Neck Disc Herniation

NECK PAIN BLOG

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, headaches 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

Cervical Stenosis
Q. I have been treated in many different areas with Prolo. I have seen improvements in some areas treated with 2-6 treatments. I had my S.I. Joints, illolumbar liagment done about 14 times, which has given me about 65% relief, finally over a 2 year period. I had both shoulders treated 4-6 times each and my entire neck done for 6 times. My neck pain has been worse despite treatment and my shoulder, arm, hand pain has gotten worse since last being treated. I did have stiffness for at least 5 days and soreness for longer. A physiatrist, not my Prolotherapist says I have cervical stenosis and C 5/6 bilateral herniation. Do you THINK this is why my neck and shoulder/arm pain is not getting better with prolo?

A. Make sure you get an EMG/NCV test of both upper extremities and neck. If the results show that there is some nerve entrapment then this could be the cause of your continued complaints. Sometimes the difference between 'help' with Prolotherapy and 'cure' lies in the fact that other factors are involved in the persons pain. Doing a comprehensive natural medicine evaluation and lifestyle/sports/athletic evaluation is sometimes needed. Sometimes the area causing the pain is an area different then what was Proloed. For instance in your condition maybe it is the shoulders that need treatments. Once a person has plateaued with a certain clinician it is time to find another one and go in a new direction.

Answered by Ross Hauser, M.D.
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Prolotherapy Dangerous for C1?
I am experiencing my C1 slip out on the right side of my neck. I have seen many chiropractors over the past couple of years and I get little benefit from them. I was told Prolotherapy performed on c1/c2 is "EXTREMELY DANGEROUS" as there is a huge risk of hitting an artery? Can Prolotherapy be performed on c1? Would I benefit from this procedure? Thanks for your time.

A. Yes we have done C1 many times and it can be done safely and carefully, generally it is very successful. Typically, you will need between 3 to 6 visits.

Answered by Ross Hauser, M.D.
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Disclaimer: The information on this website is presented as information only and not a self-help guide NOR AS SPECIFIC HEALTH RECOMMENDATIONS. The physician you are visiting has had the benefit of performing medical examinations and laboratory tests to determine the degree of your symptoms. Important tools in not only prescribing a treatment plan but also in determining your response. If you have concerns about your treatment, please direct your questions to your physician because that is the proper course to take. Prolotherapy may not be effective for every individual and there are risks involved, these risks should be discussed with your physician. Results achieved with some may not be typical of all. Please consult a physician.

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Ross Hauser, M.D.
Dr. Hauser received his M.D. from the University of Illinois, Chicago; completed his residency at Loyola-Hines VA-Marianjoy Hospitals in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation; and received his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. Dr. Hauser is the Medical Director and co-founder of the physician-run, comprehensive natural medicine clinic, Caring Medical & Rehabilitation Services in Oak Park, Illinois. Dr. Hauser is one of the leading experts in the treatment of chronic pain and sports injuries with Prolotherapy. He, along with his wife Marion, have written seven books on the topic of Prolotherapy, a comprehensive book on the natural medicine approach to cancer, as well as a myriad of articles and newsletters for the general public. Read more
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