Question
I went to my chiropractor yesterday and he told me I had a herniated disc in my neck and that is why my shoulder and left arm are quite painful. He did do an adjustment and said to go back on Monday but how many treatments will it take to get it back to normal? I can hardly lift or even use my left arm and it is very weak.  My shoulder aches so much I hardly sleep at night and I have been taking muscle relaxers but they don't give me much relief. Please help. Should I see my massage therapist?  Would massage help or hurt it even more?  Thanks for your advice on this matter.  Donella Harvey

Answer
Hello Donella,

   Herniated discs can take several months to heal.  A MRI should be performed to confirm the diagnosis.  The size and location of the herniation or bulge can be seen on a MRI, then a more accurate time frame for healing can be established.  Massage may help too!

Have a great day,
Dr. Brendon O'Brien D.C.