Bulging Disc C-5.

[SomeRandomGuy]

Finally got an MRI done, I think this has been my problem all along. People told me I had Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, but I didn't. Bulging disc, the outside wall of the C-5 Disc in my Cervical spine is expanded pushing into my spinal cord. Making the pad of my right hand thumb and side of right hand forefinger partially numb. The nerve in my back hurt extremely bad and I just finished getting over a painkiller addiction from trying to work through it. It has made my right arm weaker than the left.

Now, months later, the pain is gone and I'm trying to work the right side back to equal strength, but take it easy so I don't reinjure.

I hate getting old. And I'm not even that old yet.

Anyone had an injury similar to this? It sucks. Wonder if the numbness will ever go away, or the strength go back to 100% where it used to be. My right side is dominant, so I should have more strength in my right hand than my left, but I rely on my left now because of the injury. Grip strength is less than my left, pulling and pushing power, etc... No real options because surgery is not known to be successful for discs, (i.e.; disc replacement). I went to see a physiatrist, and he put me on a regimen of corticosteroids, I'm not sure if they worked or not, he doesn't want me to lift anymore at all, but my chiropractor says I can if I take it easy.

Went from benching 405 for reps and squatting near 500 for reps to being weak as hell.

[benchingover500]

What state do you live in? I know there are a few hospitals in the country that do these with a high success rate. There is also the laser option which relatively new.

[lovbyts]

Look into decompression or you can use an inversion table, that may help. Ice, ice, ice is a must for helping reduce inflammation. Ice on 20 minutes, off 20 minutes repeat 4+ times 2 - 3 times a day for several days or longer.

[FireGuy]

I had the exact same problem at C6/C7 to the point that I could barely use 20lbs DB on the incline. Worst pain I ever experienced bar none. Nerve impingements suck big time! I had the the disk removed and the vertabraes fused with a metal plate. Was back to 100% in about 4-6 months time.

[SomeRandomGuy]

Is that your forearm? WTF! Awesome.

[lovbyts]

I had the exact same problem at C6/C7 to the point that I could barely use 20lbs DB on the incline. Worst pain I ever experienced bar none. Nerve impingements suck big time! I had the the disk removed and the vertabraes fused with a metal plate. Was back to 100% in about 4-6 months time.

We need to talk again soon!!! Ill buy the starbucks.

Yes that is his forearm. Look up his pre contest pictures, impressive.

[lovbyts]

I had the exact same problem at C6/C7 to the point that I could barely use 20lbs DB on the incline. Worst pain I ever experienced bar none. Nerve impingements suck big time! I had the the disk removed and the vertabraes fused with a metal plate. Was back to 100% in about 4-6 months time.

Double post.

[swllce]

I am having similar problems.
Weak deltoids ,traps,cant lift my arms due to pain over both shoulders.This is all from a pinched nerve in the c spine according to a neurologist,physiatrist and a orthopedic.
I have been waiting for a mri for 3 months ,4 months of since onset.
This really stinks!

[swllce]

I know this tread is old but i want to add that i got back my mri and i have the same exact diagnosis as the op.
Itss been 6 months since onset of pain and weakness

[iptak]

Find a PT credentialed in Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy. It can work wonders for spine issues (discs). Look for the "McKenzie" website (not sure if I can post the offical web address). On the offical website there is a link "find a therapist". Many of these issues respond very well to consrvative treatment. Do a google search about how many painfree people have bad bulging discs. I have seen studies as high as 60% of "normal" people have "bad" MRI findings.

[optionsdude]

I had a disc repla***ent in may of 2010 at the c5-c6 region and it worked out great for me. I am not recommending that you run out and opt for surgery but there are surgery options out there that do work. Recovery time was about 5 months to were I could really push myself. doing great now with minimal spasms on occassion usually from over doing it.