Question
I am 38 and in reasonably good health.  I was recently diagnosed with a pinched nerve at C5.  When the pain first started, I visited my GP where x-rays taken of my neck were inconclusive (the end result of that visit was a diagnosis of muscle spasms).  At that point I was prescribed prednisolone and amrix.  The amrix didn't seem to help much, but while I was taking the prednisolone, all of the symptoms virtually disappeared (but they came back immediately after I finished the last of the medication).  The pain ultimately became unbearable- particularly in my shoulder at night, so I was sent to a neurologist, who made the C5 diagnosis.  I'm supposed to be starting some physical therapy very soon.

I have two questions...  1- Painkillers (from OTC to Lortab) work OK during the day, but at night, the pain in my shoulder eventually becomes unbearable.  Should I change mattresses, pillows, etc?  It does seem to hurt less to lie on a more firm surface, but it could be my imagination.  The mattress I have now is firm-ish, but I do have a 2-inch memory foam pad.  2- I lead a pretty active life, and I'm worried that this is something that will always haunt me.  Is recurrence likely?  (assuming that I can recover from this now, and not do anything to aggravate it again)

Thank you for your time!

Answer
Stephen;

THe c5 nerve can be pinched in a number of different places, but the most "popular spot" is at the disc level.  Of course, you can go to my website and read about it, but disc pain can come in three forms: mechanical, inflammatory, or discogenic.  Sounds like you have a combination of the first two.  

Loss of the cervical curve, which can be diagnosed by a 3rd grader with a set of xrays, will lead to further degeneration of the discs.  Get a pillow that help you with that curve, I like the Therapeutica pillow, I usually recommend a petite for anyone under 6'1".

Traction, extension and chiropractic adjustments help with this, too.  Disc injuries never go away, but they might not bother you again provided you take care of them.  Hope your question was answered... and now off to sleep!

Dr. Peter Carr
Dynamic Chiropractic Clinic
Seattle Washington
www.dynamicclinic.com