor has differing views. It's possible nothing helpful will come from it but you don't know if you don't ask so I'd personally suggest you don't worry about offending someone or making yourself a nuisance to the Dr because at the end of the day its your health. Just my amateur opinion

[@zee.234]

I'm so sorry you are going through this. I'm losing feeling in my legs and have trouble.walking too. Doc says I have prolapsed disc in neck.. I'm waiting for spinal surgeon to get intouch. Wishing you all the best!

[@mikeallindquist7461]

@@zee.234 thank you good luck

[@nikkyshairades9078]

@@zee.234 how are you feeling now?mine is giving me burning sensation all over my body especially the neck and lower back

[@brianharville9696]

Thank you. What would be your recommendation if you went through all that a year ago and got somewhat better still always had tightness in right Tricep. Now pain and numbness is back in right arm. Would you repeat the process or seriously look at surgery? Thank you

[@ArmaghaniSpine]

In general after a year I like to reimage with an MRI and see if anything has gotten worse. At that point it's a discussion with the surgeon about pros and cons as well as setting up expectations of what they confidently think can improve versus what might be the "new normal". There is so many "ifs" based on the patient by patient condition.

[@anupariat]

I am a cervical radiculopathy patients n this is my mri report., I have C4-C5 shows a right foraminal disc herniation moderately indenting the right side exit nerve roots along the neural canal causing neural canal stenosis. C5-C6 shows a large central right paracentral and right foraminal superiorly directed extruded disc with osteophyte complex severely indenting the theca, spinal cord and the right side exit nerve root along the neural canal resulting in neural canal stenosis...no abnormal signal intensity of cord noted... My doctor suggest me get surgery....so plz advice me do i have to get my surgery or i can be treated without surgery only by medications and physical therapy ...

[@nachiketa2011]

Thanks for this lucid video Doctor. What may be the reasons for cervical myelopathy in a 23 year old unmarried woman?

[@rumit9946]

Obesity

[@mc-eo1wh]

​@@rumit9946 How come? could you please explain the pathophysiology?

[@rumit9946]

@@mc-eo1wh sorry I was just guessing

[@freddysteady1547]

You mentioned nothing about narrowing of foraminifera. With no disc herniating

[@StayPositive-sd8op]

I've had the pain and tingeling and numbness on my right side of neck and going down and the bottom of back of neck. Have had it for 4 months and finally got in for the MRI. I finally got in to see pain management, I asked about getting the injections and since I have a VP Shunt on that side which he doesn't feel comfortable doing the injection. So he sent a referral to get looked at by a neurosurgeon and spine doctor which it's been 2 weeks and haven't heard from them yet. The med isn't working to last all day. I don't know what to do and will probably lose my job now.

[@LazakaGaming]

How have you been since ? Did you meet the neurosurgeon ?

[@StayPositive-sd8op]

@@LazakaGaming still waiting.. I ended up at the hospital for 5 days with Pancreatitis and a hematoma

[@StayPositive-sd8op]

@@LazakaGaming I got a appointment in beginning of April

[@StayPositive-sd8op]

@@LazakaGaming I got the MRI Disc but not sure how it reads

[@marcelinomallari9127]

Thank you very much for this very informative and well detailed explanation. Im suffering from intermittent right neck pain and shoulder blade pain with tingling / numbness sensation on my right arm for 2 months already. MRI done last june 2 which shows C5-6 diffuse disc/osteophyte complex, obliterating the anterior CF space, compressing the cord ventrally and compromising the neural exit foramina bilaterally. I was adviced by my spine doctor to undergo ACDF. Prescribed with NSAID and muscle relaxant. I getting relieved from pain but once the meds starts to wear off then the pain will start to kick in. im still hoping that this will go without surgical intervention but Now i feel that the pain and numbness are becoming more. As my right hand is now started to numb. Should i go for acdf surgery or should i wait a little more time?

[@ArmaghaniSpine]

everyone has their own trigger to undergo surgery and that is a personal decision. For example, if i didn't have function of my hand, i cant work. so for me, i would have to do something sooner rather than later. however, if i were retired, and i didn't do a lot with my hand to notice the issue, i probably would defer surgery. it's all dependent on the patient's specific situation.

[@zealoflife3010]

Hello doctor.i am diagnosed with cervical radicolopathy..i a have burning type pain in neck and shoulder. my x ray show cervical straightening. and spondilytic lipping seen in c3 to c6.sir what is this straightening of cervical spine. how can it be cured. Doctor gave me some medicines. Plz reply.

[@Aesthetic_leen]

Dr I'm having chest pains since 2 months, both side of my of my chest... I have tingling sensation in my hands and legs and sometimes in the back ..... I have it more when I'm at rest or studying.... I have had 3 ECGs and an encho test.... Dr said my heart is healthy.... Did an endoscopy also but there was no gastric issue for peptic ulcer found... I visited 3 neurologists... but they are saying that this type of pain cannot come from the cervical or is not associated with the spine as it keeps on shifting from left to right... They told me that if it was due to problem in the spine it would have been present at one specific area... I have also got mine vitamin test done and all my vitamins are fine except vitamin d which is deficient.... Doctors are saying that I do not need an xray or an MRI because they are pretty sure that it is not from the spine.... They are telling me that it is anxiety which is causing me this chest pain and nerve sensation... I'm really frustrated.. should I get my MRI or xray done? Can it be due to cervical? Also I didn't really do not have pain in my neck it is basically in my chest or in my my wrist and feet? What should I do... Can it be just anxiety

[@ELBrown213]

Definitely get an MRI done, and with vitamin D deficiency is linked to MS ( multiple sclerosis) so that's a possibility

[@victoriapless5036]

I had 3 level ACDF 2 months ago. My xray shows moderate and severe stenosis of C5/6 foramin and I now have shoulder and neck pain. I did not have this pain prior to the surgery but the surgery was done because I was myelopic. The surgeon did know of the foraminal stenosis prior to surgery. Will I need surgery?

[@ArmaghaniSpine]

It's not uncommon to have neck pain and shoulder pain soon after a surgery because the cages do make you a little bit taller and that stretches the ligaments of the back of the neck

[@963ag]

I was diagnosed with cervical stenosis at 3 levels, and myelopathy. I have also had radiculopathy. My orthopedist has scheduled me for a posterior laminectomy- would you say that this is a standard method of treatment? I am 57 and nervous.

[@ArmaghaniSpine]

It could be depending on what your history, physical exam, and imaging show. Ask questions of your surgeon to make sure you are as comfortable with the procedure as you can be.

[@kathyroche4952]

It is always a good idea to get a 2nd and even a 3rd opinion. You can then consider all the feedback you've received to make an informed decision. Best wishes. I am putting off 3 level ACDF surgery for as long as I can, even if it's forever, which would be the best case scenario!!

[@jeanschricker6841]

What does endplate sclerosis with osteophytes at c5-c6 mean?

[@ArmaghaniSpine]

endplate sclerosis is sort of like getting bone on bone arthritis in a knee or a hip. The osteophytes formed is another word for bone spurs which occur when you lose the disk between your vertebrae as part of wear and tear that happens to everyone as we age.

[@jeanschricker6841]

Thank you for the explanation. I was told the vertigo and loss of balance I experience is related to my neck issues. I just recently had a l5 s1 fusion due to bilateral pars fracture and spondylolthesis. I am 60 and want no more surgeries if at all possible!

[@joshvapraveen8475]

Hello doctor, I'm diagnosed with demyelinating radiculoneuropathy, C6 radiculopathy, I have pain and tightness in lower region of my shoulder blades , thumb finger and weakness in forearm , is it curable? Will the symptoms get worse if I do physical exercise? I have taken so many medicines for 5 months but the pain returns after some time

[@SPEED-7]

Hi so how are u right now? Do you do any operation?

[@joshvapraveen8475]

@@SPEED-7 I have undergone accupunture treatment for 90 days , it alleviates my pain but it doesn't cure ,the pain returns after some days

[@SPEED-7]

@@joshvapraveen8475 tq for the reply sir on the accipuntur

[@PetsNPatients]

What about faucet joints?

[@ArmaghaniSpine]

Facet joints, if they are over grown, can cause nerve compression. I include this in my simplified terms of "bone spurs"

[@PetsNPatients]

Thank you.

[@LiMitZplus]

Taking an nsaid every day isn’t very ideal especially for gut health. Is that just for 4-6 weeks or does it need to be forever to reduce symptoms

[@ArmaghaniSpine]

Good question. Only as needed. If pain lasts more than 4-6 weeks we are looking at different options to decrease pain like epidural injections or eventually surgery. This is not a long-term solution but more to "put the fire out" during an acute attack.

[@LiMitZplus]

@@ArmaghaniSpine thanks. Could a radiculopathy alter shoulder muscle function creating scap dyskinesia and subsequent GH instability?

[@christaber2502]

This occurred on may 3 and today is sept 3. My pain is gone. My strength and function is better But I’m not 100% compared to left side. I still have strength and functional issues in my right hand, bicep, shoulder, pec , forearm. Does this mean I have permanent damage? Or do I just need to be patient and wait. I’m not satisfied with answers I’ve received so far. Also, if i press on the base of my pointer finger while grabbing or gripping something then my right hand increases in strength. Very strange.

[@ArmaghaniSpine]

What you are experiencing is something many patients experience. Pain is the first thing to improve as your body heals. Things like weakness or numbness take a very long time - upwards of a year. Hang in there.

[@christaber2502]

@@ArmaghaniSpine thank you so much for that information. I’ve been really struggling and anxious but now I feel much better knowing there’s hope. Thank you again! Very much appreciated that you responded.

[@grahamsmith7407]

Do any of these neck issues cause any headache related issues? As I have neck pain which i believe is muscular as it is radiates out to my shoulder area, when i move my head a certain way but I am also experiencing a tightness across my forehead as well?

[@ArmaghaniSpine]

Some patients do experience headaches related to pinched nerves in the neck but they typically are in the base of the skull and extend over the top of the head to the forehead sometimes and sometimes over the side to the top of the ear. If it is headaches that are just in the forehead but don't connect over the top to the base of the skull, I would be surprised if it were a spine related issue.

[@grahamsmith7407]

@@ArmaghaniSpine thanks a lot for the prompt reply it is greatly appreciated! Kind regards Graham

[@victoriaavramova8965]

Hello, Doc, the last three fingers of mine have beeen feeling numb a month now. At first it was constant needles like feeling which disappeared with medication. I got the scener and I hv sth like discopathy on c3c4 but the neurologist said it doesnt really explain the fingers problems so she sent me to EMG, but it didn't find sth serious, it just says mild radiculopathy. The next thing we gonna do is MRI. Yesterday I tried making salad and I did but it put pressure on my fingers, holding the knife and it was a bit difficult. I am writing this as I am crying. I am only 24 years old, I have to be healthy!

[@ArmaghaniSpine]

MRI seems like a good next option.

[@joshuajossenlim2702]

Thank you Dr. Armaghani! Do you recommend chiropractic treatment for chronic low back pain?

[@ArmaghaniSpine]

I recommend anything that makes the patient feel good. With chronic LBP, there aren't surgical options for that. For each patient, they usually find out the regimen of things that help them the most. Some combination of medication, injections, therapy, chiropractic care, massage etc.

[@no22sill]

Can rest alone and later on simple exercises like walking help heal? without even taking anti inflammatory meds

[@ArmaghaniSpine]

Sure can! Time is the ultimate healer but the meds and shots etc can just help make it easier while waiting. Studies have shown though that if the pain/discomfort isn't significantly improved by about 3 months that it may not improve without something more invasive like a potential surgery.

[@no22sill]

@@ArmaghaniSpine Thanks for answering. My cervical radiculopathy pain went down significantly within 4 weeks and completely within 6 weeks. It did bother me a lot during those days but I didn't take painkillers and medicine for nerve pain, I'm 42 male and I think it was brought about by lifting weights.

[@nsrsaba7504]

@no22sill good to hear you are ok. I am now 5 weeks into cervical radiculopathy. It has improved significantly. I was also doing weight lifting. Did you do MRI? What was the severity of your radiculopathy? My MRI shows c5/c6 nerve issue, mild, not severe.

[@no22sill]

@@nsrsaba7504 I didn't get an MRI, the doctor had advised on getting one if the pain persisted but I waited it out..thankfully it went away over time..

[@nsrsaba7504]

@@no22sill Thank you for your reply. How did you manage the pain without medications? Specially at night? Did you have neck pain, or shoulder pain, or both? Did you just wait until pain is reduced without doing anything (just rest)?

[@ionescho]

I have cervical radiculopathy confirmed by an MRI. Luckily the tingling has gone down in the meantime. But I don't fit in either of the circles. I never had any neck pain and in my arm, I just had slight numbness of left thumb and some tingling felt along the forearm + bicep so C5-C6. How is it possible to have radiculopathy but no neck pain? The MR also showed some bulges and protusions of some other discs(C2-C7) and even a hernia! No pain... how is this possible?

[@ArmaghaniSpine]

Absolutely. You can have radiculopathy and no neck pain. The more arm symptoms you have the better your overall outcome is if you undergo a surgery when all the other conservative measures fail. It sounds like you may be improving already. Hang in there!

[@ionescho]

@@ArmaghaniSpine the thing is, I'm only 32 years old. I never had any other spine issues. Lumbar feels fine. I don't do bending exercises( I only do side planks which I understood are among the safest core exercises) but I don't understand what could have been the mechanical causes of the cervical issues? I don't remember having an especially bad posture before but then again.. I was never paying any attention. Now I'm keeping my head upright all day, not letting it fall in forward head postures and I'm doing some neck exercises prescribed by a PT every 2 days. So, if I theoretically remove the mechanical causes of these disc issues, should I see the bulges reduce and hernia heal? I've read studies that, under the right conditions(remove the offending cause) they should go back to normal. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6407963/ -- this study monitored disc hernia regression

[@ionescho]

@@ArmaghaniSpine I really would like to know if there is a biomechanical expert of the neck( such as Dr. Stuart McGill is of the lower back). Any books to read to get educated and maybe some neck spine hygiene exercises?

[@Raytheman581]

My doctor said that I have a lot of nerve pinching but they sent me to pain managment first which didn't help at all. I went to a chiropractor and he took different X rays and it showed more than what my MRI did. My C1 and C3 are kinda out of alignment and my C6 to C7 are messed up as well. I got pain down my arms and down my legs and feet. Can my neck nerves/spine being pinched really cause pain in my legs/feet? I'm kinda scared here.

[@ArmaghaniSpine]

While it is not impossible, it is unlikely that a pinched nerve in the neck will cause pain in the legs and feet. The nerves that give sensation to the legs/feet are located in the lower back. It may not be a bad idea to get that evaluated by your health care provider if it is bothering you. Good luck!

[@Raytheman581]

@@ArmaghaniSpine Thanks a lot, guess I will have to get that checked out as well.

[@ELBrown213]

Any updates on condition?

[@nikkyshairades9078]

@@Raytheman581 any update? I am going through the same

[@Raytheman581]

@@nikkyshairades9078 Nope, been rough trying to get to a neuro. Sucks having government insurance, it covers almost nothing depending on state.

[@ravikiranmatrix]

Some videos on KZbin say that cervical radiculopathy can be cured by prolotherapy . they say that its ligament injury which actually cause disc herination. could you share your thoughts on this.

[@denisemariner9755]

Dr.Armaghani, how many levels can the EDIs treat at one time? Thanks so much!

[@ArmaghaniSpine]

Good question, Denise. ESIs will typically treat up to 2 levels at one time. Most of this is because of insurance which will not approve more than 2 ESIs at one time.

[@ciarano.2490]

This is the front ... and this is the back ... seriously ? is that what is on the other side ? is that what it is called - hold on let me write that down so I remember ... otherwise ... is helpful. thankyou

[@ushapatel1269]

Could this cause pain in back of head mid section lobel area? Just left of the brain 2 inches above your right ear area.

[@ArmaghaniSpine]

unlikely but not impossible

[@SPEED-7]

Hi dr. Can u help explaning with my mri report. Is this serious? Have burning uppper arm and right finger tubm is numbness 24hrs. Tq MRI CERVICAL SPINE RADIOLOGIST'S REPORT Service：MRI cervical spine：Sagittal FSE T1 and T2 W scan done。Axial T2 * W scan done at C2-3 to C6-7. Signal intensities of vertebral bodies and endplates appear normal。No evidence of infective or metastatic lesion。 C5-6：R centrolateral disc herniation / osteophyte causing narrowing of theR lateral recess recess。Lesion extent laterally causing narrowing of the exit foramina。May impinge the R C6 nerve root and spinal nerve. C4-5：Small central disc herniation / osteophyte indenting thecal sac only。No nerve root impingement. C3-4：Smaller central disc herniation / osteophyte indenting thecal sac only.No nerve root impingement.Other disc levels are normal.Spinal cord otherwise normal。 IMP：Disc herniation / osteophytes with most significant at C4-5

[@nikkyshairades9078]

Exactly what I am experiencing,burning sensation all over my body 😭😭😭

[@tjgrafiks]

SO WHY DON'T U TELL US WHAT THE CAUSE OF DDD IS?

[@YeshuaKingMessiah]

Wish spine op had better success rate Must be those 10-25% that end up not resolving n go into the OR, rly just can’t better. Cuz about 75% of them (in my research) say it was awful n they wish they’d never had it done.