I went to the doctor about 4 months ago with pain in my right shoulder and down my right arm. Doctor said it was shoulder tendonitis and prescribed me prednisone, flexaril and naproyxn. Went back in 2 weeks and it wasn't any better so she referred me to an Orthopedic. Orthopedic has diagnosed me with Cervical DDD. He had me do physical therapy at home for a month and that did no good. He went back over my xrays again and this time he had me go get an MRI, Now he finds out that my c6 and c7 are petruding into my spinal cord and is going to refer me to a Neurosergeon. My job requires alot of heavy lifting, pulling and pushing. Im concerned it will cause more damage if i continue to do my job as required. I asked my orthopedic doctor and he said to discuss all this with my neurosergeon. I have yet to get an appt with the neurosergeon so im asking for advise up here.

Hi k.hancock and welcome to NeuroTalk.Here is the link to our Spinal Disorders Forum...http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/forum22.html

There you will hopefully find some answers to your question. I'm glad you've joined us but am sorry for the reason.

Will your work let you do light duty? Do you know how you injured your spine? If it were me I would try and protect my back but I understand the bills still have to be paid.

Hope you feel better.

No the company doesnt allow light duty. I finally got appt with neurosurgeon. I see him on the17th of aug. Idk how i injured my spine. Dr said it could have happened when i was younget and just didnt know or just wear and tear from type of work ive done over the years. Im just afraid of doing more damage by doing what i do for a living. Thank you for your comment.

Do you have co-workers who can help you out here? If you typically work in a group of two or more it might be possible to minimize the stress to your back. You may not be able to be out of work but you may be able to minimize the bending, twisting and let your legs bear most of the weight.

Hope you feel better.

Yeah i have 3 co-workers but alot of times sum1 is always out and we cant always help each other out bc every1 is assigned a task for the day. I do call for help if i feel its to much for me on my own. Even when i get help i still feel it in my neck m by the end of the day i cant turn my head.

I'd check your state website & work comp rules, just in case.
If a larger company often they will make a job for injured employees, to limit time/ loss/ monies (ie having to pay if you are written off work) but less chance with smaller limited companies.

And maybe consult/interview with some good wc attys to get their opinion on "what if's" - if aggravation to a preexisting condition is a solid case for a work comp claim?
vs if this is a new injury vs just happened to show up now.

Some drs are not interested in pursuing work comp injury & claims, so you might need new drs.
A wc atty may have a drs list of helpful drs.

Drs & atty should ask these or similar questions below to help sort out if a new, or aggravating factor, and if possible work injury.

Do you have any history of treatment for pain or symptoms of this previously?
Any family history of DDD at all?

Do you recall a time at work where you had a minor twinge and it got better? It could even be something like that , and with time and use it got worse.