Q: My wife was having spondylosis for the past 6 years and was undergoing physiotherapy for some days and it was ok. Recently she has developed severe pain in the neck region and pain in both the hands. The doctor asked her to wear a stiff neck collar but it is of no use. After seeing the MRI report, the neurosurgeon informed us that there is a problem at C5-6 and the disc is touching the nerve and hence the pain. He has advised surgery. We have also showed to an accupressure doctor and he has helped her get rid of the pain and the stiff neck. Do you think the operation is really necessary or will it go by accupressure and doing some exercises? Please advise.

A:One can opt for physiotherapy: 1. Strengthening exercises for the neck and cervical spine. 2. Hot fermentation 3. TENS for 30 mins/ 10-15 sittings. 4. Soft cervical collar. She can use cervical collar 2 hourly interval in day time. This has to be removed while eating and sleeping. 5. She should use a soft pillow for sleeping. The above conservative treatment can be followed and, if one is better, surgery can be postponed. Though you have written with accupressure the pain did become less, but remember the MRI said that the disc is touching the nerve, with accupressure this might increase. Wish you all the best.