Question
I have had migraines and back pain for decades.  I have tried acupunture, chiropractic, natural rx, counselling.  Finally my Dr. got a neck MRI.  She says I have "severe stenosis on Rt @ C5 and C6 due to a large osteophyte and lateral disc bulge."  I also have a "possible root sheath impingement on Left @ C6"  Maybe due to a cyst or something like a cyst.   She has referred me to an orthopedic surgeon but it is Christmas and I probably won't get an appointment for some time.  Can you explain to me what these things mean and what they may do about these things?  Is there anything I should do in the meantime to help myself? Ice packs?  Sit-ups?  Exercise Bike?  Stretches?  Bouncing on mini-trampoline?  Those are the things I do normally--but of course everything hurts.  Thanks for any input.
Jill Maxwell

Answer
Hi, Jill,

Headaches and back pain come from the same cause as disc bulges:  excessive muscular contractions of the paraspinal muscles.

You may read my brief articles on headaches and back pain at somatics.com/page4b for a clear understanding a recommended course of action.

I don't think any of the activities you named, including surgery, would help; with the conditions you describe, sensory-motor training is usually the answer.

Also, for a comparison of the typical methods of therapy with somatic education (my discipline), visit somatics.com/pdf/P_to_P.pdf

with regard,
Lawrence Gold