Hi all,
I'm new to this so please bare with me, my story goes like this:
I'm 39 years old, exercise regularly and in good health. I have never had neck/ back problems.
About six weeks ago I had a very nasty fall whilst on Holiday abroad ( was accidentally shoved from behind), I was thrown forward at speed and my neck in turn went forward and back with the force. Once I was helped up I immediately felt a sharp pain in my neck, I was given a neck cream and took some paracetamol.
Next day neck was sore but tolerable. Two days later I woke up with a severe pain in my left arm going into my hand and fingers, my neck was very difficult to mobilise and was also very painful. I saw an on call Dr who gave me an injection for pain and put me on painkillers and a muscle relaxant to be taken at night. I was booked for cervical X-ray for the next day. Had X-ray and my husband and I were taken to see the Dr to discuss findings. We were told that my neck vertabrae had lost its c curve and was straight ( due to spasm), c3 was pushed forward, c6 and c7 were showing loss of disc space and some compression. I was referred for treatment with a Physio/ Osteopath. She carried out regular treatments which I found very painful. Throughout this process I continued to have severe pain in my left arm and progressive weakness, she recommended that I have an MRI scan once I returned home.
Once we arrived back home I saw my own GP who saw X-rays and report, he prescribed ( in addition to other meds), nerve blockers and strong anti inflamatory drugs. He referred me for urgent MRI . At this stage I was 5 weeks since accident. Had MRI last week ( week 6), got results today ( week 7), they state:
The cervical lordosis is attenuated, which may reflect paravertebral muscle spasm.
C5/6 Broad based central/ left posterolateral disc protrusion, causing mild Thecal sac indentation.
C6/7 Broad based central disc protrusion, more so to the left causing moderate overlying Thecal sac indentation.
Moderate disc degeneration at c5/6 and c6/7.

What does this mean?, I am in agony on 5 lots of meds, my neck movement to left and forward is minimal. My worst symptoms are pain, numbness and reduced power in my left arm and hand and into fingers. I am unable to return to work and can't drive.
Sorry for the long post hopefully someone can advise me.
My GP has sent urgent referral to spinal orthopaedic Dr.