Suggest Treatment For Pain Due To Radiculopathy

Posted on Mon, 26 May 2014

Question: my mri says that at c4-c5 I have a right paracentral/rght foraminal disc protrusion is seen. This narrows the right neutral foramen. My Gp says I need to see a surgeon, because my sypmtoms are r arm radiculites, (muscle spasms in neckshoulders middle of back biceps, plus severe to moderate to dull pain). My PT says i am no too bad becaus it does not give levels on Mri, like Mild, Moderate,etc. so should I beieve my Pt or see the surgeon? oh yeah the pt says i have an very swollen muscle in my neck runs into scar tissue on the back of my head, and that is the problem?

Answered by Dr. Praveen (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
worthwhile to meet your surgeon

Detailed Answer:
Hi dear,

Thanks for giving an opportunity to address your query.

Compression of nerves by the protruding disc (radiculopathy) will cause pain. It can be confirmed / excluded only through detailed clinical examination; and yes surgeons who are experienced in spine surgery are the right specialist to perform this examination. I would definitely suggest you take the surgeons opinion since surgery (of protruding disc) will reduce the compression of the nerves in your neck and there by alleviate radiating pain. He shall be the right person to plan further management.

Swollen muscle can be due to spasm/edema which is the cause of pain; but radiculopathy needs to be excluded.

Hope this answers your query.

Get well soon.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad