Question
I have just been diagnosed with slipped discs on my neck in positions c5-c6, c6-c7. My symptoms started 3 years ago which occured may be 4 times within that period and solved it with medication. THings got worse last year after an intense yoga training for 2 months (I have a feeling the shoulder stand position made it worse). I quit yoga and have had symptoms of mild pain and tingling on the left arm and fingers only twice in the last 12 months which went away with rest.(I play tennis twice a week and golf twice a week) Now I have been having the last 5 weeks pins and needles feeling on my left arm (no pain). The neurosurgen I saw today said surgery  is the last option although it doesn't look too good on the MRI (people in my condition usually have more pain and require surgery), I guess it's because my symptoms are very mild. I am wondering if you know any success stories with my condition who managed to live life till the end without the surgery. I am scared that as I get older (I am 39) the inevitable degenaration on the discs will make my condition worse. Can this be avoided for the rest of my life by some sort of physical activity so that I never have to do the surgery? Do you think I should be quitting golf for the rest of my life? Tennis I will because I have a feeling it puts more strain on my neck. I am afraid of getting more damage by doing these 2 activities. Thank you so much in advance.

Answer
Because I am not a physician or neurosurgeon, I can't say with certainty that you'll never require surgery. Your doctors have the best opinions because they have full access to your x-rays, MRIs, and medical history.

Having said that, I advise people to avoid surgery until it is absolutely necessary.  No surgery is minor, particularly spinal surgery.  Surgery doesn't always fix the problem and it can make it worse in some cases.

You are correct in assuming that the shoulder stand could have worsened your problem.  It's also a good bet that tennis would aggravate it as well.  Golf is more focused on low back rotation as opposed to neck movement so it should be a game that you can continue until you feel any additional discomfort.

I recommend slow stretching (not shoulder stands) and perhaps the use of cervical traction to relieve muscle tension in the area that adds to the pain cycle.  Your doctor should be able to assist you in obtaining a cervical traction device.  Physical therapy and a consultation with an osteopath or chiropractor might also be helpful.

Thank you for your question, Sonat.  I hope that my answer was helpful.