herniated disc and stenosis

Hi Doc,

Noticed you have been on here lately. Would so appreciate your advice on something. I have been diagnosed with a herniated disc at c5-6 and c6-7. The disc at the 6-7 level is severely protruded, putting pressure on the spinal cord. Also, there is stenosis on the right side at that point. I have had terrible pain for the last eight weeks. My chiro has been doing adjustments, I have learned & been doing some retracting exercises, and I have been watching my diet for inflammatory foods. Went gluten free about two months ago. In fact, it was a week after going gluten free that my neck got significantly worse. I had a hot burning feeling all over my head, neck, face and shoulders. The chiropractor thought maybe I was having a zoster outbreak, so I started taking C and lysine, and b complex. The pain is somewhat better now, but is still really bad at times. The "clumsy" feeling in my arms is some better also.

The chiro has suggested getting an injection(epidural), through a pain specialist, so that the inflammation would be reduced and then the disc would eventually fuse on its own.

In your practice, with a patient in my present condition, what would you suggest for them. Sometimes the pain is soo great, I just lay in bed in tears at night. At times, I am in such great dispair with the pain. I don't take anything for the pain because I have committed to not taking any meds anymore.

Thanks for listening.

Snoopy

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