Back in the Game: Brian’s Recovery After C5–6 Disc Replacement
Neck pain and cervical radiculopathy stole his mobility, his golf swing, and his comfort, an artificial disc replacement returned it
Brian enjoys life as an active dad and leads an athletic lifestyle as a long-time competitive golfer. Initially, he chalked up a few years of neck stiffness and shoulder discomfort as the typical aches and pains of someone in their 40s who’s spent more than their fair share of time on the back nine. Most avid golfers are aware that over time—without perfecting the proper stance and swing, back and shoulder pain can creep up on them.
Brian expected a bit of stiffness after an average round at his country club. But an average day turned into anything but, with one swing that changed it all.
The Swing That Altered Brian’s Course
During a round at his country club, one swing sent a sharp, twisting pain through Brian’s neck. His shoulder pain ramped up. His swing mechanics fell apart. And for the first time, the discomfort felt bigger than a tight muscle or a bad day on the course.
Brian visited an orthopedist, who suspected the real problem wasn’t in his shoulder. Imaging confirmed that the source of Brian’s increasing pain was his cervical spine, not his rotator cuff or swing pattern. Persistent cervical disc degeneration or herniation, especially at levels like C5–6—may lead to nerve root compression or spinal cord compression. That, in turn, can further exacerbate pain radiating into shoulders, arms, or hands; lead to numbness and/or tingling; and even cause grip or coordination problems.
A trusted friend recommended that Brian schedule an appointment with Dr. Roy Vingan at New Jersey Brain & Spine, and Brian made the appointment.
Clarity, Options, and a Real Plan
From the outset, Dr. Vingan made the path forward clear. He sat with Brian and his family and guided them through every option including disc fusion and artificial disc replacement, along with recovery times and mobility preservation. It was important to both Brian and his family that whatever course they took would preserve his love of being active with family, and ensure he would likely still play golf.
Meeting with Dr. Vingan, Brian understood his condition fully for the first time and what could fix it.
|
Together, they decided on a C5–6 artificial disc replacement, often also called disc arthroplasty, to relieve nerve compression, preserve motion, and get Brian back to the life he enjoyed.
The Recovery That Gave Him Everything Back
A few months after surgery, the difference was dramatic. Brian’s neck felt normal again, and his nerve pain resolved. Brian’s range of motion returned, and so did the parts of life he valued most.
|
Playing Without Pain Again
For Brian, the biggest win wasn’t just returning to the sport he loves. It was returning to himself with the ability to be active, present, and not distracted by pain.
Neck pathology can show up quietly and take a lot quickly. With the correct diagnosis and the most skilled and attentive surgeon, you can take it all back. That’s just what Brian did, with expert guidance and treatment at New Jersey Brain & Spine.
Watch Brian’s Story
