Expert: Dr. Brendon J. O`Brien, D.C. - 3/26/2009

Question
hi,i am jogesh and my mri report says this
1.mild loss of cervical lordosis
2. vertebral bodies are normal in height & signal intensity
3.Degenerative changes in I V Discs
4.Central disc Protrusion at C4-C5 with indentation over Thecal sac
5.Posteriocentral & right paracentral disc protrusion at C5-C6 with significant indentation over thecal sac and causing narrowing of right lateral recess/foramen impinging on exiting nerve roots.
6.spinal cord shows normal signal intensity.
7.craniovertebral junction normal.
note pls i had a car accident about 3 years ago wherin my neck got forcibly bent to my right . i never had any kind of fracture or a major injury in the accident.i used to have pain on the right side of my neck & shoulder say once in 3 or 4 months that would last for about 2 to 3 days and i never took any kind of medications for it thinking i might slept keeping my head in an improper angle.now again for last 10 days my neck is painful and right forearm/biceps area and near the wrist. my right thumb also feels numb at times.
kindly sugest me about the kind of treatment to be taken, how serious is my problem and does acupunture help in any way.
thank you
regards
jogesh kumar bhasin  

Answer
Hello Jogesh,


  You may want to have a consultation with a orthopedic surgeon.  The C5-C6 impingement on the nerves is the cause your symptoms.  If your symptoms continue to worsen, loss of muscle strength, numbness, etc. surgery may be necessary to relieve pressure on the nerves to prevent possible permanent nerve damage.  Often the surgery is quick and simple, they can make a small incision and basically clean up/increase the size of the foramen for the exiting nerves.  
  Acupuncture may help with the pain but will not take pressure off the nerves.

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