I am an Orthopedic surgeon. I am simply amazed by the clinical exam videos you do. How visibly the weakness improved with cervical traction. Was a pleasure watching it. Please do more such video with strong academic impact. I am from India. I will tell you honestly I paid 200 thousand US Dollars for my Post graduation degree in Orthopedics and it did not teach me this. You did. A million thanks.

As a current DPT student, this was incredible to witness. Thank you!

Amazing video, concise, to the point, accurate, practical, easy to apply methods/processes and easy to remember with great visual support. Thank you and please continue to help us learn and retain.

I enjoy watching your videos and learning. No one has ever taught in the clinic like you do🙏

As a fellow PT, I'd like to commend you on those great videos! Excellent work, thanks.

Excellent video! Very clear and precise. Thanks

this is really awesome . traction and back to normal strength. i love it. Thanks for video

Wow...you actually give real and clear treatment. I have the same symptoms and also in my back, waist and legs. It all happened when I was lifting machine shoulder press I felt something snap in my back and it felt like it reverberated to the top of my head I started getting numbness and tingling over three years ago everyday I hope the weakness and atrophy will stop but it hasn't. Anything you think that will help, I will dearly appreciate.

Fantastic job👏

Amazing video.. excellent work .. thanks

very cool maneuver !

amazing work

fabulous job.you are at the top of your game! 👍

Excellent video.. thanks for the advice.

Excellent video!

Thank you for this awesome video. My sister has c5-c6 enlargement she has dizziness most of the time especially proprioception. Any suggestion Doctor? GOD BELSS YOU🙏

very appreciable...can you plz evaulate like this in lumbar nerve root evaluation..? with treatments approach

Amazing..Doc is genius.. diagnosed within a minute..

I'm dealing with alot of pain in my shoulder and they are trying to figure out if it is shoulder or neck issues. No one has ever done a thorough evaluation like that for me. Ortho doc just said frozen shoulder, physical therapist is doing some exercises for me. Everyday is different. Who should I see for this to really get help

After watching this video, I think I have the same symptoms as this patient. I have right bicep weakness and can barely lift / bicep curl a 10 lb weight more than 10 reps. I fell off my bike hard 3 weeks ago - impacted on my left side (hit an oil slick on the road) I was wearing a helmet but did feel my head hit the asphalt as well. I basically broke the fall with my left arm Maybe the energy transferred from the left side impact and radiated to the right side of my body and neck was affected. The weakness in the right arm started about 1 1/2 weeks after the fall.

What’s the biggest indicator or best way to know if there is a cervical spine problem or thoracic outlet syndrome considering there is disc degeneration, osteophytes, bone Spurs indicated on MRI?

Thanks Paul for the video, with the c5 diagnosis, with your expriance, is it also could be c6 nerve root, the areas he complained can also indicate c6 nerve, how do you differentiate? Also with neck traction, how effective is it, can it 'fix' the issue or just give temporarily relief?

Great

I have had this shoulder pain in right shoulder first for over a year and now left shoulder for three months. It is sharp pain. I cannot lay on my back at all the pain in my shoulder is severe

Thank you for your videos. I was curious if traction and conservative non surgical treatment helped this patient or did he need surgery?

Hi doctor I am neck pain and neck stiffness and pain in left arm shoulder for last 3 week and now my shoulder is not moving properly then i have don MRI for shoulder and neck doctor ask me then there is never compression in c3 and C4. what i have to do to avoid surgery.

Sure wish u was here in Texas Ive been to 2 chiopractor this year and was nothing like this no help at all.. Ive been dealing c4 c5 nerve pinch at c5

Hello gm, which c3 can c5 c6 c7 c8 is for area of the forearm? Thanks

This is a great video. I've never seen the individual nerve roots diagnosed line this. When you reference C5 and triceps, do you mean the disc between C4 and C5 or C5 and C6?

Hello, Please help me with a solution.. Problem - c4-c5, c5-c6 small disc bulge indenting anterior thecal sac, mild narrowing of left lateral recess and neural foramina and abutting left exiting nerve root..

My back -cervical and lumbar is a mess. I now have a left shoulder subluxation and continuing leg weakness, very ẃeak adductors, abductors, and extreme numbness in feet. I cannot drive becuse of the numb feet. How can I find someone like yoū to do a thorough examination, and identify which areas are the problem? I also need help fiĝuring out the shoúlder issue - shoulder or cervical issue? Ortho and neûro cannot answer specific qûestions. Are you accepting patients and ẃherē are you located? I really need help. Thànk you.

Hearing you talk and explain with such diligence and care is so soothing! A doctor who actually knows their stuff and cares! I have a question please; I am 40 years old and I have chronic cervical radiculopathy C6 C7 for 19 months. I had intense, unbearable pain for the first 7 months (was only offered painkillers). While the pain has subsided, it’s mostly axial neck pain now, what I have is what I can only describe as muscle fatigue. I’ve also had finger coordination problems for the past few months (it’s getting a little better). I was dropping keys, coins, hard to shuffle pages, peel fruit etc. My EMG is April showed chronic denervation C5, C6, C7, in ascending order of severity. The neurologists found my strength normal, but I know that my left side is weak, can’t put mulch strength for long. Would surgery benefit me at this point? I’m just worried about the neurological deficits, that denervation scares me. I just want my hands back fully functional. Thanks a lot, and keep up the good work!

3 weeks ago, I tried using my lacrosse ball to massage my tight upper back. I am dealing with some viral infection with a lot of inflammation and costochondritis type symptoms. But I might have gone too deep on the spine or on my right rhomboid area that by next morning, entire right side started spasming, and caused a radiating pain into my outer upper arm (lower arm not affected). Bending neck backwards to right side would cause the arm pain. Some other postures bring on arm pain as well. Got a trigger point injection, but still have an achy arm and scapula. Confused if I injured the nerve or muscle going too deep with the ball plus all the inflammation with the viral infection (possibly covid).

Do you prefer traction over spinal decompression modalities (ie drx9000) for cervical decompression? I’ve had 2 treatments w drx 9000 and have seen little to no improvement to my pain at C5. Are there benefits w techniques of traction that might be gained over SD?

Hey Paul , i am really impressed as a young PT. Is it necessary to hold this traction position all the time by retest?( i mean in the situation when you are alone without second person)

Kindly help Dr.Paul, Please have a look on these spine mri findings and suggest ------- Whole spine screening: Cervical spine: Loss of cervical lordosis. Anterior marginal osteophytes at C4, C5. Diffuse disc bulge at C4-C5, C5-C6 & C6-C7 causing anterior thecal sac indentation. Dorsal spine: T2 hyperintensity noted at D4, D9 - likely haemangiomas. Disc desiccatory changes at multiple levels. Schmorl's node at the inferior endplate of D11. Mild disc bulge at D1-D2 causing anterior thecal sac indentation. Ligamentum flavum hypertrophy at D10-D11 causing posterior thecal sac indentation. Lumbar spine: Modic changes noted at inferior end plate of L3. Schmorl's node seen at inferior end plate of L1, both end plate of L2, L4, superior end plate of L3. Loss of central T2 hyperintensity of IV discs s/o dessication is noted at all levels. Diffuse disc bulge causing anterior thecal sac indentation at L2-L3. Diffuse disc bulge causing bilateral mild neural foramina narrowing at L3-L4. Diffuse disc bulge causing bilateral moderate neural foramina narrowing at L4-L5. Diffuse disc bulge causing posterior annular tear, moderate spinal canal narrowing and bilateral mild neural foraminal narrowing at L5-S1 We really need your suggestion, my mother is experiencing unbearable pain(neck moments are restricted, Pain in both left and right hands)

can i do the traction myself?

Hi Paul, thanks for your many excellent videos! I have noticed that your recommended treatment frequency with cervical traction in these cases is 3-4x/day. Is there a unit you send home with your clients to do this independently or what does their home traction exercise look like? Thanks.

Jus came across ur video.Awesome stuff My Dr did C-6 fusion on me 15 months ago because of my C-6 herniation and losing 100% strenght in my left bicept after sitting in a car in full police gear for 14 hours Halloween of 2018.got surgery Feb 1,2019.its now may 10,2019 n I can still barley curl 5 pounds for mabey 2 reps.ive done acupuncture,traction,massage,PT,REHAB,AND STILL CANT EVEN HOLD UP MY ARM RUNNING MORE THAN 2 MINUTES My surgeon said last week,"just rest it Terry"..but I HAVE for 15 months.it effects my every movement,as I can't even carry a pizza more than 30 seconds without my arm giving out n twitching like crazy.AM I DOOMED FOREVER?I CANT FLEX MY BICEPT STILL..N WHEN I DO,I ONLY FEEL IT IN MY NECK...MAD PAIN IN MY NECK.IM IN PAIN 24 HOURS A DAY IN MY NECK,BUT IT AMPLIFIES WHEN I TRY SUPINATE,TAKE A PILL,TRY TO WASH MY OPPOSITE ARMPIT,ECT...AM I JUS SCREWED HERE?WHAT DO U RECOMEND?IM A FORMER BODYBUILDER AND BOXER,NOW I CANT EVEN PUNCH A WATERBAG OR CURL A TINY WEIGHT...ITS VERY DEPRESSING,AS IM ONLY 43......PLEASE HELP ME WITH SUGGESTIONS.THANK U SIR

Hello Doctor It was incredible evaluation I have left hand weakness with not able to lift up front side and side ways since 4 years Have numbness, tingling nerve compression in the neck Please suggest exercise or physiotherapy for pain relief

Hello doctor I have problem c3 c4 c5 please solve

Great video Paul. I had a ACDF on 9-13-19. Had a massive stenosis, possible early edema or subtle myelomalacia, and other stuff. I also have a moderate stenosis (spinal cord) at c-5, 6. severe right and moderate left neural foraminal narrowing. The surgeon said "we may go in later and do some things from the back." Does it sound like I will likely be having more c-spine surgery ? I'm 63, and this is likely from old injuries. Thank you. I love your videos.

Hi love this video, I have really severe what seems like permanent muscle atrophy on deltoids, which has gone on for years. I do find when I decompress the way you showed there’s a bit more strength. What exercises should I do every day to decompress my c5, c6?

Hi, Paul, I'm 54 and was diagnosed with cervical radiculopathy 15 years ago, but until fairly recently have been able to live relatively pain-free and with a fairly free range of motion and good strength. I was told my main problem was most likely referred pain from impingement of the C4 and C5 mostly. However, about two or three weeks ago I was doing a moderate workout where I combine fully-body stretching exercises with relatively light seven lb. hand weights. Ever since that day I have been in excruciating, debilitating pain going down the left side of my neck into my upper arm, shoulder and clavicle, but mostly in my shoulder blade area. My left shoulder blade is the locus of almost all the pain. I also can't really lift my head very high or backwards very far, lie completely flat without discomfort, or raise my left arm above the shoulder without pain. I am really getting scared and worried because it now seems so painful and crippling (like a stooped hunchback who can't look up easily), but more concerning is that it seems to be mimicking a heart attack or stroke, with almost constant chest pains at the left side of my chest under my armpit, and with stabbing pains from my shoulder, upper arm, left chest, but mostly coming from behind my left shoulder blade. Could I have a bulging, ruptured or herniated disc? After all my research of symptoms and pathology, it seems that it may be what is described as a "winged scapula" in which maybe my scapula is not lying flat or has been dislocated. It also said that can be caused by either trauma such as blunt force or non-trauma things such as viral factors or infections. But mainly it was corroborated to me by saying it could be caused by or an adjunct to cervical radiculopathy. I'm sure you know all this, and I apologize, but I'm just tryng to be as specific as possible to tell you how I present. I just can't believe such an old-person workout I was doing could exacerbate my condition so accutely and severely. Thank you so much for taking the time to read my problem, and any diagnoses or advice would be so appreciated. Take care. Thomas Humphrey

Hello Doctor. I have exactly the same issue. All the tests you did exactly matched the issue i have. I got an MRI and found the C5 nerve compression. Please tell what is the treatment and how to fix it.

Should the stretches and traction the patient tried at home not work is the next step surgery? I'm having similar issues, only I also have lost almost all feeling in my pointer finger and thump on my right hand at this point. At 35 I really dont want surgery if its avoidable

My myelogram and CT report say “foremen markedly narrowed by uncovertebral joint spurs and complete loss of disc height”. Does it seem like surgery is unavoidable? I’m a 49 year old dentist.

Diffuse disc bulge at c5-c6 level effacing narrowing both lateral recess with possible indentation to existing nerve roots, and Mild disc desiccation at c4-c5 and c5-c6 level Sir I am having pain in my biceps, triceps, shoulder. Sir what should I do to solve this problem

Wow, very helpful video. I was in an accident 8 years ago and am now experiencing neck pain starting about 4 months ago. I don't know if the pain is due to the accident or just aging. From this video, it is C5 symptoms. Wish I could be evaluated by Paul.

What city, state are you located ? I have the exact same problem as this guy. I’m from Los Angeles California, is there any way I can work with you ?

Hi, Doctor, thanks for this video, I have the similar problem but with severe pain in my left arm, bicep, elbow and left shoulder as well. Last two weeks I am surviving with pain killers and still with pain. I did an MRI that shows some bulging and compression, could you suggest what kind of home exercise I can do to avoid surgery please. Regards, Altaf

Doc, I'm having terrible pain in upper shoulder and deltoid muscle. The pain becomes unbearable when I try to lie down (specially pain in the deltoid area) and it keeps increasing and I feel like it will burst and that's why I can not sleep. Do u know what is it

I have exactly that problem. Mine started 10 yrs ago. Is it still possible to fix? If so, can i avoid surgery? As long as i workout with machines i can lift heavy. If i use freeweights for upper body, reinjures easily.

I have pretty noticeable symptoms. Trying to get into doctor. No luck till middle of January. Now I'm very concerned about permanent damage. Wht can I try at home till visit? Ty

Could this cause your arm to swell up and be an inch or so bigger than other arm? Thank you for your video. :)

I am 47 years old in good condition and have e c5-c6 pinch nerve, pain on my right shoulder, have done the MRI and have been diagnosed with pinch nerve. Now since coronavirus is around I am afraid to follow up on doctors office. Any suggestion?

Dear doctor, i have c4 c5 or c5 c6 root, because 6 years ago i had cracked my neck on the right, i did it almost everyday until now, after i crack something grow bigger inside my right neck and it become very hurt, i cant turn my head left because i can crack my right neck and the little thing can be bigger and very hurt, i just can rẽcover by wake up after sleep, i know it can be c5 root because i have same trouble at my shoulder like the guy on the video my tendom right neck is smaller than my left day by day , i cant use computer often now because it can hurt even i not crack anymore. May u aswer me can i find my trouble by using MRI?i ask it because i live in a poor country, doctor in my country think i am insane because i am only 22 year olds now, i have pain in 6 years and they told me iam crazy and kick me out. Hope u aswer me, i am thinking i will have to live with this pain forever.

i have the same thing on my right side, when the chiro does sustained traction it irritates it, mainly the neck and just behind the neck shoulder area, chiro said if it hurts like that it could be muscle related also in that the muscles are tight around there i also got xrays done and have lost some curve in my neck and a disc buldge around c5 c6 also and been using a wedge thing thats supposed to help get the curve back so my question is would muscle tightness have a role to play in the problem of the nerve irritation?

Hello sir how are you how clear c4 c5 nervous block

Is there a post op or post treatment follow up with this patient? If so is there a video of it? What’s the update on him?

I have m r i scan

Omg i in the exact same situation, where are u located??

Sir plzzz tell me treatment time I am in very big problem plzzzz contact with me

What happened with this particular patient?

Dr isn't responding to questions😮