Question
Hello and thanks for your help.

An MRI shows: I have a C6/7 right posterolateral disk protrusion extending into the foramen.  It measures 5 mm AP x 10 mm and is impinging on the right C7 nerve root.  All other C spine levels are unremarkable.  The cervical cord appears normal.  I am having symptoms consistent with the MRI findings.

I am interested in knowing what my nonsurgical options might be and information on the success rate for nonsurgical treatments of conditions similar to mine.

Mike


Answer
Mike,

Simple:  If you have a lot of arm/hand pain, loss of reflex and muscle weakness, then you should have a surgical consultation.  If you have good reflexes and muscle strength, then you could try chiropractic care.   In my opinion, it is safe to employ manual neck traction, graded mobilization, and carefully applied high-velocity manipulation.  If, while trying these methods, you have more arm pain and worsening of objective signs (e.g. reflex or strength), then manual therapy is not for you.   My patients that have undergone microdiscectomy have all done very well.   Again, much depends on how much pain you are in, if your pain is subsiding with time or worsening with time, and what you have for objective findings on physical examination.   

'Hope this helps.

Dr. G

p.s.  sorry for the delay in response, but somehow I didn't get this email until today 1-10 because it ended up in my spam folder.