C5-6 herniated disc with cord compression: What treatment?

@melhen A nerve block might confirm that the pain you are feeling is coming from that area specifically if it takes the pain away after the injection. It doesn't fix the problem. You can have a disc protrusion for a long time. If it has progressed as far as a herniation that spills the jelly like contents (called the nucleus) out of the disc, that can cause inflammation and bone spur growth. That is what I experienced at C5/C6. This level is easily damaged by a fall or a whiplash.

Are you considering a surgical fix?

At this point considering the nerve block 🤷🏼‍♀️. Have had a few PT sessions and surgery would be the last resort. PT has helped some.

Did you consider cervical rhizotomy ( Radiofrequency ablation)?

C5-6 herniated disc with cord compression
What treatment will I need ?

@melhen There are many discussions here about cervical spine surgery. You might find these discussions helpful with active members. Only a spine specialist can make a recommendation for your treatment, but here are examples of other patients experience (including mine.)

Spine Health - "Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF): Anyone had this?"
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/anterior-cervical-diskectomy-fusion/
Spine Health - "Has anyone had the ACDF surgery on their neck?"
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/has-anyone-had-the-abdf-surgery-on-their-neck/
Spine Health - "Neurosurgeons performing disc replacement surgery @MAYO, Jacksonville"
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/neurosurgeons-performing-disc-replacement-surgery/

Anyone had C5-6 or 6-7 had a herniated disc with cord compression? What should I expect moving forward?

A lot depends on the degree of compression and how intolerable the pain is. A herniated disc can heal. If the cord compression is from the disc only, and it heals , you might be ok for awhile. An epidural steroid injection is possible at that level which would reduce the nerve root irritation (CNRI). If weakness or numbness develops in that arm/hand, a more aggressive treatment is needed- like surgery. Nerves heal very slowly so when the cord is compressed a long time, it gets damaged and may take months/years to heal. Timing is important. You don’t want to rush to surgery but don’t delay it if cord compression is significant or weakness, numbnes tingling are present. A good neurosurgeon will help you make those decisions based on your symptoms and MRI findings, and results of injections, etc. Good luck. My husband and I have both been through this for several years and the cervical spine is trickier than lumbar. Be sure your pain management doc and potential surgeon are the best you can get.

@melhen
Do you have osteocytes/bone spurs and facet hypertrophy/osteoarthritis bone overgrowth? Do you have any difficulty with walking (heaviness in legs) or bladder control issues? That would make considering surgery more time sensitive. Damage to spinal cord could become permanent over time so the sooner surgery is done to stop the progression of the damage, the better. Definitely see a good orthopedic spine specialist or neurosurgeon.