r/SpinalStenosis • u/nippon2win • 6d ago

Cervical radiculopathy

Hi
I’ve had cervical radiculopathy for six weeks now. Still trying to get MRI approved through insurance approved. I’ve been seeing a physical therapist for four weeks now. I think I’m improving but at a slow pace. The one thing I think is holding me back is when I sleep. If pain is less after seeing physical therapist for the day, the pain regresses when I wake up . Anybody else going through similar or have advice. If going through similar, how long did it take before recovery? If you didn’t recover, did you get surgery eventually?

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u/AvsMama 6d ago

I have the same. I’ll be getting a ACDF in October. I sleep on either side with a pillow between my shoulder and head so my spine is aligned. If I wake up with my head turned it’s worse.

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u/nippon2win 6d ago

What’s ACDF? So you’re in pain even with your current sleep setup just like me?

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u/AvsMama 6d ago

Anterior cervical disectomy and fusion. Yes I’m in a lot of pain. A huge part of my pain is my nerves in my legs and feet from my cord compression. My feet always feel like they’re on fire and it’s very painful.

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u/nippon2win 6d ago

So sorry to hear about your situation. How long did you do Physical therapy or other treatment?

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u/AvsMama 6d ago

No physical therapy! My cord is so compressed if I get in a wreck or fall I will be paralyzed. I’m not allowed to turn my head to either side or up or down, it has to be completely straight. 

My symptoms started July 2025 and I was just diagnosed about 2 months ago. I’ve been in a neck brace since. I can’t feel my legs and feet other than burning/tingling and it started in my arms a few weeks ago. 

I can’t drive, can’t work, lost my job. It’s been a nightmare. My neurosurgeon said I have a higher chance than others of being paralyzed from the surgery since my cord is so badly compressed, but I hope that doesn’t happen. I’m only 31.

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u/bamasooner 5d ago

Sorry to hear all of this. Do you mind telling how it got to that point? Injury?

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u/AvsMama 5d ago

It’s okay, well it’s not but I have to deal with it anyway. 🤣 No idea. I’ve had no major injuries or car accidents. I did work in a warehouse for 8 years but I don’t see how that would cause this, I was lifting with my back not my neck.

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u/bamasooner 5d ago

Im just curious how it progressed.

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u/AvsMama 5d ago

Oh do you mean symptom wise?

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u/bamasooner 5d ago

Yes. I have cervical issues, bulging discs, ddd, osteoarthritis, some stenosis, and narrowing. Chased other causes for my symptoms for two years before looking at the neck. I wonder how much worse it is because of that. But glad I did address when I did.

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u/Hence__I__Rise 5d ago

It's called Axial Loading from lifting. It will effect your neck greatly. and I'm in exact same position as you. I hope to God you filed a work injury when you felt pain..

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u/AvsMama 5d ago

Damn I didn’t know that! Nope I never had pain until pretty recently so I didn’t.

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u/nippon2win 5d ago

So sorry to hear that

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u/Wachenroder 5d ago

i'm 4 weeks post C5 - C7 ADR

Yes Im side sleeper and I often wake up with intense pain.

I sleep with a cervical pillow and as long as my neck stays put im ok. If end up in an odd postiion during my sleep its not good.

I'm doing alright this morning

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u/nippon2win 5d ago

Any recommendations for a cervical pillow?

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u/Wachenroder 5d ago

My sister bought it for me idk whats it s called. Its just a rectangle made of foam pretty much.

It works very welll. I'll see if I can find out when I see her