patti
I had same symptoms--stiff neck,neck spasms then 1 day later limited use of my left arm,specifically, shoulder weakness, numbness and slight tingling at left thumb..can't lift up my left arm and very decreased weight bearing--and an awful burning pain in 2 spots.got mri the next day showing c4-5 and c5-6 herniation .the 4-5 was pinching the nerve root. Got initial rx for surgery from ortho surgeon then 2nd opinion from ortho surgeon with same need for surgery. I talked to co-workers for any info i could find--everyone who i heard who had surgery had done by a neurosurgeon so that is the route i went with. My understanding is that the sooner you get the pressure off the compressed nerve root the better so i had the surgery on 5/17/01 just about 2 weeks after i first lost the full use of my arm--now in recovery--2 days in hospital-1 week in hard collar--will be starting physical therapy next week. the burning pain is gone but i still get the occasional spasm in upper arm--the arm hasn't improved yet but peripheral nerves do regenerate--i am told at a rate of 1cm/mth. I am impatient and get depressed at times but I intend to work my butt off to get back all the movement i can--you have to crawl before you can walk. bottom line--if there is pain you can't stand and paralysis it is probably best to have surgery asap--a neurosurgeon is used to dealing with the spinal cord-ask around and you will find a few people who have had this surgery--i went with bone bank bone graft and metal plate(less time in collar)god bless and let me know how you are doing.