26M from Germany with a C5/C6 cervical disc herniation causing right arm pain, tingling and some grip weakness.
I was previously diagnosed with the same C5/C6 issue about a year ago, but at that time the symptoms improved with physiotherapy.
Current episode started about 4 weeks ago after travel/sleeping in a bad position.
Initial symptoms were:
- severe neck/arm pain
- unable to sleep flat
- tingling in fingers
- arm weakness/fatigue
MRI showed a significant right-sided C5/C6 herniation with nerve compression.
I’ve been treated conservatively with CT-guided cortisone/PRT injections. I’ve completed 4 injections so far (1 per week). Pain has improved a lot and is now almost 0 most of the time. Sleep also improved significantly.
Current remaining symptoms:
- tingling in fingers in certain positions
- mild grip weakness/fatigue
- occasional pulling sensation in arm
My neurosurgeon wants to continue until 6 injections total and start physiotherapy afterward.
I also got another opinion saying repeated injections only reduce inflammation and do not address the actual nerve compression.
I’m trying to understand:
- Is completing 6 injections reasonable if pain already improved significantly?
- Did anyone here recover fully with conservative treatment despite residual tingling/weakness?
- At what point did you decide surgery was necessary (or avoid it)?
Would appreciate hearing experiences, especially from people with cervical C5/C6 issues.