Survey Says, "C7!"

We have the results form the MRI. I have a herniated C7 disc in my neck, that lies on the nerve pathway to my arm, down to my fingers. Herniated means "an abnormal protrusion of a portion of the disc material." Sounds delicious, no?

The nerve that would be affected by the C7 disc controls the arms, the shoulders, the heart, the lungs, the thyroid gland, and many other things. Because of this, if a C7 disc herniated, it is very common that a person will not only experience neck pain, but you may also experience pain in the arms, weakness in the hands and arms, shoulder pain, chest pains, uncontrollable sweating, headaches, etc. I guess I should be grateful that I don't have all of THAT! EESH!

Beginning treatments include the following:

• Anti-inflammatory meds (check!)
• Pain meds (check, CHECK!)
• Muscle Relaxers (yep)
• Chiropractic adjustments (uh-huh)
• Pain injections & surgery (Slam on the breaks!!)

I have been referred to a new Chiropractor that has a special machine that focuses on this area of the neck. I see them on Wednesday for a looky-loo. I am reading that ice on the base of the neck is helpful (so I'll do that once I am finished here) as is bouncing gently on the giant gym-ball. Do they have them at K-Mart??

I am also reading that surgery only works 17% of the time. Another term for this is "Last Effort."

Thanks for checking in! MWAH!