C5/6
36M First time ever going to the doctor for…anything really. Active lifestyle, work outside, workout, sports, etc… had a stiff neck that led to my pinky and ring finger in my right hand go numb last fall but was still able to work and play ball with little problems, only real issues I had was driving for long periods. Toughed it out and it eventually got better over a few months without really doing anything different.
Well, I woke up with a stiff neck 3 weeks ago that just got progressively worse, index and thumb on right side numb this time. Tried to tough it out but this guy is on another level. Broke down and went to an ortho, even took a week off of work. Got an X-ray and was told my neck naturally leans further forward than normal and an MRI was needed. Got meds and MRI scheduled. The MRI was the most painful experience of my life but I held it down for 15 minutes. Doc reviewed and said I needed surgery or a block. Said that the block could work but could not and in the same breath said that vertebrates have been dealing with these issues for as long as we’ve been upright that it’s ultimately my decision but reeeeally seems to be pushing surgery to just nip it out all together.
My question is: realistically, how long did it take for your really painful experience to subside to where you can go back to a normal level of life and/or when did you finally just say fuck it and let them do surgery. I feel like 36 is too early for a surgery. I’ve got some pics of my MRI if yall want. Any opinions welcome, just looking for advice and experiences.