Question
I am a healthy 27 year old man.  Active, 6'1", 175lbs with no history of spinal
injuries or trauma.  I started experiencing some mild neck pain about a
month ago.  It felt like I may have slept on it wrong, but the mild pain
persisted for about three weeks.  I woke up one week ago and could barely
get out of bed.  One week ago, I went to bed on Sunday night in minimal pain
and woke up Monday morning with radiating pain through my back, neck,
shoulder and arm.  In the past three days I have lost the majority of control
and strength of my triceps and forearm.  Whatever this is, is progressing
rapidly.

The results of my MRI showed no deformities in the cervical vertebrae, normal
marrow signal, normal signal  within the structures of the posterior fossa,
normal cord signal and no abnormal masses or collections.

It did reveal hat I have a C5-6 bulge posteriorly asymmetric toward the left
with minor attenuation of the ventral subarachniod space, and a minor
foraminal narrowing on the left.  Disk herniation was seen posteriorly on the
right at C6-7 with disk material entering the right neural foramen broadly.  
There is a mass effect on the exiting nerve root and minor deflection of the
cervical cord ipsilaterally.

My first question is, "How does an otherwise healthy young adult herniate a
disk in their sleep?"

The second question would be "Based on the results of the MRI, pain and
rapid loss of muscle function, does it appear that surgery will be my only
option, without seriously risking permanent nerve damage?"

Finally, "Based on the symptoms and seemingly non-existent cause of the
herniation, should I be seeking an orthopedic surgeon or neurosurgeon, if
that route is chosen?"

Thank you for your help.  

Answer
Hi Dave,  I don't have an answer for your first question, other than anything is possible. And that I think it sucks that you had this happen to you. Your second question is best left to a doctor. And thirdly based on what you've told me I would suggest a neurologist. At least the neurologist should be able to figure your problem out. I hope this helps you as far as getting an answer to deal with your situation. I will keep good thoughts for you. Sincerely, Ken