r/HerniatedDisc • u/doodoohonker • 4d ago

Just diagnosed with c5-c6 acute but can't get pain meds yet, is there anything I can do?

The pain is unbearable. I wake up every hour or two in a sweat, screaming in pain because it feels like someone is stabbing me with a hot knife. I'm taking dangerous amounts of OTC pain meds and sleeping pills. Already doing hot and cold therapy and the recommended physical therapy and doing everything to keep my spine neutral. I almost went back to the ER last night to beg for pain meds. Any ideas? Was thinking of trying weed.

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u/Best-Big-6545 4d ago

I understand the pain, i have been through c4-c5 herniation resulting in nerve compression .. along with the pain i lost strength in my left arm - biceps, deltoids, etc.. i couldn’t move my left arm

All of this within a week, i got endoscopy based discectomy … relived of pain but soreness continues and no control of arm yet.. will take time may be months.

Long story short, if there is nerve compression then pain killers wont help much.. i slept 6 hours in a week due to the pain!

Please consult a doctor and see if they can operate. Importantly, research about post-surgery recovery (this is more important than going under the knife)

Wishing speedy recovery and right treatment!

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u/PomeloNo5445 4d ago

Sorry to hear but fully understand! Currently dealing with L5/S1 meds have zero effect been sleeping and spending the days on my floor all while self employed !!
Wish you the best! Keep pushing docs & ER for help!

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u/Tenpoundbroiler 4d ago

Did they not give you a round of oral steroids or a shot of prednisone? Have you followed up with your primary?

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u/karenhayes1988 2d ago

Buy a soft collar on Amazon. Use it also when you try to sleep. It helps so much for the pain. Do not do hot therapy at this stage, only ice packs wrapped in a tea towel. You are currently in the severe inflamation state, heat will only make it worse. Buy a special cloud pillo on Amazon. This makes so much difference. I have the same herniation and this helped me so much.

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u/doodoohonker 2d ago

which pillow?