Cervical Disc Herniation with Radiating Arm Pain
Surgery Is Not Always the Only Answer
Sharp, burning, or electric shock–like pain that starts in the neck and radiates down the arm is a common symptom of cervical disc herniation.
Many patients are told that surgery is the only solution, while others are prescribed high doses of nerve pain medications such as gabapentin for long periods — often with limited or temporary relief.
In reality, many patients can improve without surgery when the condition is accurately diagnosed and treated with an appropriate, targeted approach.
A Real Patient Story
Mr. Paul, a 42-year-old office worker, had been suffering from neck pain radiating down his right arm for more than 8 months.
In the early stages, his symptoms were mild, mainly pain accompanied by tingling in his fingertips. He initially received treatment with gabapentin, which provided slight improvement after two months. However, after another two months, his symptoms worsened significantly.
He experienced:
Severe pain, especially at night
Increased numbness in his arm and fingers
Difficulty sitting and working due to persistent discomfort
An MRI scan of the cervical spine revealed a herniated cervical disc compressing a nerve root, and surgery was recommended.
Mr. Paul became increasingly stressed and discouraged by the thought of surgery. Despite trying various pain medications — including high-dose gabapentin and tramadol — his symptoms continued to worsen.
What Is Cervical Disc Herniation?
Cervical disc herniation occurs when a disc in the neck bulges or ruptures and compresses or irritates nearby nerves.
This can cause:
Neck pain
Pain radiating to the shoulder, arm, or hand
Numbness or tingling
Muscle weakness in the arm or hand
Medical Evaluation and Diagnosis
To fully understand the root cause of Mr. Paul’s symptoms, the medical team performed a comprehensive evaluation, including:
1️⃣ Detailed Medical History
- Duration and progression of symptoms
- Pain severity and frequency
- Factors that worsen or relieve the pain
2️⃣ Physical Examination by a Specialist
- Assessment of neck movement in all directions
- Identification of tender or painful areas
- Neurological examination, including sensation and muscle strength
Treatment Planning
After reviewing all findings, the medical team developed a personalized treatment plan consisting of:
Pain Relief Injection combined with Personalized Physical Therapy
Why This Treatment Was Chosen
Mr. Paul’s symptoms were primarily caused by nerve irritation from cervical disc herniation.
Pain relief injection was selected as a targeted treatment to reduce inflammation at the source of pain.
Clinical studies support the effectiveness of this approach in patients with cervical spine–related nerve pain.
Physical therapy was added to:
Restore muscle function
Improve movement patterns
Reduce the risk of long-term recurrence
Treatment Procedure
The neck area was cleaned using sterile techniques
The physician used real-time ultrasound guidance to ensure precise needle placement
Anti-inflammatory medication was injected directly into the affected area
The procedure took approximately 30–40 minutes
Immediate Post-Treatment Care
The patient rested for observation for 15–30 minutes
Discharged on the same day
Mild soreness or tightness may occur for 1–2 days and can be relieved with cold compresses
No surgery, no hospitalization, and no downtime
The patient was able to return to normal daily activities
Ongoing Care: The Key to Long-Term Recovery
Approximately one week after the injection, Mr. Paul began a Personalized Physical Therapy Program, designed specifically for his condition by physicians and physical therapists.
The program focused on:
Restoring normal neck mobility
Reducing muscle tension from long-term poor posture
Improving balance of neck, shoulder, and upper back muscles
Strengthening muscles that support the cervical spine
Why Physical Therapy Matters After Injection
Pain relief injections effectively reduce inflammation and pain.
However, physical therapy addresses the underlying causes of the condition, helping to maintain long-term results and reduce dependence on pain medications.
Treatment Outcomes
✅ Significant reduction in neck pain
✅ Improved sleep quality
✅ No longer dependent on a cervical collar
✅ Able to return to daily activities, driving, and light exercise
✅ No more radiating pain to the arm or shoulder blade
✅ Resolution of stiffness and discomfort in the neck
Follow-Up and Ongoing Support
The patient was closely monitored through scheduled follow-up visits.
Our medical and nursing teams also provided ongoing support via phone and messaging platforms.
Any concerns or unusual symptoms were addressed promptly.
Case Summary
Mr. Paul’s case demonstrates that chronic neck pain with radiating arm symptoms does not always require surgery.
With accurate diagnosis and an individualized treatment plan, Pain Relief Injection combined with Physical Therapy can significantly improve quality of life, reduce pain, and minimize long-term medication use — allowing patients to return to everyday life with confidence and comfort.
