Ended up in emergency room last week due to sudden and extremely intense pain in my neck and shoulder area. The ER physician said I had some compression or something to that effect between my c5 and c6 vertebrae. This is all new to me but I'm learning each day. Anyone had any experience with this and any type of solution? It's my understanding that physical therapy can help but surgery may be needed. I'm going to pain management tomorrow and have therapy scheduled next week. Not sure what the future holds. While the pain isn't as intense as the night it came on and woke me up, it remains each day and I'm worried it will flair up again. Thanks in advance.

I'd find a massage therapist straight away and try that first.

In March of 2021 I landed on my head after wiping out on a jump on my snowboard. Immediately felt the worst pain running down my neck, behind my left shoulder blade, and down my left arm.

aggiederelict helped me for months to get the pain under control. In fact, because of him, I was able to do three triathlons, to half half marathons, and a full marathon that year. However, he recommended I go see a surgeon because I was starting to lose feeling in my left hand.

Found out I had herniated my C5-C6. Got a quote for surgery. Went and saw a chiro and his treatment plan was the same as surgery with no guarantee of results.

January 6th, 2022 I went under the knife. Immediate 180 difference upon waking. I don't regret it one bit.

I don't know how helpful this was, but I'm happy to answer any questions you have.

Here's is my thread when I realized I needed surgery.

https://texags.com/forums/48/topics/3247906

After years of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu I developed compression of the C6-C7 and had pain/numbness through my neck and left arm/hand.

Saw the Orthopedic surgeon and he recommended 8 weeks of PT, with specific neck/spine qualifications. I did exactly what the PT had me do, and saw immediate results.

I would stay far, far away from a massage therapist or chiropractor.

I did PT on/off for years and then epidural steroid injections. My C5-C7 were in horrible shape. You'll likely need an MRI if you can't get relief from PT to see the extent of disc damage, stenosis, etc. I ended up getting both discs replaced (not fused) in Jan 2020 and it changed my life. The surgery was outpatient and recovery was easy. (I'm a 50 y/o female).

I agree with above, you need to start with PT, not a massage therapist. PT may have you strengthen some areas to compensate. Massage isn't going to do that.

I would recomment a Sports Orthopedic Doctor for initial consultation. If you're in Austin, I have a recommendation for you.

If we have any PTs on the board, I would be curious as to the radiation into shoulder being diagnosed as C5/C6.
I have had a herniated C6/C7, and as stated above, the radiation was down the arm into the fingers, with emphasis on index and middle finger.

Recently herniated C7T1, and that radiated into the shoulder, with echoes into ring and pinky fingers. At any rate, I would get to an orthopedic. ER docs are fine, but may not be up to speed on the particulars of nerve radiation from specific disc locations.

You should get a MRI,
Prob see neurology

I wouldn't rely on ER + XR +/- CT regarding spine surgery

I had this issue 2 years ago. Came on suddenly while lifting. Thought it was a shoulder issue until my index and middle fingers on my left hand started going numb. Called around for a cash price at imaging places and got an MRI for $300. Had a protrusion with stenosis at C5/6. Did 5 weeks of physical therapy. Got better. Hiked Mt. St. Helens a week after that. I have since paid more attention to strengthening my neck/back/rhomboids and haven't had an issue.

Results may vary, but imaging and PT are your starting blocks. Best of luck.