
Dr- 1. Several Years Ago I Was Diagnosed With Smal

Question: Dr-
1. Several years ago I was diagnosed with smal cervical disc protrusion at C5 & C6 and C6 & C7
1. A week ago I awoke with severe pain in my middle back (which I believe is due to a nerve condition related to the protrusions)
2. Since then it has become very painful to lie down/fall asleep since I tend to sleep on my side (due to mild sleep apnea)
3. I have been ingestion 1 extra strength Tylenol every night to help me sleep
4. Thus far I have been unable to find a sleeping position that is NOT painful
5. During the day with normal movements I do NOT seem to have any pain
6. Do you have any suggestions? Thanks,
1. Several years ago I was diagnosed with smal cervical disc protrusion at C5 & C6 and C6 & C7
1. A week ago I awoke with severe pain in my middle back (which I believe is due to a nerve condition related to the protrusions)
2. Since then it has become very painful to lie down/fall asleep since I tend to sleep on my side (due to mild sleep apnea)
3. I have been ingestion 1 extra strength Tylenol every night to help me sleep
4. Thus far I have been unable to find a sleeping position that is NOT painful
5. During the day with normal movements I do NOT seem to have any pain
6. Do you have any suggestions? Thanks,
Brief Answer:
Other treatment possibilities in addition to Tylenol.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to "Ask a Doctor" service.
I have read your query and here is my advice.
It is true that cervical spine disc protrusions may cause pain that may change with head and neck positions.
Symptoms in such cases may be relieved by NSAID drugs, heat procedures in the neck, soft cervical collar, physical therapy, initially.
If these measures fail to improve your condition, epidural injections may be necessary.
Besides Tylenol, ibuprofen use for a few days may help you feel better.
Discuss with your Doctor for these issues.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Other treatment possibilities in addition to Tylenol.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to "Ask a Doctor" service.
I have read your query and here is my advice.
It is true that cervical spine disc protrusions may cause pain that may change with head and neck positions.
Symptoms in such cases may be relieved by NSAID drugs, heat procedures in the neck, soft cervical collar, physical therapy, initially.
If these measures fail to improve your condition, epidural injections may be necessary.
Besides Tylenol, ibuprofen use for a few days may help you feel better.
Discuss with your Doctor for these issues.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D


Dr thank you for your response..
1. In your experience Do these symptoms tend to go away after some time with some treatment?
2. If so how long would it take for the symptoms to subside?
3. Also how bad/serious does my protrusion seem to you based on the MRI that I sent you?
Thanks
1. In your experience Do these symptoms tend to go away after some time with some treatment?
2. If so how long would it take for the symptoms to subside?
3. Also how bad/serious does my protrusion seem to you based on the MRI that I sent you?
Thanks
Brief Answer:
Improvement is possible with conservative treatment.
Detailed Answer:
Welcome back.
1-In my opinion, and by experience, your symptoms are possible to improve significantly with conservative treatment.
2- It takes generally a couple of months for symptoms to subside.
3- The MRI report states that the protrusion and the subsequent stenosis are mild to moderate.
Hope I helped you.
Feel free to discuss with me if you have further questions.
Improvement is possible with conservative treatment.
Detailed Answer:
Welcome back.
1-In my opinion, and by experience, your symptoms are possible to improve significantly with conservative treatment.
2- It takes generally a couple of months for symptoms to subside.
3- The MRI report states that the protrusion and the subsequent stenosis are mild to moderate.
Hope I helped you.
Feel free to discuss with me if you have further questions.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj

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