Question
Help, have seen chiropractors since age 19 for treatment and stiffness. I am now 42 athletic and having problems.
Recently my rt. side of neck and shoulder ached extremely!
Loss use of my right arm, pain and couldn't lift. Pain behind the shoulder was incredible. I went to get new X-rays and an MRI.. shows C4 is taking the brunt of all my movements and arthritis has set in and have a buldge or 3mm in my C4/C5 area cutting off areas to the nerve. After traction and anti-inflammatories, massage, ice..feeling 50% better. YEA! :) Chiropractor is amazed at my range of motion since I race off road cars and run and play just about every sport. (But you have to live what you are born with and learn to deal) until now. I have never felt paralyzed until last week. I don't wish it to continue but don't wish surgery!! Do you feel traction and continued chiro. adjustments will be enough?? What would you suggest?? I have not tried epidural injections..as pain is lessening. Any other treatments out there for my condition??
Much appreciation for you time~
Cat~   (An Extreme Mom)

Answer
The injections won't fix the problem, just temporarily relieve the pain, which it sounds like you know that.  I would continue with what has worked, even though it doesn't fix it all, which may be due to your active life style.  It does sound like the muscles are very tight and contracted, I would mention to your chiropractor about doing some PIR (post isometric relaxation) to lengthen the muscles.  

Dr. Starbuck