Compressed nerve C5/6

[Minor_Threat]

Have been dealing with burning/numbness in my left arm due to a compressed nerve in my neck at C5/6 for quite a while. The compression is being caused by Ostephytes where the root nerve passes through the vertebrae.

I have seen a Neurosurgeon and it is possible that surgery is required. First step is a Cortisone injection at this stage.

I am considering massage therapy and strengthening (if I can find the right person) however the irritation is stopping me doing any real strengthening excersises.

Wanted to see if anyone had dealt with this or similar and solved it without surgery?

[AndyP]

I think mine is C4/C5 with Osteospondylosis or something like that. Regular tightness in the neck and shoulder. At one stage, it was leading down the arms, but went a while ago. Multiple physiotherapists and a physiologist hasn't seen a lot of improvement. Tried massage too without success.

I keep doing strengthening stuff at the gym which sometimes flares it up, and other times I think the overall strengthening is making it better; this week is a bad week. A visit to a musculoskeletal GP let me to testing injections. The short term cortisone had success, but it also made the whole back of my skull numb, so I decided the on/off pain annoyance was better than being more of a numbskull for six months.

I just keep doing what I'm doing and back off some exercises when I'm having more trouble. Your situation may be less bearable though.

[Minor_Threat]

Thanks Andy.

I have been dealing with it for over a year now and I also have good weeks and bad weeks (I had about 4 months with no symptoms late last year). I am starting to see my left bicep, shoulder lose muscle tone now though, which I have read can be caused by the nerve irritation. The physio I had previously seen instructed me to stop exercise as soon as the burning etc flared up, which pretty much happens immediately, so that approach is a bit hopeless atm.

[Ron Burgundy]

I can’t help much with recommending treatments, but if you decide on the injection I should be able to help with recommendations on where to get it done. C Spine injections are straightforward enough but pretty niche procedures. Not many do them and not all those who do are good at it.

[Minor_Threat]

I can’t help much with recommending treatments, but if you decide on the injection I should be able to help with recommendations on where to get it done. C Spine injections are straightforward enough but pretty niche procedures. Not many do them and not all those who do are good at it.

Thanks mate, I wasn't really aware of this, the Neuro made it like it says an everyday thing.I was planning to go to PRP Imaging at Charlestown, because they did my MRI. Can you recommend anyone up Newy way?

[Ron Burgundy]

Thanks mate, I wasn't really aware of this, the Neuro made it like it says an everyday thing.I was planning to go to PRP Imaging at Charlestown, because they did my MRI. Can you recommend anyone up Newy way?

I’ll check and get back to you. The guy at PRP Charlestown was great, but he left them and works for me on the mid north coast now. Not sure who replaced him. Will ask around and let you know.

[Courty]

Have been dealing with burning/numbness in my left arm due to a compressed nerve in my neck at C5/6 for quite a while. The compression is being caused by Ostephytes where the root nerve passes through the vertebrae.

I have seen a Neurosurgeon and it is possible that surgery is required. First step is a Cortisone injection at this stage.

I am considering massage therapy and strengthening (if I can find the right person) however the irritation is stopping me doing any real strengthening excersises.

Wanted to see if anyone had dealt with this or similar and solved it without surgery?

I have a bunch of similar issues, albeit in my lumbar spine (L5/S1 & L4/5 to a lesser extent). Unfortunately the nature of my issues won't ever be resolved so it's a matter of managing the symptoms as best as I can. I'm resigned to the fact that I will need surgery one day, but as a last resort when nothing else works any longer.

I've been getting CT-guided corticosteroid injections roughly annually for at least a decade now. I find they generally give quite good relief within a few days and typically slowly start wearing off after 6-8 months. My specialist said there's no issues in getting them indefinitely if they continue to provide relief. There was one instance a few years ago when the injection didn't provide any relief. On that occasion the doc performed a radio frequency neurotomy (ablation, or 'hot needle') under general, which essentially severs the nerve so provides instant relief. The nerve does grow back over time though so it's not a permanent solution.

In terms of physio, I've learnt enough about the various symptoms over the years to self-manage for the most part. I did pick up a key piece of advice in the last few years in that the medical fraternity have generally changed their approach to spinal nerve impingements. It used to be that they would prescribe immediate bed rest until symptoms ease, but they've changed that outlook now and encourage keeping as mobile as possible, especially when it's irritated. For me & my lower back, that means walking in a pool which provides gentle resistance at very low impact as my body weight is partially supported so the pressure is off the joint.

Hopefully you get something useful out of this info. Nerve pain sucks balls.

[AndyP]

I have wondered if a chiro could make a difference, perhaps just opening up that bit of the spine a little to provide some relief, but it isn't a profession that I'm overly trusting of.

[Courty]

I have wondered if a chiro could make a difference, perhaps just opening up that bit of the spine a little to provide some relief, but it isn't a profession that I'm overly trusting of.

I'm not a fan of chiropractors based on personal experience. That said, there's no doubt good ones and bad ones (as there is in any field). The other one worth thinking about would be an osteopath.

A good read here: https://www.sportsmedicineclinic.com...ce-of-opinion/

[Ron Burgundy]

I have wondered if a chiro could make a difference, perhaps just opening up that bit of the spine a little to provide some relief, but it isn't a profession that I'm overly trusting of.

My 2c: If you see a Chiro they’ll say having them do an adjustment will fix anything. When your only tool is a hammer, everything looks like a nail. I’m personally & professionally predisposed to think they’re quacks, but seeing one is the only thing that keeps my own T spine issue in check. I have a facet joint issue that getting some occasional panel beating from one of those witch doctors is the only thing that has ever worked. FWIW if you’re going to see one, look for a Gonstead chiropractor. It’s the least quacky version. Also FWIW if MTs issue is caused from an osteophyte then it’s likely that no amount of neck cracking is going to fix that because it’s a bony growth impinging on the nerve and not an alignment issue. The injection won’t fix it but may stop the pain for a while. Like courty said you can keep doing it almost indefinitely if it works. And while it won’t fix it permanently like successful surgery it’s far less risky (and the sign of a good surgeon that they’re recommending a non surgical intervention first). If it was my neck I’d try the injection first and go from there and ignore physios, chiros etc. But it’s not my neck and I’m not a doctor so I reckon MT is on the right track already.

[Minor_Threat]

Thanks for the input gents, I have come to terms with needing the surgery but wanted to try other options also to determine if they give any level of comfort. As Ron as mentioned the Osteophyte (Bone growth) isn't going anywhere on its own, so I am kinda screwed. The Cortisone shot is hopefully going to achieve two things, 1. Provide some relief 2. Confirm it is C5/6 root nerve causing my issues.

My MRI was not the most precise image apparently as it seems I have claustrophobia (Didn't know this before getting in the box! lol), I need to find one of these sit down MRI machines if I need to do another.

This burning / numbness feeling sucks big time and is not something I want to experience for the rest of my days.

[Ron Burgundy]

Thanks for the input gents, I have come to terms with needing the surgery but wanted to try other options also to determine if they give any level of comfort. As Ron as mentioned the Osteophyte (Bone growth) isn't going anywhere on its own, so I am kinda screwed. The Cortisone shot is hopefully going to achieve two things, 1. Provide some relief 2. Confirm it is C5/6 root nerve causing my issues.My MRI was not the most precise image apparently as it seems I have claustrophobia (Didn't know this before getting in the box! lol), I need to find one of these sit down MRI machines if I need to do another.This burning / numbness feeling sucks big time and is not something I want to experience for the rest of my days.

Mate when you need your next MRI just get your GP to prescribe you some Valium (or similar). Or find a place that will give you some IV sedation if the claustrophobia is really bad. The open MRI image quality is rubbish and won’t help you.