CERVICAL STENOSIS RADICULOPATHY: PART 2 - NON OPERATIVE TREATMENTS

[@barbara-dj1uo]

OhhhhMyyyyyGosh!!! You are truly amazing! I’ve been to a spine specialist/pain management and neurologist and they did not give me information you gave. I don’t know if they are just too busy or think the patients would not understand, but you are a wonderful doctor!!

[@Wilett614]

YES Agreed ! This Doctor SU Is ONE in a Million !! He is AMAZING !!

[@jackierogers7139]

Ditto what is said here, for sure! Thank You for helping all of us 🤗

[@flyboyutahfoy8896]

Yes he is great. My Doctors run a assembly line with overdone appointment notifications, and short minimal office visits and weeks delay in getting new appointments. Here we are shown the entire menu of non surgical options that give us a vision of their future steps before surgery.

[@faridehlilimontakhab5699]

I agree a 1000% , Dr Su , is a magnificent and very caring physician with so much knowledge to share , just listening to two of his lectures I have learned exactly what is happening to my neck and spinal cord that in 10 months with all the test, X RAYs and MRIs and Biopsies, done , I was in total darkness about where I stand ! I am so grateful to him for sharing his knowledge with us ! God bless him !🙏🦋🕊☀️💯❤️🌷

[@ShadeShifted]

Hello I know this video is years old but I have a question about some thing that wasn’t mentioned. I herniated between C6 and C7. My doctor said it was a bad herniation completely blocking off the white fluid space you were talking about. I had god-awful pain that was the worst I’ve ever felt in my life for about three weeks then I went through for two rounds of steroids and two epidural injections. I no longer have pain but I do have numbness in my pointer finger and about 15 to 20% weakness in my left arm maybe a little bit less. I’m slowly getting better it’s been five weeks my herniation looks similar to the one you showed For the Olympic athlete. My question is if I don’t have Pj anymore just the weakness and numbness what is the likelihood I may need surgery. It’s been three years since you released this video I’m not sure if you even around this Channel anymore But this has been the best Contant I have seen since I hurt myself and I’ve looked everywhere thank you!

[@thomashumphrey7395]

This was very helpful and informative. Thank you. I have lived with cervical radiculopathy for years and it is life-altering and effin' torture. If it is severe and chronic enough it just gnaws away at you. You are constantly sore and tender, can't sleep, and ache to your core. Unless you've experienced it, it is very difficult to understand or describe to someone.

[@Kauailove]

Hi Thomas this was an accurate way to describe cervical pain.. I too know about this unfortunately. Completely understand you. Im sorry your dealing with it. Will you ever do surgery and may i ask how old are you?

[@tarronLayField-zo6wm]

thank you so much for info.

[@stevenciesiel777]

Agreed I have severe left moderate right cervical foraminal stenosis with a 4 mm disc bulge. All the symptoms that dr Su described arm pain shoulder blade pain I have it sucks plus I get migraines it is torture and the flare ups suck!

[@goldenlockets]

I’ve had worsening neck and shoulder pain for 5 and a half years now. I tried physical therapy and it didn’t help and gave up for a while. Four years ago, I tried again at a pain management clinic and was completely dismissed and demeaned. I gave up. I decided to bring it up with my current doctor two months ago and, in that short time, got an X-ray, MRI, cervical radiculopathy diagnosis neurology consult, and now have a cervical epidural scheduled for two weeks from now. I wish attentive doctors like you were more common. I could have been saved from years of chronic pain that persisted every second of every day if someone had just listened to me.

[@RyanZirnheld11]

How did it go?

[@debbierethwish450]

I'm so glad I found this site! This doctor knows his stuff. I had a pinched nerve in my neck and it was far and away the worst pain I've ever experienced in my life. I'm 54. It was text book symptoms, all the way down my arm, complete with numb fingers and weakness. I did purchase the Saunders traction device and it works great. I kept hanging on to what he said. "I promise after 90 days you will feel better". He was right. About 6 weeks, it finally let up and got better daily. Now I just have a tiny bit of numbess but no pain. Thank Goodness!

[@arfannaveed6631]

Wher i could find this deviceplz?

[@TheDazboo]

Hpw are you feeling now? I have the Sanders device also

[@tremainewoodall9947]

So, do you believe the Saunders traction device helped you? How often do you use it?

[@TheDazboo]

@@tremainewoodall9947 It helps when hurting but my discs aren't getting any better-going in for a Epidural in 2/3 weeks so hoping that helps relieve

[@rickined]

I'm a physician myself. This is very well explained. Thank you.

[@williaminavanbottle9297]

Excellent annunciation. Every word spoken, clear as a bell. Makes such a difference.

[@GR-yc9jp]

Dr. Su, Thank you for the optimistic outlook and straightforward explanation. I heard a crunch in my neck while lifting at work and now I've been in pain for 10 whole months while waiting for the VA to send me through their system... I'll finally see a neck specialist on Nov 15th. It's been pretty terrible and I'm hoping to regain my life someday soon! Prayers for anyone else out there struggling with this.

[@DrBrianSuTheSpineGuy]

Sounds like cervical facet joint syndrome. Please see my video on that.

[@Jetlost27]

Hi... I'm actually going through that right now. I have pins and needles on my thumb and pointer on my right arm. I am unable to move my neck backwards at all. Could you tell me how your case turned out?

[@HumanBeingPresent]

I've watched over 50 videos to help my husband with his pinched nerve symptoms and most give you a quick explanation as to what's going on and then repetitive exercises that are really hard to get my stubborn husband to do. But you took it to the next level and beyond. Blown away at this very informative content in your video series. Thank you!

[@smith2186]

Hi Crypto may i please know how he is feeling now?

[@BrianPex]

I don’t think he is stubborn. Most of these exercises I’ve seen online are pure hell and painful. I don’t get it. I need help and I’m so worried.

[@HumanBeingPresent]

@@smith2186 his pinched nerve problem seemed to go away with time. It's still sometimes bothersome for him, but nothing like it was.

[@cherylduffey9463]

Please tell me again the number you told me to call in order to set up a video chat with Dr. Su. I saw a Neurosurgeon yesterday. That was my last referral for an opinion on wether to have a spinal fusion or not. I really need to chat with Dr. Shu, before I call to set up the surgery. Please hurry. It’s very important. Thank you much.

[@pratikpetkar5936]

​@@HumanBeingPresenthow long did it take for his symptoms to reduce?

[@robnewland4555]

I have been dealing with this for 9 months now from a car accident. Its extremely painful. Most of my symptoms are felt in my neck, elbows, wrists and fingers. I take 5 600mg gabapentin a day and that doesn't stop the pain. Thank you for this video i learned a lot about how it works. To anyone else suffering with this, i am so sorry.

[@bigdogrisin7226]

The thing that you said in this video that made my mind leap with joy was when you said 90% get better in 90 days with or without assistance. I am a male and I don't seem to do well with pain. I am 69 years old and I feel like a wimp. I do not have a doctor because I have been so healthy I have not had very many illnesses or issues. But this pinched nerve thing hits me hard every morning about 9-11 am. After 30 days I began to see an accupuncturist and it didn't seem to work. Well I am just going past 60 days now. I have had 4 accupuncture visits and will quit after two more. I wish you lived in Iowa because you are so good at this but surely there is someone here that I can find. Thank you so much for these videos. It really helped me and gave me hope Dr. Thank God for people like yourself. It is near Thanksgiving and I am so thankful for the hope you have given me.

[@marqtrippa9540]

Could you please give us an update?

[@dannylaw7367]

Just a great doctors presentation. I'm less nervous and actually have some hope. So informative and complete.

[@annipsy2185]

Im just here to say, as a young person that has gotten this many times due to inactivity and bad posture. Physical therapy/stretches you do at home, works wonders. My lazy ass just stops doing them. Im also here to mention how bad they can hurt, sometimes over the counter meds are like nothing for that pain....what i found helps me is like various rubs, like tiger balms etc

[@Bloke-q9b]

Another EXCELLENT video. You answer all the questions that I have and discuss all the things that I have been thinking about. I wish that you were my actual doctor!

[@yotammichaelyogev8138]

Just wanted to thank you - I've been having these pains for a month now, and the orthopedist I've been to is very surgery-keen, seeing as I'm young and the recovery should be easy. As disheartening and uncomfortable these symptoms may be, physically and mentally, knowing there are other medications* or even it might go away by itself gives me great hope to wait a little longer and push towards alternative treatments, and perhaps seek other specialists. Kudos for this important work! * at the current state I'm only using pregablin and a different kind of opioid, no steroid whatsoever, and very limited dosage of ibuprofen.

[@michaelyoung4283]

I have been having pinched nerve pain for two weeks. I have watched quite a few youtube related to this issue. And you are the best. I feel more relaxed after watching this episode and not being panic and trying to find a way to get rid of it immediately.

[@KishBish]

I have cervical stenosis and used to visit pain management.. was on all kinds of narcotics and received epidurals for many years.. I stopped treatment when the narcotics began to cause painful stomach issues.. I didn't want to add gastro issues to my long list of ailments 😏 but anywho, I've been managing with stretches and heat/cold treatments since.. this was a wonderful and thorough explanation of what I have experienced so far.. only thing I haven't tried (short of surgical intervention) is the traction device.. I need to look into that, thank you ! 🙏🏽💖

[@YeshuaKingMessiah]

Traction is wonderful!! Do try it at a PT’s or chiropractor’s! I would looooove to purchase the Saunders he spoke about It’s $35 a pop each 10 min I’m on the traction table at my chiro’s 😳 I need it 2x daily, easily. I go once a week lol

[@philgoogle1535]

Thank you Dr Su. This series of videos has really increased my understanding of my cervical radiculopathy. Your clear explanation of the causes, physiology and more importantly for me now, how to decide what to do next. This is because you have presented all of the relevant information not just what a doctor might tell you during a 15-30 minute consultation.

[@psrwhite]

Thank you for your description of how the pinched nerve in the neck can cause pain in the shoulder blade and arm. I know I have cervical stenosis but never mentally connected the pain in my shoulder and arm as coming from that pinched nerve in my neck. It makes total sense and I now understand why I am having so much pain in my shoulder, arm, and neck. Thank you for your excellent videos.

[@MommaB74]

Thank you so much I’m excited to see the neurologist tomorrow I’ve done all the things and acupuncture helped me deal with the pain for short periods

[@cyberphobiaonlinesupport6821]

Hello Dr Brian Su! I just want to say THANK YOU for this video. You explained every important thing in a very detailed manner. I feel so relieved to hear 90% gets successfully treated thru physical therapy. Thank you for emphasizing how to check the weakness/strength of the arm. You really care for your patients both in person and online. I AM SURE YOUR FATHER AND ANCESTORS ARE PROUD OF YOU!! I speak blessings and healing into your life and your loved one's lives, in Jesus' name. May God protect you and bless you wherever you are. ❤️Thank you. - DONNA M. from Philippines. 🇵🇭🇵🇭

[@4thBn.Infantry5576]

Thank you doctor you demonstrate more then some VA doctor do. You are proficient knowledgeable skillful I'm going to ask my rehab doctor to offer this thank you much appreciated 👍

[@TheHandyTherapist]

A really appreciate your explanation and explaining in a way that prioritizes non-surgical ways of fixing the issue. As a physical therapist, I hear stories from so many patients who say their doctor told them surgery is the only way to fix it and they don’t even try PT first. After the surgery their is not point in me telling them they shouldn’t have done that so quickly. I hope a lot of people listen to your videos and explanations!

[@ken96158]

I used the Saunders device for about 3 years and it helped a lot. The pain has now returned, and I'm working with my doctor on other options, but the Saunders device was great as long as it lasted.

[@dee_aegis007]

Hey I love the time and effort put into the videos In Middle School someone fell on my head when I was sitting down and I felt like pins and needles were coming down my arms. Over time the pain went away but even now when I bend my neck back I get numbness and a prickly feeling in my arms. I never understood what it was but your videos have given me a lot of clarity. Still don’t know if I’m truly recovered now at 22😅. However I definitely feel like I understand my situation better so thank you 🙏🏾

[@slappadabass135]

The last 10 seconds gives hope. Thanks Doc.

[@umaanand4864]

Thank you so much for a real good informative video for cervical stenosis. You are the best.I have issues with my neck and shoulder for the last 6-7 years but and now I see my arm,hand and finger( ring and pinky’s involvement ) After watching your videos I know exactly which Dr and therapy I should seek. Thanks You explained it in very simple and helpful way. Thanks. .

[@doreenmorawski3484]

Thank you so much. I'm going through this right now. Pain is a 10 in left arm. On gabapentin and ibuprofen. This was so informative. I will be better prepared for my appt for my mri results. Priceless info. Thank you!

[@BobPritchard]

I've cervical and lower spine stenosis for 10 years. Terribly inconvenient and mountains of pain. None of the doctors I've met offer the straightforward assessment your channel provides. I'm grateful for your channel!

[@miasantiago4583]

Hello Doc, your video is a blessing. I am a medical worker but the lessons in your video reassured the dormant knowledge I had of this topic. It's also encouraging that you are not surgery-happy and that you are also realistic w/ expectations with the prognosis. Thank you.

[@MM-yi9zn]

Absolutely the very best information & advice!

[@sarahgapusan4598]

Literally everything that I need for my case presentation this week about cervical radiculopathy has been covered and explained by you so so well, better than the references I have 😭 Thank you Dr. Brian!!

[@gadgekapil]

How are you now ??

[@smith2186]

​@@gadgekapil Kapil did you had neck pain if so may I please know how you are feeling now?

[@johnbaker5538]

Hello Dr Su. I had a double laminectomy at c3 c4 about 4 weeks ago to attend to a bony spur. I have had very bad pain and the medication I am taking does little to help. I am 76 years old and am in relatively good health. I am in Melb Australia. Do you know of any one over here who might be able to help. The surgeon has not provided much advice and I get the impression he is too busy. Your video gave me hope that I can be fixed. Please let me know how I can make contact with you. Best regards.

[@ashleyperry-platine1279]

Thank you so very much! Your concise and informative presentation is the best resource ive found in my 15 years of dealing with disc herniation and degenerative disc disease. I tend to get overwhelmed in the office and benefit from take home info. I will be seeing a spine specialist soon and hope he is well spoken as you.

[@julietb5678]

Thank you for a great video. I have cervical stenosis and had radiculopathy last year. My physiatrist prescribed prednisone and physical therapy and that combination took care of the pain. After seeing a couple of your videos I have subscribed and look forward to watching the rest.

[@abdullaalhmoudi8729]

I looked at many videos… your is the best. I hope youtube automatically brings it up when anyone is searching for cervical radiculopathy. I would suggest translating your video to other languages like Arabic. Thanks

[@pattyclavijo2032]

I have cervical and lumbar stenosis and your videos have been so helpful to me. My physicians are good and I am in control of my pain now thanks to modifying my activities, faithfully doing my PT but also adhering to the advice you give about training the nerves to live in a smaller space and learning to live with pain. I used to be scared to move, but this advice has taught me to move mindfully and to keep moving! Thank you

[@dietryin3427]

You are a great Doctor. Yes. I experience this for a year. Right arm mobility loss, nerve pain that starts in my right back trap C5-6,6-7 radiates down my arm. The worse is trying to get dressed, sleeping at night. Balance and fall risk, bladder, cognitive impairment. Memory loss. Surgeon advises of 3 level fusion artificial disc replacement. I don't know what caused this It was found on my mri in 2017. I was 44 then. I now have severe stenosis,bone spurs, radiculopathy, C3-4 through 6-7. Surgeon says I will be out of work 3 months!!

[@SewFelicia]

This information is very helpful. I’m booked in for surgery for c5-c7 next week and this has confirmed it’s the right thing to do. Thank you

[@kenyatajackson3917]

Hello Dr. 👋 thank you so much 😊 for explaining about the nerve spine you are heavenly sent please keep up the good work. Believe you are doing a world of good!. This channel is helping me understand my cervical stenosis, and my bulging disk in my lower back and my Siaticia in my left leg. I still feel lost sometimes but I am trying hard to endure this pain.

[@vijaybabaria3253]

Thank you so much for sharing these knowledge,.. looking forward to see saunders traction video

[@DrBrianSuTheSpineGuy]

I will be posting an example of how to use the cervical traction device shortly. Stay tuned.

[@niteshblyth5258]

Oh my god Dr. You are amazing really..i have been going through the cervical pain and had the MRI it says slip disc of C5 & C6..consulted to multiple Doctors mostly recommend for surgery But only one Dr. Who clearly said that i don't need surgery..but he prescribed some steroid..i was looking for some more possible ways to over come of my problem and u explained the issue and it's simptoms in very good way..now I can ensure that i really don't need surgery at this point of time... because i had enough strength in my arms and I think I don't have level 3 or below weakness in my arm as you said ,it is good...thanks a lot Dr I became your fan...now I have booked an appointment with a Chiropractor for the treatment of my cervical issue ...

[@smith2186]

Hi Nitesh may i please know how you are feeling now?

[@niteshblyth5258]

Yeah I'm fine now because I got it operated last month disc replacement thanks for asking

[@danielmayo5199]

Really hoping I do not need surgery. Almost 35. My c6 is protruding the most . I had the tingling on my left arm to hand and now ever since I slept with a collar on I have the stabbing pain in the shoulder with my muscles in my trap tightening up. Crossing my fingers . Glad I found your videos.

[@prasannakumar-lv8cv]

I am in the same situation. Also have loss of cervical lordosis

[@Vicshade]

This is so informative. I was in terrible pain and had to hold my right arm in air. I got an MRI and was diagnosed with severe spinal stenosis. They treated it with the steroid pills over the course of a week. The pain subsided over time with now some slight numbness in point finger and middle finger and a creaky neck. Surgeon did recommend surgery but he was looking at mri during a video call. I’m going to get a second opinion. Watching your video I think I will try physical therapy first unless my symptoms get worse. Thanks for this video.

[@dfy]

Best explanation I’ve seen on KZbin yet regarding these issues.. thank you

[@trevorhall5872]

Tiffany Mccartney here. Omg thank you so much. I'm feeling better already. Definitely think it's helping me. I should be pain free soon. With complete range of motion.

[@CaramelColored]

Hey, I have one of those. It was my dad's, but I used it once and fell asleep with it under tension because I finally got relief and woke up 2 hours later and felt WONDERFUL. Needless to say I didn't do that again, but he also didn't get the device back.

[@jrobertmoore9406]

Prednisone caused my eye lenses to go myopic and I had to have both eyes operated on, and the lenses removed. NSAIDS gave me ulcers, and now I can't take them post stroke anyway as I am on Eliquis. Neurontin and Lyrica did nothing for me. Steroid injections sent me into high rVr AFib 2 out 3 times. And after 2 surgeries 20 years ago my Neurosurgeon says he is done. So now I have chronic moderate to severe pain for the rest of my life, am in pain management and have been on opiates for 10 years. I'm 70, but men in my family live well into their late 80s and 90s. No golden years here, as my lumbar has severe stenosis now as well. I am headed for on setting chronic Cauda Equina . I'm screwed.

[@RadicalHumanitarian]

Thank you so very much Dr Su! I am so grateful for your time in the excellent explanation & true desire to help those if us suffering cervical pain.

[@amberashley7559]

My friend had this. He couldn’t sleep pain down the arm. Chiropractor didn’t help. Physical therapy did. It took about 1 year but he got better. He waited so long for physical therapy because he didn’t have insurance. Conclusion is he did get better but it took a while.

[@katherinejacobsen3673]

Very helpful explanations. Thank you for this clear information that helps me understand my condition.

[@Carpetdog_Chris]

You explain everything very clearly!

[@luvinmaks]

Excellent video. I've had a pinched nerve in the neck for a least 12 months. And the pain is so disabling that I feel like I'm going to throw up and just lay in a dark room.

[@prosknox]

Hi.. how are the pain now? Hope you’re doing well

[@jestinadawkins6517]

Thanks so much for such a brilliant explanation and providing a sense of calm and hopefulness. If I need surgery I will definitely be consulting with you. God richly bless you for all you provide.

[@billgon2000]

Thank you for a clear explanation and for not selling surgery!

[@mellarx1277]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@valleyforge-1777]

You are good. You are very good. Invaluable explanation .. that I could understand.

[@jenniebigley3521]

This was so helpful! You are the Best ever spine DrSu! Such important sharing for patients like me who are considering mri results but having little to no symptoms, yet neurosurgeon recommending putting a big stabilizing plate in my cervical column and scaring me that I might get paralyzed if in a car accident or if ai have a fall! This is keeping me up worrying at night until I saw this video. If I need help zi would pay out of my retirement fund to see you for advise & surgery above any other! Thank you from the bottoms of my heart Dr Su for your caring compassion❤️🥰❤️

[@DrBrianSuTheSpineGuy]

You should watch the video on Central cervical stenosis do I really need surgery? Sounds like that is more applicable to you

[@roxana2126]

Thank you so much for this information. I’ve been diagnosed with this and the pain and numbness was keeping me up at night but it’s getting better and I want to avoid surgery.

[@mariantyson]

Thank you. I bought the Saunders cervical traction device and am getting good results.

[@RB-gt8bf]

Thank you doctor I was searching for a good patient information video by an MD who is a specialist in this area. Thank you for the fantastic informative video. I have just been diagnosed with a bone spur as the cause of my cervical discomfort.

[@mlisskeller572]

Thank you for these videos. You have allowed me to understand my condition and disease.

[@davidvaughan3771]

Just found this gentleman, very clear, well spoken, hospital told me I have c6 c7 herniated disc, severe arm pain, they wanted to do emergency surgery, I signed out of hospital scared, don't know what to do as I live in Wilmington NC

[@gillnelidasantos8731]

Hello Dr,just to tell you we need A Dr like you,I'm a 63 yrs old n I'm suffering from sciatica pinch nerve,for over 3 yrs,have taken CT, Xray,MRI,,and the answer for my problem from Dr is surgery,I lived with severe pains n wishing somebody help me,and have taken therapy,but no relieve,I just wish this terrible pains go away for good, I wish I get my heath back n the cause was I had a fall n I got realy hurt,God bless you Dr,thanks for teaching people about this issues, realy appreciated n I'm a lady asking for help in one way or other.Thanks.

[@ccook3659]

Truly an Awesome Human!!!

[@kavya8455]

Thanks a lot. I am feeling a bit relaxed after watching your videos. I am in India and every doctor said that you need surgery now or then. I do have arm pains but no other symptoms at all. I hope i will find a way. Thank you so much. You saved me from brain haemorrhage 😅❤

[@mayankarora2539]

Hey do u also had mylopathy

[@MahmoodSuhail]

Thank you doc, you explained what my doctors never did for 5 years

[@JANJOHNSON59]

I was admitted to hospital in July 2023 after 3 ER visits. I am a reasonable fit non-smoking 64-year-old female, have DGD and needed an ACDF C5-7. Surgery was done in Sept 2023. 6 weeks after surgery I developed 7/10 back pain where I had never had pain before. My main complaint was severe radiculopathy from my left scapula, down my left arm and into my index finger. 6 months after the surgery this radiculopathy persists, and an MRI last week shows severe left and moderate right foraminal narrowing at C6. I have been doing PT with no effect on the radiculopathy. I have now been advised to have ESI. No medication is relieving the pain, I have been taking Gabapentin since July 2023 900mg TID. My quality of life is being affected, I have not driven for over 6 months because of the sedative effect of medication, I can't exercise and my relationship with my spouse is being affected. How would you respond to one of your own patients under these circumstances? Thank you.

[@jackiec.1179]

Excellent video!

[@nazariogermano1687]

thanks a lot for all the useful info that you are giving us DR. Su. Very informative!

[@rominhawk3949]

Wow. So much great information. You are a great person for sharing your knowledge. This is very helpful. Thank you very much. I subscribed right away.

[@Chiroman527]

Terrific , thorough explanation, Doctor. Aren't Bone spurs are a result of OA in the vertebrea of any portion of your spine? I have OA in the vertebrea and facet joints in my neck and elsewhere in my spine. I suffer with Cervical Instabilities (CI) , which stem from C-3 to C7. Awful stiffness, Cricking and Cracking so loud that my wife tells me to leave the room. People don't realize that CI affects Everything up and down from there : Tinnitus, ear and eye pain, TMJ issues, temporal Headaches, Chronic Sinusitis, Chest pain, even IBS /GERD and Gastroparesis, even Bladder and/or Bowel Incontinence. I have Occipital pains to the Top of my head and bridge of my nose. I did the D8000 Decompression sessions with a Chiro recommended by my Neurologist (over 50 years in Practice - an Instructor at Columbia Pres in NY). This was against the advice of my Physiatrist / Pain management doctor who said - could make you worse. After about 10 sessions, one day, the session caused me to suffer intense Tinnitus into both ears , the left worse, for over 2 weeks Non Stop!! Needless to say, That was Stopped. I've been to 6 different Sopinal /Neuro Surgeons for opinions for my Lumbar and Cervical spine maladies. All said that : No one would touch your Lumbar spine - way too much arthritis, maybe you are a candidate for ACDF for your neck - if it becomes Unbearable. It's getting there!! i did have one Epidural in the neck - lasted maybe 1 day of relief. Had 2 facet Joint injections in my Lumbar spine. The first lasted about 1 week, he second series had to be stopped bc i was feeling dizzy as it was being administered. The 1 Epidural in the Lumbar did Nothing. Whenthe dr was applying the Epidural at L5-S1, he said: You have Mighty Thin Discs, Mighty Thin!! Many of my discs have DDD.

[@ibmor7674]

I have c5 and c6 herniated disks. I’ve been relatively ok since diagnosis in 2017. However the other day I woke up hurting so bad I couldn’t hardly do my job at work. Iam taking 3 Advil twice a day and it isn’t doing nearly enough. Plus I was scared I was taking too much medicine so I alternated Advil and Aleve; but now I realize I wasn’t taking enough and not consistently enough. Thank you, I didn’t know it was safe to take 800 mg 3 X day for a two week span. I just called my doctor and asked for a prescription. Not trying to have surgery.

[@travisholly3797]

When he said ibuprofen 800mg 3 times a day, I thought that may have misspoked that's a lot.

[@shivpatel4429]

Looking forward to your instructions on the saunders device

[@Mrino11]

Thank you so much Dr Su because you enlightened my mind with your clear and well detailed explanation. I was adviced by my spine surgeon to undergo ACDF due to my MRI findings on june 2, 2022, Multi-level cervical spondylo-degenerative disc disease, more evident C5-6 diffuse disc/osteophyte complex, obliterating the anterior CF space, compressing the cord ventrally and compromising the neural exit foramina bilaterally. Now im planning to wait and see. And not to proceed with the surgery now Hoping and praying that it will heal by itself. My symptoms now are occasional neck and right shoulder blade pain which is tolerable and responding to pain medicine diclofenac. And with occasional tingling senstation on my right arm. I dont have any kind of myelopathy as of now. That's why im so glad when i came across this video. It really helps me alot. Is my decision to wait and see and not to proceed with the acdf surgery is correct? Thank u dr Su.

[@DrBrianSuTheSpineGuy]

You should also watch the video on cervical stenosis and myelopathy that I just published

[@Mrino11]

@@DrBrianSuTheSpineGuy thanks for responding Dr Su. I watched it just now. You have mentioned in the video that those patients who have radiculopathy have a higher risk of developing myelopathy/spinal cord damage which is irrevesible. And also i have read the journal which you have metioned in that video. Which suggests for surgical intervetion. Thank u once agian Dr Su.

[@iiipoyraz]

thank you for your wonderful explanations. you have explained everything I have experienced in detail .love from turkey..

[@ncmtb4677]

Wow. Thank you for taking your time to make this video. Perfect!

[@bengoodes1581]

Brian thank you very much for the content.

[@soooomagy]

Dr. Brian you are really awesome. Your explanation is very clear and helpful 👌 Thank you from my bottom of my heart ❤ Please continue with these wonderful videos

[@solex408]

Hey Dr. Su, thank you for the detailed and careful explanations in all of your videos! It definitely helped with understanding the different things that happen with compression. I was wondering if you ever made that video on the proper usage for the Saunders Cervical Traction Device?

[@DrBrianSuTheSpineGuy]

No that's still in the queue I will keep trying to make it

[@justincredible196]

Those vids are awesome. So informative and man, this guy is a hero.

[@RobertSantos-rw8dy]

Thanks Dr. Brian for your informative points on the spine.

[@angelrosado1864]

Thank you so much for a well and thorough explanation. You are AMAZING 🤩

[@frasersgirl4383]

I had a PFO diagnosed after a mini stroke. They did a catheterization to close the hole and afterwards I woke up (I wasn’t really “asleep) with severe pain down both arms. This was very upsetting especially as I wasn’t allowed to sit up after the surgery. I had zero arm pain or carpal tunnel issues prior to the surgery and was no longer working since 2017 after I had a quad bypass. I went to multiple specialists after this looking for answers and was diagnosed with CT issues and put on norco and Lyrica. I had one shot in my neck with zero help and no further shots were ever done. I’ve lived with this arm and hand pain which has worsened to include more muscle pain and diminished use of my hands, since March of 2020. I’ve tried multiple times to stop both of these meds with dismal outcomes. I have depression and anxiety, made worse by the death of our granddaughter in April of 2020. I’m desperate for help. Not sure what to do next or what to try. I have good health insurance and a sympathetic doctor and I’m a smart woman but I just don’t know what to try next. Physical therapy? I went to see a spine surgeon who simply said I don’t need spinal surgery. That’s great but what do I need? I’m sure I won’t get answers here, nothing against you, it’s just you tube you know? My arm pain is from upper arm to fingertips, bilaterally. I have no neck pain. I do have pain across right rhomboid in right back which I’ve had for almost twenty years. Any advice or thoughts would be deeply appreciated.

[@DrBrianSuTheSpineGuy]

It could be thoracic outlet syndrome. You should see a neurologist and get an MRI neurogram. As a disclaimer please consult your doctor.

[@benkozlic9437]

My physiotherapist put me on a similar machine, did the same thing: only thing that helped me and cured my pinched nerve

[@Passajero]

Fantastic explanation Dr Su! Greetings from Greece. I had a pinched nerve on C5 and the pain was unbearable for 3 weeks day and night. Cortisone pills prescribed by my Orthopedic surgeon here did absolutely nothing! The only thing that worked was to have my arm above my head 24/7. I could not even work for almost a month laying on the bed with unbearable pain. When in peak pain, which lasted around 20 mins, I was then falling asleep right away from the exhaustion of the pain. Did an cervical MRI which my Doc saw and he said that I have no problem with the discs and the bones and I was pretty normal structurally. On my question how this was triggered his reply was: “bad luck, could happen to anybody”. Frankly I don’t like this reply. There is always a cause. Then I visited a physiatrist / chiropractor (specialised on spine) who pulled on my neck and that was the first night, after a month, I felt a bit less of this pain. Like he unblocked the nerve. I visited him for 4-5 times and now feel well but I am still scared whether this will come back. The Greek authorities last week published the list of the side effects of the COVID 19 mRNA jabs. In this list is cervical nerves roots inflammation and I was wondering whether the mRNA jabs could possibly start such an inflammation out of nothing…..what’s yr opinion on that? Thanks a lot Dr Su…keep on the hard work mate!

[@DrBrianSuTheSpineGuy]

I have anecdotally seen some patients have nerve inflammation from the vaccination. As a disclaimer please consult your physician

[@hollerankaren6971]

Fabulous tutorial. Just wish I could get in to see you!! I’m here in Marin but can’t seem to get an appointment with you.

[@DrBrianSuTheSpineGuy]

You can always call 415-927-5300 for an appointment.

[@tinaahl4597]

Thank you. I have a 5 level c-spine difuse, with motor and nerve root involvement, no bone spurs, I've been slowly losing function, strange sensations in both arms, weakness, and it only took 7 years to get the M.Ri. my feet go numb. 15 years of continuous referrals to pain management, no matter what. Happening to everyone, it's an easy referral and Dr.s are over using it, they try to send me back as soon as I graduate, I take 0 meds

[@bryanvelasquez3955]

Excellent!!!!!!!!

[@7THxSIGN]

Thank you Dr. Brian Su. Best video I have seen. Weightlifter for over 20 years, 39 years old, 5'10" 240lbs, first neck injury. I was bench pressing when I tilted my head to the right and down into the bench when I was pushing up. I was just doing too much weight too soon after recovering from a L5/S1 disc bulge. That week I began to feel symptoms. Pain and discomfort starting in my right trap area and moving into the right shoulder, lat, tricep, and forearm. I began having tingling in my right thumb. After going to the gym and experiencing my right arm much weaker than my left, I immediately stopped lifting. I was given a weekly pack of oral steroid medication for the inflammation. I am starting physical therapy next week. I have been doing the McKenzie exercises for a month now however feel they make the pain worse. I am in week 8 now since my injury. I have no pain anymore. The discomfort isn't too bad. Not taking any medication as I don't need it. The tingling in my thumb isn't as noticeable anymore but still there. The forearm discomfort is pretty much gone. Lat discomfort is gone. Tricep discomfort is gone. Shoulder discomfort is gone. So the only thing that remains is a little discomfort in my neck/trap, and a little tingling in the thumb. The weakness in my right arm is only noticeable if I am lifting weight in the gym, for example tricep motions and pressing motions, but it is only noticeable with a decent amount of weight. My spine doctor couldn't see any weakness while doing her manual tests as the only resistance was her own strength vs mine. Muscle atrophy isn't that noticeable to others, but I feel my right tricep/bicep is a tad bit smaller than my left. I purchased the Saunders Traction Device you showed in this video. Dr. Su with this information how do you feel I will progress. The thoughts of surgery has always terrified me which is why I never elected for it with my back and instead rehabbed it under Dr. Stuart McGill's book "Back Mechanic". Will my strength ever come back to normal in my right arm? Thank you for your time Dr. Su. I appreciate you sir.

[@DrBrianSuTheSpineGuy]

It's hard for me to say without an appointment and looking at the imaging studies. You can make a virtual appointment with me at California orthopedics and spine

[@7THxSIGN]

@@DrBrianSuTheSpineGuy thank you. I will do that once I get an MRI. They won’t send me for one yet. They said I have to wait 12 weeks and see how my symptoms are.

[@iecoie]

I'm in the simiral position to Yours.. Could You please share with us an update regarding the weakness? Is it better?

[@7THxSIGN]

Hi brother. In regards to lower back, it is completely screwed. Nothing has worked to rehab it. I have a disc herniation in my lower back and neck. As for my neck, yes it has greatly improved. The muscle atrophy and weakness has completely healed. My strength in my right arm, chest, and shoulder is all back to normal and matches my left side. Numbness and tingling in my right hand is gone. I still get some discomfort in my neck some days. Usually after chest and shoulder days. If I turn my head to the right, I get a little “clicking” sound sometimes. With all that said, I can live with the discomfort in the neck. My lower back pain is much more worse and debilitating.

[@manjulacox2776]

Thank you so much for the information it explains why Iam in so much pain.

[@j.a4923]

On the the 6th week and I finally found a video that describes what I have. iv used the prednisolone for the last 15 days the first 3 weeks my docter gave me paracetamol and ketoprofeine and with the injection it did nothing I was still in pain from shoulder down to my finger with nerve pinching ,until I start using the prednisone now I’m pain free and will have a mri next Tuesday 6weeks since the first to see how improved my hernia is ,

[@cherylphillipson8446]

Thanks Dr. Su! I wish my doc had explained it to me with this level of detail! Now I’m not so worried.

[@MM-yi9zn]

This has been the best information & advice. Thank you so much.

[@jacquelinegross9705]

I use a cervical massager and I have to adjust the electrical currents for my tolerance and it actually goes straight to my left side of my neck where I have the neck pain and I feel it all the way down to my hand and it relieves the nerve pain and it shuts off after 15 minutes on its own...

[@MMABrosPOD]

Really good video's, you explain everything so clearly!

[@AZVIDS]

Excellent presentation/information, well done👍

[@blarpieman]

This machine is the greatest device. I have been using this for 3 months with since sept w tingling, headaches, 3 slipped discs c5-7 heavily degenerated, bone spurs. It was a slow process of 2x a day for 20 minutes in the device. Started at low pressures around 15-18 then over 3 months have been able to tolerate 35lbs to 40lbs now and its like hardly anything at this point. It was a long road to get to the higher pressures but now the motion is almost normal and no more symptoms. This was against most therapists recc's by the way but I am glad I pushed for higher pressures over time. Neck feels close to brand new. I'd suspect it causes some remodeling of the tissues at the higher pressures and I cannot wait to get x rays because mine were horrid. Best of luck everyone.

[@iecoie]

Any news? What about X-rays?

[@lindabomske6743]

Hi, I had surgery on my lower back , fusion from L1 thru 5 and couldn't walk after surgery w/o a walker. So now I have to have a revision. Basically the whole surgery over to include T12,11 and 10. BUT before the revision I have to have cervical decompression before the lumbar surgery

[@vinjulieann1]

I had whiplash in 1989. I was told I would have problems later in life. Baby fingers started going into spasms - both. Then I was getting shocks in my wrists. No neck pain. 5 nerve conductions and now 6 MRI's and they have no idea. I think it could be the atlas but they never looked at it with this last MRI. C8 has a slight issue but no compression to explain the shocks. 22 years of these shocks limiting me completely. Shocks come with holding, grasping and bending the wrist - or just pressing and pulling. Resistance triggers the shocks. Issue was my grip strength was 100 lbs. When I let go of the meter my hand went into a spasm.

[@cathysilva5011]

Excellent video

[@fantasyillusion91]

Thank you very much! God bless you !