Exercise with C2/C7 bulging discs

[Onthebeach]

Good morning. I’ve been diagnosed with upper C2 through C7 bulging disc causing nerve discomfort with pins and needle sensation in the right arm down to my middle finger. Can I continue to row or should I take some time off? Thanks.

[Tsnor]

Good morning. I’ve been diagnosed with upper C2 through C7 bulging disc causing nerve discomfort with pins and needle sensation in the right arm down to my middle finger. Can I continue to row or should I take some time off? Thanks.

Sounds scary. I'd ask your doctor and then get a second opinion if you don't like what he/she says. No way I'd listen to forum advice. Hope it works out OK for you.

[Dangerscouse]

Yep, totally agree with Tsnor. I'm in no way able to make any suggestions as that is far too serious. Best of luck.

[max_ratcliffe]

Yeah, there won't be any dissenters from the opinions already expressed. Any disc bulge needs careful management and any that cause neurological effects are a serious medical condition that requires expert advice and treatment.

That said, there are numerous instances of people returning to all manner of sports (including rugby) after appropriate treatment and recovery, so with any luck at all you will get back to it soon, once you get medical clearance.

If the doctor recommends a lengthy period of rest, then it might be helpful for your morale to look back. Say it's xyz months. Well, looking forward, that seems a looong time, but if you look back and ask yourself what you were doing xyz months ago, I'd bet it doesn't seem very long. Once your recovery period is over, then you will look back and the enforced layoff will seem as short.

Good luck.