John Shepherd

I remembered a few more things that probably contributed to the improvement of my symptoms.

1. Using an inversion table, slowly increasing the angle as tolerated, while using a rolled-up hand towel under the neck to assist with maintaining correct curvature. Un-weighting the compressed disc was a revalation for me! Slowly, once inverted and unweighted, moving the head and neck around to free up the compressed, stagnated disc, to increase circulation and decompression. If you happen to be in the tacoma/Seattle area, or have someone out this way, you are welcome to have my table. I haven't used it in quite a while. We got it off of Craigslist, so it isn't immaculate, but if you have anyone passing through our area, it's yours. =)

2. Hydration. Discs contain a lot of water and need it to maintain their correct form.

3. Chiropractic adjustments. Not all chiropractors are created equally, and this didn't lead to sudden relief, but because my symptoms have improved, and chiropractic adjustments were part of what I tried, I mention them.

The doctor who administered the steroid injections was an osteopath; Jason Attaman, of Seattle.

I think the best way to go will be to hydrate, decompress, gradually increase decompressed movement, and reduce stress.

Best of luck, Paul!

John

I have been living with two herniated discs in my neck (C5-C6, and C6-C7) for close to 10 years now. Once diagnosed, the surgeons wanted to perform a "disc-ectomy" because one of the herniations up against my spinal cord was only accessible via the rest of the disc... This option didn't excite me very much, so I opted to pursue less invasive treatments first, and only go for fusion as a last resort.

What has (mostly) worked for me is a combination of improving my posture, getting up and moving and stretching, and...localized steroid injections. The injections were several years ago, and it took two sets to do the trick. Now, I only get the severe neck/shoulder pain when I'm sedentary and under stress; driving the car and/or riding the motorcycle at night, in the rain, in traffic, or for extended periods of time are the worst for me. As long as I can get up and move around, and flex and stretch and change my position, and relax and not be stressed, I do pretty well. I haven't resorted to fusion surgery as of yet, and hope not to ever.

Best of luck to you, Paul. I'm sure you didn't want to hear about an invasive chemical treatment such as steroid injections, but that is what worked for me. I hope you are able to find another, more "permie" treatment that works for you, brother!

-John