Question
After experiencing worsening pain in my left arm and eventually neck pain over a 4 month period,  I went to see an Orthopedic Dr who sent me to have an MRI. The MRI revealed a moderate-sized atypical hemangioma within the right side of T1. Loss of cervical lordosis. C5-6 ?Small posterior endplate spurs efface the thecal sac without canal stenosis or neural displacement. Small left posterolateral herniation displaces the C7 root. This herniation likely extends to the claudal aspect of the left neural foramen. No cord deformity.

I went through PT with great succcess... the pain went away and I felt good. This was about 11 months ago. Now I've started going to the gym and working out on a regular basis. I obviously did something I shouldn't have because the pain is back.  After going through PT, I pretty much know how to treat myself (neck exercises, glides, TENS, Pronex collor for traction) but what I would like to know is what types of exercise/equipment should I avoid at the gym?  I am a 49 year old female in otherwise good health. Thanks!

Answer
Hi Consuelo,

Are you training at the gym with a personal trainer? When working out, the most important thing to prevent injury is proper technique. So it may not be the actual exercise you are doing, it might be the technique that you are using to do the exercise. I would recommend that you find a personal trainer who has experience training clients with injuries. They will show you proper technique and exercises to avoid. Lifting anything too heavy that causes you to strain your neck should be avoided.

I hope this helps!

Dr. Liza