Cervical Herniation: Why Waiting Too Long Can Lead to Surgery

 Cervical Herniation: Why Waiting Too Long Can Lead to Surgery

The other day, one of my clients came to me with a heartfelt request:

> “My friend has cervical disc herniation. I really want her to avoid surgery if possible, so I’d like to introduce her to SBM.”

I was deeply grateful for her concern.

Her friend had lived for nearly 15 years only being able to sleep on her stomach. Eventually, she developed cervical disc herniation with nerve compression. Recently, she told us she was going to have a steroid injection.

She always seemed energetic, so I had no idea she was living with constant numbness and pain. I thought to myself,

“If only I had known earlier, I could have shared SBM with her
but maybe it’s not too late. Perhaps she can still avoid surgery

Sadly, the very next day, I received unexpected news.

After the steroid injection, her pain worsened dramatically. She was rushed to A\&E, and after further scans, she was taken in for emergency cervical surgery, where bolts were inserted to stabilize her spine.

When my client came to class today, she explained the whole situation. It was shocking and heartbreaking for both of us. Once bolts or stabilizing implants are placed, unfortunately, SBM is no longer possible.

To clarify:

Steroid (nerve block) injections involve injecting anesthetic medication around the inflamed nerve. This can temporarily calm the pain, sometimes for days, weeks, or months. But it is only a short-term solution, not a cure. Some people even experience adverse reactions immediately after the injection, as in this case.

Her friend never expected this outcome. None of us did. Now, I can only hope her recovery from surgery goes smoothly.

But I must share what has been troubling me:

This year, I’ve seen so many people wait until the very last moment—after months or even years of unbearable pain—before they finally come to try SBM.

It is truly frustrating to watch.

Disc herniation will not improve if left alone. On the contrary, it only progresses.


So please—don’t wait until surgery is the only option.
Don’t wait until it’s too late to take action.

If you are struggling with pain, numbness, or discomfort, know this: there is still something you can do, before surgery becomes inevitable.