Maria
Almost a month ago I woke up one morning with a 'stiff neck'. In a couple days the pain got really bad. Then my shoulder hurt, 'electric shocks' where shooting up and down my arm, and my right index and middle finger went numb. Sometimes my arm feels like it is asleep, all pins and needles. Right away I went to the MD. I was shocked to hear it's probably a herniated cervical disk. She prescribed flexoril, arthrotec, and vicoprofen (hope I spelled those all correctly). I had the MRI over a week ago. I know for sure I have a herniated disk because the MRI tech showed me the screen on her computer with the image of my herniation. She said that she couldn't discuss it with me, though--that only my doctor could discuss it with me. My doctor still hasn't given me a report on the results. I've been calling, and they give me the "we'll call you", and never do. I called them twice today, and they said "call back tomorrow". Also, the doc never told me what I should be doing in the meantime. I asked the nurse, whose only advice was not to lift anything heavy. Is that right? Is this way too long to wait for results? Should I call an orthopedic doctor or a neurologist and give up on the MD? OK, I haven't been lifting anything heavy. But some people say I should be in bed flat on my back. What should I be doing? The medication has helped a bit, by the way. Any advice is greatly appreciated, from those who have been there. I never go to the doctor, so I really don't know what to expect. Thanks and blessings in advance. --Maria, 41