Neck Disk Herniation
Q. I have had 3 Prolotherapy sessions to my neck. I am still having a lot of pain and stiffness on both sides and up the back of my head, along with bad headaches over my right eye. I recently had a MRI of my cervical spine, which showed a large bilateral protrusion at C5-6 Level, narrowing the foramina to the uncal vertebrae joints, obliterating the subarachoid space posteriorly and anteriorly. A small central protrusion at C4-5 Level, mildly narrowing the formina. And a annular bulge at C3-4 level, with no narrowing. I was told to have an epidural to help break up the disc. I never heard of this before. I had an epidural in low back several yrs. ago, which didn't help and ended up having a laminectomy. I've been putting up with this neck, headache and both shoulder, arm, hand, pain and numbness for over 2 years now, which has gotten a lot worse the last few months. Thanks for your input!

A. If the disc herniation is obliterating the subarachnoid space this could be serious and I see the surgeon and also the neurologist or physiatrist for an EMG/NCV/SSEP test to see if you have a pinched nerve in your neck or slowing of nerve impulses in your central nervous system. If you do then surgery is probably your best bet. The key in regard to Prolotherapy success is whether or not a nerve is getting compromised. If the answer is ‘no’ then most certainly you should respond to Prolotherapy. If a person has had three Prolotherapy sessions and ‘no response’ and the EMG/NCV of both upper extremities shows a pinched nerve then a consultation with a surgeon should be done.

Answered by Ross Hauser, M.D.
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READER COMMENT
Hi, the symptoms and what the person said about pain and numbness sound exactly what I had.

I eventually had surgery to shave the disc at c5-6 and then had just pain in the neck and shoulder area and also severe headaches.

After 5 years of pain after the operation my new doctor recommended I try Prolotherapy and have had 4 treatments and the pain and headaches have improved by about 60%. It is amazing not to be taking pain killers every 4 hours. So I suggest as did the Dr that you see your Neurologist, get the operation and then try Prolotherapy It worked for me.

Regards
Very happy and almost pain free