Donald Corenman, MD, DC
Moderator
Post count: 8660

Your symptoms are consistent with a radiculopathy of the C6 or C7 nerve. You report no motor weakness which is a big plus. Your MRI report is somewhat confusing as it reports foraminal stenosis at C6-7 from a spur but also an associated “tear of the annulus at this level and this the most prominent bulge”. I am not sure if this indicates a herniation or not.

I think cervical traction has its advantages and disadvantages. For foraminal stenosis from a bone spur causing root compression, traction can be effective. For a hernation, it is not as effective. For facet disease, it can flair up the symptoms.

The next step is a consult with a pain management physician that performs diagnostic injections (selective nerve root blocks). An injection should be both diagnostic and therapeutic. This injection might give you long term relief.

Dr. Corenman

PLEASE REMEMBER, THIS FORUM IS MEANT TO PROVIDE GENERAL INFORMATION ON SPINE ANATOMY, CONDITIONS AND TREATMENTS. TO GET AN ACCURATE DIAGNOSIS, YOU MUST VISIT A QUALIFIED PROFESSIONAL IN PERSON.
 
Donald Corenman, MD, DC is a highly-regarded spine surgeon, considered an expert in the area of neck and back pain. Trained as both a Medical Doctor and Doctor of Chiropractic, Dr. Corenman earned academic appointments as Clinical Assistant Professor and Assistant Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, and his research on spine surgery and rehabilitation has resulted in the publication of multiple peer-reviewed articles and two books.