Q. Can cervical disc bulge lead to arm numbness?
Hi doctor,
My right arm is numb from the elbow to the wrist and sometime I feel like getting electric shock inside. About 29 years ago, I got my C4/C5 lower disc removed. I have neck and back pain too and for which I am taking Lyrica now. I had an MRI and the report is as follows. Tight cervical spinal canal at C5/C6 disc level and posterior disc herniation seen indenting the ventral aspect of the cord. In C3/C4, C4/C5 and C6/C7 mild diffuse posterior disc bulges seen. Please guide me.
Hi,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
- From your complaints it is clear that you are suffering from prolapsed intervertebral disc in cervical region. The prolapsed disc is compressing your spinal nerve roots of arm.
- I request you to kindly attach MRI images.
- Most likely it appears from your symptoms that you will need surgical decompression but nothing can be conclusively said without MRI images.
- Please mention your diabetic and cardiac profile too.
The Probable causes:
Degenerative changes.
Treatment plan:Surgical decompression.
Preventive measures:Avoid lifting weight and use cervical collar.
Regarding follow up:Revert back with MRI report to a spine surgeon online.---> https://www.icliniq.com/ask-a-doctor-online/spine-surgeon
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|Hi doctor,
I have attached the MRI photos and blood work. Thanks.
Hi,
Welcome back to icliniq.com. Thank you for providing images (attachment removed to protect patient identity).
- Your MRI shows that the disc which had prolapsed is causing compression on your nerve roots. No need to worry. We have few modalities of treatment at our disposal.
- First, I would like to know few things from you. Do you have any weakness or loss of power in your arm?
- Did you feel any difficulty in holding a pen or a spoon? Have you undergone any conservative treatment?
- Conservative treatment includes cervical traction, physiotherapy, short wave diathermy, cervical collar, analgesics and muscle relaxants.
- I would like to give you a course of 2 weeks of conservative treatment and observe your response. Even if there is 10% relief, I will continue with the same treatment.
- Surgical treatment is the last resort if all the above treatment fails.
- I have many patients who had similar complaints and have improved with conservative treatment.
- Your blood reports are within normal limits so even if you need surgery you can proceed.
- Surgical procedure involves removing disc and it has excellent prognosis. Recent trends are towards keyhole surgery with minimal incision.
Revert back with the answers for the above questions to a spine surgeon online --> https://www.icliniq.com/ask-a-doctor-online/spine-surgeon
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