Question
Hi. I have a ruptured disc in my lower cervical spine.  I started PT for a few weeks but had to stop b/c I took a new job and had no insurance coverage.  My coverage starts on Nov 1st but right now I'm in a lot of pain, which is in the neck/upper back and radiates to my arms.  

Is PT still the best answer?  Should I have consider a chiropractor?  At what point to I consider surgery?

Thanks for your help!

Answer
Although I am not a physician or neurosurgeon, I can tell you that PT and slow stretching exercises are very beneficial.  These exercises keep the muscles relaxed in the affected area and thereby relieve additional pain caused by the muscles contracting to protect the area from additional injury.  The constant contraction sets up a pain cycle all its own.

I advise caution with ruptured discs and chiropractic treatment. It is important to find a good chiropractor and discuss the injury along with supplying the chiropractor with any x-rays or MRIs.  They need a full picture of what they're manipulating to prevent additional damage.

I recommend that people avoid surgery until it is the final remaining option.  No surgery is minor, particularly on your spine.  Surgery doesn't always fix the problem and can actually make things worse in some cases.

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