Why is my 7-year disc bulge causing arm and shoulder pain?

Question

Hello doctor,

About three years ago, my MRI showed bulging discs at C5, C6, and C7. I was on medication for over a year, but it did not help; in fact, my pain worsened significantly.

I have been dealing with this pain for the past seven years. I also lost around 66 lb (from 220 lb to 154 lb), but the pain has persisted.

Recently, my symptoms have been getting worse. I now have pain in my arms and shoulders, irregular bowel movements, and a noticeable change in stool color. I was also told I have an enlarged fatty liver measuring about 6.6 inches. A few days ago, I experienced severe pain in my thoracic (mid-back) region, although that has improved for now.

I am concerned about whether this could indicate something serious.

Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have read your query.

I understand how frustrating it must be to deal with this kind of pain for so many years, especially when it seems to be getting worse again.

What is important to know is that a disc bulge, by itself, does not always explain symptoms like the ones you are describing. Many people have mild disc bulges on MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) and do not have significant pain. So in your case, there are two possibilities we should consider.

The more likely one is that your current pain may not be directly coming from the old disc findings. You have had a major weight loss from about 220 lb to 154 lb, which is great for your overall health.

But sometimes, when weight loss is not paired with muscle strengthening, the body can lose muscle support. This can lead to poor posture and strain in the neck, shoulders, and upper back, which can feel quite severe and persistent.

That could explain your arm, shoulder, and upper back pain. In such situations, the focus usually shifts to rebuilding strength and correcting posture, things like improving neck alignment, strengthening the core and shoulder muscles, doing simple exercises like chin tucks and gentle neck isometrics, and reducing long hours on phones or laptops without breaks.

At the same time, I do not want to ignore your concern about worsening symptoms. Since your MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is about three years old, it would be reasonable to repeat it if the pain has clearly increased or changed in pattern. That will help rule out any progression or new disc-related issues.

A balanced approach would be to start working on posture and strengthening, while also considering a repeat MRI if things do not improve or continue to worsen.

Once you have tried these steps or have updated imaging, you can follow up, and we can look at the next best steps together.

I hope this answers your query.

Please let me know if I can assist you further.

Thank you.