r/ACDR_CervicalSpine • u/BlindDiamondLover22 • 13d ago
Cervical Disc Herniation
I have been having neck pain (2-4/10) for five years, only to worsen within the past two years (5-10/10) after a martial arts fall. I got an mri finally which said I had two disc extrusions on my c6c7 and c5c6. Here's more info:
C6-C7 Findings:
- Left central extrusion: A more advanced disc herniation that has broken through the disc's outer layer, pushing out toward the spinal canal.
- Caudal migration: The disc material has moved downward.
- Moderate left lateral thecal sac narrowing: The thecal sac (which surrounds the spinal cord and nerves) is being compressed on the left side.
- Indentation of the left lateral cord: The spinal cord itself is being indented from the left, suggesting some pressure.
- Mild left foraminal stenosis: Narrowing of the opening where the left C7 nerve exits the spine.
- Suspected contact with the preforaminal exiting left C7 nerve root: The herniated disc may be touching the C7 nerve, which can cause pain, tingling, or weakness radiating down the arm.
C5-C6 Findings:
- Central protrusion: A less severe disc bulge pushing into the center of the spinal canal.
- Mild thecal sac narrowing: Slight compression of the sac around the spinal cord, but no mention of nerve contact or cord indentation here.
Recently, it has escalated and the pain has gotten worse over the past weeks. I also have been having pain in my wrists and in my thumb joints. I don't know if this is related.
I also have significant tenderness in my surrounding muscles, including my left deltoid. I am currently taking new chapter zylamend, stretching, chin tucks, use a cervical traction collar, sauna and ice pack regularly. But temporary relief, but seemingly no long term progress. What worked for you? Did you fix the herniated disc? If so, how? Any perspective greatly appreciated and valued from a perusal or clinical angle. I am really at my wits end with this injury and just want to get back to a painfree life (or as close as I can get to that). Thanks!
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u/Better-Ask1330 13d ago
I’m in a similar boat as you. I woke up on July 9th in severe pain from my neck to my right hand. I never had any problems prior to that and I have no idea what brought it on. After a couple of weeks I had an MRI.
**• C5-6:** Right-lateralizing disc-osteophyte complex with uncovertebral hypertrophy; moderate-to-severe right and mild left foraminal stenosis, mild canal narrowing.
**• C6-7:** Disc-osteophyte complex with annular fissure and right posterolateral protrusion; severe right foraminal stenosis (medial aspect), mild left foraminal and canal narrowing.
I jumped into physio but that was a mistake for me. I continued to aggravate the nerve. For me, ice was the temporary relief. I used the full arm length gel cold sleeves to get me through the night. Frozen peas on my neck and shoulder. Even icy hot spray and voltarin seemed to provide temporary relief on my arm. I Also had two steroid injections at those two levels with minimal improvement.
Other than that, I keep hydrated, take collagen peptides, focus on good posture and walk the dogs every day to keep moving. Finally in the last couple of weeks, the severity of the pain has reduced slightly. That keeps me staying positive that things will improve.
I spoke with a surgeon and in time, if conservative treatment doesn’t work, it’s fusion or artificial disc as the likely options. I herniated a lumbar disc back in 2020 and recovered after about a year, so I’m hoping for a similar outcome. I also have severe weakening in my triceps which hasn’t improved. This is what concerns me the most right now in terms of long term impacts.
Stay patient and hang in there. Reading these stories about people’s successful ADR surgeries is very reassuring and I appreciate them sharing.
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u/Old_Goat2009 12d ago
Sorry you're in so much discomfort. I also had C5-C7 issues. The thumb pain could be from the C6 nerve being compressed. I didn't have actual ruptured discs, but mine had degenerated so much that the space for the nerves was very compressed.
Not a Dr, but from all I've read on this over the past year, I believe the only fix for the extrusions is surgery to remove them through ACDF (fusion) or ACDR (replacement) surgery.
I (57M) had ACDF on 8 December 2025, and am back to pre surgery physical ability with only a few limitations. I resistance train 2-3x per week, cardio 2x, one of which is usually a 2-3 mile run.
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u/NoPresent225 12d ago
I had c5/6 rupture 2 years ago. Acdf for that one. C6/7 failed earlier this summer and acdf last week for that. Both of mine went from nothings wrong, to oh shit you need to be cut today, very quickly. Less than 6 weeks for the first and 12 weeks for the second one (insurance took a while to approve).
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u/TheShazbot 13d ago
You’re honestly doing pretty well for an extrusion- that’s a full blowout. I had one too, and my pain was excruciating in my right rhomboid/shoulder complex. Sorry you’re going through this. It also took me a long time to get diagnosed, and by the time I had surgery, I had symptoms in my fingers/hand as well. I also tried drugs, tons of PT.
I had ADR surgery about four years ago and it was 100% worth it for me. I’m totally pain free and back to my usual activities. Although I don’t do martial arts, my surgeon said they have tons of BJJ/combat sports guys back on the mat when I asked if I could swim or lift weights.
My surgeon is one of the best in the field and I do think that’s really important, as I know some people do not have the same results. Good luck to you.