Expert: J.R. Strecker, B.S., D.C. - 2/12/2009

Question
Hi,

My father, aged 54 experiences tingling and sharp pain (like electric current) in his left arm, sometimes unbearable. My doctor suggests hospitalization based on the following remarks from the MRI study:

1. Loss of normal cervical lordosis
2. Normal signal density without evidence of focal lesion
3. Small anterior marginal osteophytes from C3-C6
4. Posterocentral protrusion of C3-4 disc seen indenting anterior subarachnoid space, abutting the cord
5. Left foraminal bulge of C6-7 disc seen indenting left C7 nerve root
6. Mild posterior bulges of C4-5 and C5-6 seen

Everything else remains normal.

Please suggest apt treatment for the above case. I'd be grateful if you can help me with this.

Thanks.

Answer
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Hello H.,

This is a pretty difficult question to answer because treatment is never clear-cut, and your father’s case is relatively extensive and involved, especially if your doctor wants to hospitalize your father.  Almost always, treatment is symptom based and tailored to an individual’s needs, and a lot of times, treatment is trial and error until something works..  For example, some patients with your father’s MRI report would respond very well with a chiropractic adjustment; other patients may get worse.  However, here are some things commonly done in your father’s situation, though they may not all apply to your father’s case:

·   Massage
·   Chiropractic
·   Physical Therapy
·   Exercises & Stretches
·   Heat/Ice Therapy
·   Traction
·   Therapeutic Ultrasound, Electric Muscle Stimulation, & other electrical healing modalities
·   Acupuncture
·   Anti-inflammatory Medications (Allopathic and Naturopathic options)
·   Medical Procedures (eg- Steroid Injections, Trigger Point Injections)

On almost everything mentioned above, results can GREATLY vary dependent upon the practitioner, especially with regards to the physical treatments and procedures as opposed to the medications.  There are a lot of options for your father, which I imagine his doctor is considering to a degree.  

Keep in mind the treatments above do not represent a recommended treatment protocol or suggestions I have to help your father specifically.  Rather, go over these options with your doctor to determine which options he/she thinks may apply.  If you feel your doctor is not appropriately addressing these options, you may want to seek a second opinion, especially if any invasive procedures are being considered.

Best of luck, and I hope this helps!
Dr. JR Strecker, DC