C5-C6 herniated on C6 nerve

[Seamac]

Thanks bro! We went over it. Epidural was about 6 weeks ago. Went back to gym at about 33%. Going on week 3 now and only at about 75%. Have focused on form more than anything.

[TRA]

Thanks bro! We went over it. Epidural was about 6 weeks ago. Went back to gym at about 33%. Going on week 3 now and only at about 75%. Have focused on form more than anything.

I couldn't see if you posted MRI results? Was there disk space narrowing? Herniated disk? One side or both? One level or multiple levels? Is your doc on board with you returning to gym?
If so, I would recommend looking into the following:
Custom fit mouthguard (have a friend with cervical injury who swears by it, was recommended by his surgeon post-op when he was reentering gym)
Identify those exercises that translate the least amount of strain into the neck (for example keep head flat against bench with DB incline press, etc., avoid dead lifts, etc.)
Consider having PT show you kinesio taping pattern that may help retain good cervical posture while lifting (may be utilized to train yourself into proper posture based on your particular injury, while also avoiding injury in the process)
Always opt for higher reps vs heavier weights while progressing

Muscle Science might be able to weigh in with more proactive preventive suggestions.

[Seamac]

I couldn't see if you posted MRI results? Was there disk space narrowing? Herniated disk? One side or both? One level or multiple levels? Is your doc on board with you returning to gym?
If so, I would recommend looking into the following:
Custom fit mouthguard (have a friend with cervical injury who swears by it, was recommended by his surgeon post-op when he was reentering gym)
Identify those exercises that translate the least amount of strain into the neck (for example keep head flat against bench with DB incline press, etc., avoid dead lifts, etc.)
Consider having PT show you kinesio taping pattern that may help retain good cervical posture while lifting (may be utilized to train yourself into proper posture based on your particular injury, while also avoiding injury in the process)
Always opt for higher reps vs heavier weights while progressing

Muscle Science might be able to weigh in with more proactive preventive suggestions.

Had a MRI done and all I really remember was it herniated against the C6 nerve if I remember right. That caused the pain in the shoulder and down the right arm. He did say all other disc were ok.
I like the mouth guard idea. Are you talking about the ones you can buy in Sporting Goods stores?
Ortho was ok with going back to gym as long as I went lighter for a few months. He also introduced me to Functional Training. He swears by it. Going lighter has helped me concentrate more on my form than ever before. I have cut out dead lifts and no more shoulder presses with heavier weight. Mostly machine and dumbells.

[TRA]

Had a MRI done and all I really remember was it herniated against the C6 nerve if I remember right. That caused the pain in the shoulder and down the right arm. He did say all other disc were ok.
I like the mouth guard idea. Are you talking about the ones you can buy in Sporting Goods stores?
Ortho was ok with going back to gym as long as I went lighter for a few months. He also introduced me to Functional Training. He swears by it. Going lighter has helped me concentrate more on my form than ever before. I have cut out dead lifts and no more shoulder presses with heavier weight. Mostly machine and dumbells.

Yes, the mouthguard you can pick up at Sporting Goods store. I still like the old plain clear one, and since it's for really biting down the thickness better than the newer gummy fitting ones IMHO.

Sounds like you have it dialed in. I was wondering about a Mike Mentzer type routine for you also, but man, I have a hard time with that because it requires SO much focus. It's like any mental lag and the workout isn't good.

[MuscleScience]

I couldn't see if you posted MRI results? Was there disk space narrowing? Herniated disk? One side or both? One level or multiple levels? Is your doc on board with you returning to gym?
If so, I would recommend looking into the following:
Custom fit mouthguard (have a friend with cervical injury who swears by it, was recommended by his surgeon post-op when he was reentering gym)
Identify those exercises that translate the least amount of strain into the neck (for example keep head flat against bench with DB incline press, etc., avoid dead lifts, etc.)
Consider having PT show you kinesio taping pattern that may help retain good cervical posture while lifting (may be utilized to train yourself into proper posture based on your particular injury, while also avoiding injury in the process)
Always opt for higher reps vs heavier weights while progressing

Muscle Science might be able to weigh in with more proactive preventive suggestions.

I haven't heard of the mouth piece one before?

Sounds like everything is covered, you could add cervical spinal manipulation we do that at our clinic for disc injuries a lot. I usually have one of the staff Chiros do it for my neck, I don't let the PT's manipulate me, but I do have them KT tape me or do some ART. Some DO's still manipulate but they are few and far between.

A typical c5-6 disc patient with radicular symptoms we have them on the following protocol.

Epidural: in house on day 1 after consult and MD referral. With combined conservative care listed below.
4-8 weeks: Cspine manipulation usually on second visit
4-8 weeks: PT with soft tissue work and KT taping on second visit.

Week 8 is a reevaluation: if no progress then we send out for neurological consult for potential surgery. If conservative care doesn't work in 8 weeks and/or 12-18 sessions then it's deemed a non-responder. (if it wasn't a result of some hidious accident or trauma). At which point insurance will typically pay for surgery, usually never before that. Which with that basic protocol we get 80% resolution of all symptoms, 90% with 50% or better (which they get 4 more weeks then re-evaluate) and about 3-5% that require surgery.