Pinched C6/C7?

**lovbyts** · 09-05-2021, 07:29 AM

OK it seems I cant get a break.

A little over 2 months ago my neck cramped up a few hours after laying upside down looking up under my dash of my car doing some wiring. It started out as just a little bit of a strain but within a couple of hours it was the worse neck cramp I have ever had.

I did the usual ice, a LOT of ice for the next couple of days as well as a couple extra pain killers and anti inflammatory that did pretty much nothing.

Long story short it has not gone away or gotten a lot better. Only think that helped was 3 rounds of prednisone and a lot of ice.

Ive used an inflatable neck brace to try to stretch the neck. A solid neck brace to stabilize it. Pressure point device, massage chair, ultrasonic massage device, muscle simulators, different types of anti inflammatory creams, chiropractor 1 or 2x a week and so far nothing is really working,

Ive had 2 xrays that show C6 is pinched and both chiropractors said it looks like its been that way for a while. Probably one of my MANY ATV, skiing or other sport activity accidents. Im not sure if the PT for my shoulder replacement has somehow activated this but its getting old fast. If its not one thing its another.

Any suggestions? What have I forgotten to try?

**almostgone** · 09-05-2021, 10:19 AM

Originally Posted by lovbyts

OK it seems I cant get a break.

A little over 2 months ago my neck cramped up a few hours after laying upside down looking up under my dash of my car doing some wiring. It started out as just a little bit of a strain but within a couple of hours it was the worse neck cramp I have ever had.

I did the usual ice, a LOT of ice for the next couple of days as well as a couple extra pain killers and anti inflammatory that did pretty much nothing.

Long story short it has not gone away or gotten a lot better. Only think that helped was 3 rounds of prednisone and a lot of ice.

Ive used an inflatable neck brace to try to stretch the neck. A solid neck brace to stabilize it. Pressure point device, massage chair, ultrasonic massage device, muscle simulators, different types of anti inflammatory creams, chiropractor 1 or 2x a week and so far nothing is really working,

Ive had 2 xrays that show C6 is pinched and both chiropractors said it looks like its been that way for a while. Probably one of my MANY ATV, skiing or other sport activity accidents. Im not sure if the PT for my shoulder replacement has somehow activated this but its getting old fast. If its not one thing its another.

Any suggestions? What have I forgotten to try?

Don't ignore it, IMHO. Personally, I would request a nerve conduction study pretty soon and continue to keep your neck loose. Google "nerve glides" or "nerve flossing" and do the ones relevant to C-6.

The inflatable neck collar is good if it helps. A little deep tissue work (within reason) may be beneficial.

Pay particular attention to any loss of strength in your biceps and wrist or any strange sensations in your arm like tingling in your arm, numb feelings, etc.

I had continuing loss of strength issues in the left biceps and left deltoid. Went through PT twice while waiting to get scheduled for surgery but COVID had everything locked down. Finally, left arm became basically useless and was able to finally get scheduled for surgery. Had a good bit of C- spine surgery.

I'm positive if I could've gotten surgery done sooner, the damage wouldn't have been as severe, so continue to be proactive...PT, get that NCV study, nerve glides, etc.

At some point, you may need to discuss this with a neurosurgeon if things don't improve. Nothing wrong with chiropractors, I see one myself at times, but they have limits as to what they can do.

**lovbyts** · 09-05-2021, 10:52 PM

Yeah I am scheduling the deep tissue massage Tuesday. I found out my insurance pays for 30 a year.

No Im not ignoring it in any way and will look into the Nerve conduction study. I remember having one done on my arm before and it was probably from the same type of issue but at the time I didnt realize it was neck related. Probably what fixed it was going to Thailand/Philippines and getting massage every day, sometimes 2x a day for $5 for 1+ hr. lol

I didnt even remember having an issue like this before or anything very bad but after doing some searching on the forum yesterday I see I had almost the same thing happen in 2011.

My entire left arm with go numb in 2 seconds if I move my head wrong or look up above 90 deg. It only takes a few seconds for it to go back to normal if I look down and stretch my neck as well. Ive never had it last this long and its annoying besides painful.

Oh yeah I also have one of those hard foam rollers for the back and neck and my neck traction sling for the door should arrive tomorrow. I swear I have more rehab supplies than most pharmacies. lol

I wish I had gotten my back surgery several years earlier also. I also wish he had not retired. I would trust him with my neck as well since he did such a good job with my back. Hopefully it wont come to that though. Im going to keep trying aggressive rehab with traction to take pressure of the C6/C7 and hopefully it will heal with time. Hopefully adding a little HGH will speed up the recovery.

**almostgone** · 09-06-2021, 11:16 AM

Sounds like you have a good plan going. If it's painful that would definitely motivate me to get a Neuro involved/ nerve conduction system scheduled.

IDK, maybe read up on cervical radiculopathy for some treatment options or things to try on your own. The nerve glides/nerve flossing I mentioned gave me some relief, it just wasn't enough to fix what I had going on.

Same here on the GH. Have enough Serostim on hand to run ~ 2 iu/ day for the next year, which is plenty for me.

Keep us in the loop!

**lovbyts** · 09-06-2021, 10:36 PM

Originally Posted by almostgone

Sounds like you have a good plan going. If it's painful that would definitely motivate me to get a Neuro involved/ nerve conduction system scheduled.

IDK, maybe read up on cervical radiculopathy for some treatment options or things to try on your own. The nerve glides/nerve flossing I mentioned gave me some relief, it just wasn't enough to fix what I had going on.

Same here on the GH. Have enough Serostim on hand to run ~ 2 iu/ day for the next year, which is plenty for me.

Keep us in the loop!

Ill tell you one thing Im NOT doing. Cervical epidural steroid injection. I have had several on my lower back. First 3 weren't bad but defiantly not pleasant. The next 2 I got several years later were very painful. The next 2 I got I made them stop 1/2 through the 2nd one or I would have gotten off the table and stuck them with the needle. I swore no more after that.

Same here with the GH FINALLY. Cant tell you how many times trying to get it went to sh*t and wasted $$$$ At least the pregnancy test came up negative so I know what it's not. lol

**lovbyts** · 09-13-2021, 07:05 AM

So far the neck traction device has worked better than anything else by far. 1st day I noticed a difference and 2nd and 3rd day more of a difference. Its not gone by any means but at least now I see light at the end of the tunnel and its not the bright ceiling lights of an operating room.

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**lovbyts** · 10-03-2021, 07:07 AM

I wish I could say Im cured or that I can tell a difference day by day but I cant. I can say Im still noticing a difference week by week and Ive been using the traction device almost every day. At least its not getting worse or cramping up like it was.

**Obs** · 10-03-2021, 02:27 PM

Originally Posted by lovbyts

So far the neck traction device has worked better than anything else by far. 1st day I noticed a difference and 2nd and 3rd day more of a difference. Its not gone by any means but at least now I see light at the end of the tunnel and its not the bright ceiling lights of an operating room.

My ex used to wear lingerie like that

**Obs** · 10-03-2021, 02:28 PM

I had a pinched C5 C6 and it caused me more pain than was imaginable but it finally went away when it acts up though it will paralyze part of my arm for weeks at a time

**lovbyts** · 10-04-2021, 04:23 AM

Originally Posted by Obs

My ex used to wear lingerie like that

My current has a bit of lingerie like that also but I prefer her mini mouse outfit.

lol

**Obs** · 10-04-2021, 08:59 PM

Originally Posted by lovbyts

My current has a bit of lingerie like that also but I prefer her mini mouse outfit.

lol

Lol thats awesome!

**almostgone** · 10-05-2021, 04:31 PM

Originally Posted by lovbyts

I wish I could say Im cured or that I can tell a difference day by day but I cant. I can say Im still noticing a difference week by week and Ive been using the traction device almost every day. At least its not getting worse or cramping up like it was.

Just keep an eye on it. If improvement stops, I'd head to the neurosurgeon since you've tried other treatment modalities. You don't want to end up in the position I'm in looking at a year's recovery with no guarantee the strength will come back.

Noticing an improvement week by week is pretty dang good. I have my fingers crossed it continues!

**Obs** · 10-05-2021, 10:57 PM

Originally Posted by almostgone

Just keep an eye on it. If improvement stops, I'd head to the neurosurgeon since you've tried other treatment modalities. You don't want to end up in the position I'm in looking at a year's recovery with no guarantee the strength will come back.

Noticing an improvement week by week is pretty dang good. I have my fingers crossed it continues!

You will come back stronger than ever I promise

**lovbyts** · 10-11-2021, 02:09 AM

Originally Posted by almostgone

Just keep an eye on it. If improvement stops, I'd head to the neurosurgeon since you've tried other treatment modalities. You don't want to end up in the position I'm in looking at a year's recovery with no guarantee the strength will come back.

Noticing an improvement week by week is pretty dang good. I have my fingers crossed it continues!

Ive been there to many times to count in the past where I was told I would not be able to do this or that again. Those are fighting words and just make you work that much harder. I had to decide if I was going to be an confined to a wheelchair or walker for the rest of my light or fight my way back. That was 15+ years ago. Ive also had 2 failed arthroscopic surgeries to my left shoulder and 1 failed total shoulder replacement over the last 8 years. Finally got it right last March and still recovering but not giving up. I dont expect to get back to where I was in my 20 or even 40s but I plan on being better than I was in most of my 50s.

**gearbox** · 10-11-2021, 04:05 PM

this is inspiring for myself as I am about a decade away from 50 and I want to continue to stay healthy.

**lovbyts** · 10-18-2021, 06:06 AM

Originally Posted by gearbox

this is inspiring for myself as I am about a decade away from 50 and I want to continue to stay healthy.

Dont blink, 40 to 50 goes fast and 50 to 60 takes about 1/2 as long. lol Yeah I laugh but its true.

**lovbyts** · 11-02-2021, 07:08 AM

Neck is about 95% better so in other words, back to normal. That being said it means something else has to go wrong. Yup, time for my right shoulder replacement.

**lovbyts** · 12-21-2021, 01:50 AM

Little update. Some days are better than others. Surprisingly things like a massage seem to make it flair up for a couple of days but overall it still feels about 95% better than where it started. Its annoying it tends to snap/pop a lot when I turn my head mostly to the right but not as much as it did a few weeks ago.

Im hoping after my full shoulder replacement on Dec 30th it will sort of fix the neck issue also since its mostly muscle/strain related now and not so much a pinched nerve. No more arm tingling or numbness like before.

**Cylon357** · 12-22-2021, 12:31 PM

Originally Posted by lovbyts

Little update. Some days are better than others. Surprisingly things like a massage seem to make it flair up for a couple of days but overall it still feels about 95% better than where it started. Its annoying it tends to snap/pop a lot when I turn my head mostly to the right but not as much as it did a few weeks ago.

Im hoping after my full shoulder replacement on Dec 30th it will sort of fix the neck issue also since its mostly muscle/strain related now and not so much a pinched nerve. No more arm tingling or numbness like before.

Man, that's good to hear!

I can't lie, I get a little woozy when I read the word "surgery" especially when it includes the word "replacement" but it sounds like you are gtg.

**lovbyts** · 12-26-2021, 12:37 AM

Originally Posted by Cylon357

Man, that's good to hear!

I can't lie, I get a little woozy when I read the word "surgery" especially when it includes the word "replacement" but it sounds like you are gtg.

Honestly the word surgery doesn't even faze me anymore but it should. I sort of look forward to it becasue it means I will get enough pain meds or blocker to have no pain for at least 1 day and I will get some good rest. Its hard to remember what its like to go through a day not in pain sometimes.

I just hope after the replacement I can start to build some muscle again and get somewhat back in shape.

**lovbyts** · 06-20-2022, 02:02 AM

Its definitely still there but still SLOWLY getting better. I fell like it is slowly self fusing again like it did before but Im not loosing as much of my ROM as I did last time.

Cant believe I actually managed to tolerate it for over a year as bad as it was. I know most people would not tolerate it will even how it is now but its a huge improvement compared to a little over a year ago.

**lovbyts** · 10-26-2022, 01:16 AM

Little update,
Its been over a year since I started this thread and it hasnt gotten any better over the last 6 months or so. I have a doctors appointment on Oct 31 with a specialist. Cant wait.

PLEASE no more surgeries... Lets keep it at an even 20.

**almostgone** · 10-26-2022, 05:14 AM

Originally Posted by lovbyts

Little update,
Its been over a year since I started this thread and it hasnt gotten any better over the last 6 months or so. I have a doctors appointment on Oct 31 with a specialist. Cant wait.

PLEASE no more surgeries... Lets keep it at an even 20.

Best wishes, man! What type of Dr are you going to see? Ortho or neuro? I may be wrong but I think I would be opting for a Neuro.

**lovbyts** · 10-26-2022, 07:57 AM

I didnt even look him up until now. I just figured he was a Neuro but No, he is a Ortho.

Ill have to give my doctor a call or at least see him and have him refer me to a Neuro.
Thanks for making me think.

**almostgone** · 10-26-2022, 08:07 AM

Originally Posted by lovbyts

I didnt even look him up until now. I just figured he was a Neuro but No, he is a Ortho.

Ill have to give my doctor a call or at least see him and have him refer me to a Neuro.
Thanks for making me think.

Keep us in the loop man. Got my fingers crossed that it can be a non-invasive/minimally invasive solution.

**lovbyts** · 11-20-2022, 11:54 PM

Finally got in to see the new doctor. He is only a General orthopedics for spinal disorders. Same basic results as my other 3 xrays, C6 is pinched but he doesn't think its from an old injury, he thinks its from degenerate bone disease and the nerve is being pinched. "Cervical disc disorder at C5-C6 level with radiculopathy"

Scheduling for an MRI and then will discuss non surgical options. Dont really want to do surgery # 21 anytime soon. Dont really want to do epidural steroid injections either. Wasnt very fun the last few times.

Im still going to see about fining a neurologist for a 2nd opinion on what can be done.

**lovbyts** · 02-07-2023, 02:34 AM

Strange, I did a fairly lengthy update on this yesterday and now its gone.

I got an MRI done about 1 month ago that showed as expected, pinched nerve due to narrowing of the spine and some bone on bone on C7 as well as quite a bit of arthritis and bulging disk.

Ive had a little improvement, maybe 10% in the last month. I went in about 4 weeks ago and had a Test done to see if a nerve block would work. They injected 3 different locations (C5, C6, C7) I to temporarily numb it and see how much relieve I got. Wanst much fun because they dont use any numbing before the injection so I get to enjoy 3 3in 18g needles going down to my spine.

Im a little undecided if Im going to do the nerve block. It did help probably 90% if not more and probably the discomfort I did feel was just from the injections. On one had it would be nice to get it over with and be done with it but on the other it might fix itself in another year or so.

The strange thing is it started getting a little better again after the injections. Maybe because it reactivated the healing process if you know what I mean. Sometimes your body needs a little trauma to know it needs fixed.

Ive actually only used like 1/2 a hydrocodone 2x in the last 2 weeks and thats a first for me in several years. Also only doing 1 anti inflammatory a day instead of 2. It would be nice to not need any hydrocodone but wiht all my injuries over the years I dont think using 1/2 or 1 a day is much to worry about since I have been only using 2 a day for 15+ years and its hard to imagine I could ever be pain free.

**lovbyts** · 02-22-2023, 06:16 PM

Decided to go through with it. 3/2/2023.

I just can't turn down the thought of having 3, 3" 18g needles jammed into my neck down to my spine again without numbing. LoL

At least it's not surgery # 21. Hopefully 20 will be enough.

**almostgone** · 02-23-2023, 07:50 AM

Originally Posted by lovbyts

Decided to go through with it. 3/2/2023.

I just can't turn down the thought of having 3, 3" 18g needles jammed into my neck down to my spine again without numbing. LoL

At least it's not surgery # 21. Hopefully 20 will be enough.

Hopefully, the nerve block will last, but if that doesn't do it, are you going to opt for surgery #21?

**lovbyts** · 02-23-2023, 05:25 PM

Originally Posted by almostgone

Hopefully, the nerve block will last, but if that doesn't do it, are you going to opt for surgery #21?

I don't think so unless not gets a lot worse again. I could live with this if I had to but I'm hoping I won't have to.

**lovbyts** · 02-28-2023, 07:10 AM

Hmm well since they are considering it an out patient procedure and I have to go to the surgery center and had to fill this out should I count this as # 21? lol

NO, if I did I could count all my MRI they did with contrast and my epidural injections since they are basically the same thing. Hell Id be up around 30 if I counted those. lol

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**lovbyts** · 03-04-2023, 11:43 PM

Well Sh*T, I was wrong. Thursday was just yet Another trial run where they stick me with the 3 3" needles into C3, C4 & C5 to numb it for 24 hrs to see how it works.

They doctors said yeah its stupid and he would like to go back to just doing it the 1st time because after xray and MRI its obvious what needs done but thanks to the corporate lawyers geeing involved in everything (ObamaCare) now everything is 3x more expensive because they have to do 3x the testing and work.

It will be at least a couple weeks now before I get to go in for the real deal.

Good news is that one day besides from being just a little tight there was virtually no pain.

**almostgone** · 03-05-2023, 06:38 PM

Originally Posted by lovbyts

Well Sh*T, I was wrong. Thursday was just yet Another trial run where they stick me with the 3 3" needles into C3, C4 & C5 to numb it for 24 hrs to see how it works.

They doctors said yeah its stupid and he would like to go back to just doing it the 1st time because after xray and MRI its obvious what needs done but thanks to the corporate lawyers geeing involved in everything (ObamaCare) now everything is 3x more expensive because they have to do 3x the testing and work.

It will be at least a couple weeks now before I get to go in for the real deal.

Good news is that one day besides from being just a little tight there was virtually no pain.

Awesome! Got my fingers crossed that this is solution. Fvck constant pain. I mean we all learn to process pain one way or another. On the other hand, the bottom line is pain hurts.

**lovbyts** · 03-05-2023, 10:42 PM

Originally Posted by almostgone

Awesome! Got my fingers crossed that this is solution. Fvck constant pain. I mean we all learn to process pain one way or another. On the other hand, the bottom line is pain hurts.

Yeah I have to be careful when they ask me what my pain scale is at the moment because Im so use to living with pain most of the time Ill say a 3 but thats not high enough for them because a Normal person a 3 is a hang nail. For me a 3 is a nail sticking out of my arm or leg. lol

Seriously several time I have seen drops of blood on the floor and had to start looking for where I got cut. Funny how you can learn to ignore most things to a point. It would be nice to not have to though.

**lovbyts** · 04-04-2023, 05:26 AM

Today is the day, Finally. I am supposed to get the real deal, shot to kill the nerve or at least temporarily. Hopefully there will be no pain for a year or 2 and by then it will have healed the rest of the way to end the pain.

**lovbyts** · 04-10-2023, 12:37 AM

Well I got it done and of course it was fun laying there for the 3rd time while they shove 3 needles into my neck/spine on C3, C4, C5. Oh and this time they had fun connecting electrodes to them and see what body parts would jerk. lol Wanted to make sure it didn't affect something its not supposed to.

They called it a slow burn because it doesn't not kill the nerve right away, it takes 3-6 weeks before I will feel the effect. They said it could get worse the first few days but it didnt, just felt the same. Only think I noticed is my thighs felt like they had the best workout in the last couple of years and I could hardly stand up after squatting down. lol

Hopefully this will work and give my neck time to heal on its own without the constant discomfort and cramping so I can get back to life.

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**almostgone** · 04-10-2023, 04:21 PM

Originally Posted by lovbyts

Well I got it done and of course it was fun laying there for the 3rd time while they shove 3 needles into my neck/spine on C3, C4, C5. Oh and this time they had fun connecting electrodes to them and see what body parts would jerk. lol Wanted to make sure it didn't affect something its not supposed to.

They called it a slow burn because it doesn't not kill the nerve right away, it takes 3-6 weeks before I will feel the effect. They said it could get worse the first few days but it didnt, just felt the same. Only think I noticed is my thighs felt like they had the best workout in the last couple of years and I could hardly stand up after squatting down. lol

Hopefully this will work and give my neck time to heal on its own without the constant discomfort and cramping so I can get back to life.

Got my fingers crossed for you! Have you lost any strength or had any numbness in your arms or hands?

**Lemonada8** · 04-10-2023, 09:03 PM

On the MRI, did it mention any central spinal stenosis?
Glad the burn helped, that's good for the vertebral foramen stenosis...
For the thighs feelin good, I bet there was some central stenosis. Glad ur doin better!

**lovbyts** · 04-11-2023, 08:22 AM

Originally Posted by almostgone

Got my fingers crossed for you! Have you lost any strength or had any numbness in your arms or hands?

No more numbness in the hands or arms, that finally went away several months ago. Loss of strength? No idea.

I havent really built up much strength since the shoulder replacements. Its about time to start up again SLOWLY...

**lovbyts** · 04-11-2023, 08:24 AM

Originally Posted by Lemonada8

On the MRI, did it mention any central spinal stenosis?
Glad the burn helped, that's good for the vertebral foramen stenosis...
For the thighs feelin good, I bet there was some central stenosis. Glad ur doin better!

I dont know if it helped yet or at least not much but maybe a little. lol

Yeah there was some central spinal stenosis but nothing to serious and of course pinched nerves. I had quite a bit when they did the MRI on my L3 & L4. They went in and cleaned it out. No problems luckily.