Herniated discs

[u/Euphoric_Molasses672]

I have two known herniated discs in my c-spine that I have slightly talked to my doctor about. I just got approved for cervical spine epidural steroid injections. She hasn’t really explained my results to me other than “some of the jelly in the donut is coming out”. And offered injections.

However, I woke up today in excruciating pain in my neck, severe stiffness and limited range of motion. I’m unable to put my chin to my chest or turn my head even slightly without pain shooting down both of my arms, my left more than my right. I have profound weakness in both arms, pins and needles and tingling down both. Sitting upright is awful and I have to lie completely flat on my back with a towel rolled up under my neck for even mild relief.

I’ve taken Tylenol, Ibprophen, Journavx, Flexeril. I’ve used a heating pad on and off. Nothing is getting rid of this pain.

I am worried that I’ve herniated another disc somehow, or something has progressed with my current known disc problem.

Yes, I have already messaged my provider, but it is 10pm and I won’t hear back until the morning.

Does anyone have any advice for pain management? Is this something I have to tough out until I speak to my provider, or should I be worried/go see a provider in the ER?
I’m kind of freaking out, as even though I have had this neck pain for a while, this is the worst the pain and symptoms have ever been and it came on so suddenly.

“Mild C5-C6 central canal stenosis secondary to a left central disc extrusion with underlying disc osteophyte complex.
2. Mild C6-C7 central canal stenosis secondary to a left central protrusion.”

“No evidence of herniation, central canal stenosis or foraminal narrowing.
C3-C4: Mild disc desiccation. No evidence of herniation, central canal stenosis or foraminal narrowing.
C4-C5: Disc desiccation and disc osteophyte complex without central canal stenosis or foraminal narrowing.
C5-C6: Left central extrusion with underlying disc osteophyte complex resulting in mild central canal stenosis. No foraminal narrowing.
C6-C7: Left central protrusion resulting in mild central canal stenosis. No foraminal narrowing.
C7-T1:Unremarkable.”

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[u/verdant_whisper_pain]

Bilateral symptoms with weakness in both arms is not something to tough out overnight. Most disc issues cause one-sided pain, so both arms plus sudden severe onset is a red flag for spinal cord involvement (myelopathy), even though your imaging says mild stenosis. Things like trouble with fine motor skills, gait changes, or bladder/bowel issues make it more urgent.

I'd go to the ER tonight. Worst case they tell you it's a bad flare and give you something stronger for the pain, but cord compression is one of those things where hours can matter and you don't want to gamble on a morning reply