Cervical Spine

GPK5600 · #1 02-11-2009, 16:31

I have been experiencing issues with my cervical spine and wanted to see if anyone has had similiar problems as listed below. It started with a stiff neck and than turned into a sharp pain in my left shoulder. The pain went away after some time, but the strentgh in my left tricep has decreased and my fingers in my hand are numb. I went to a doctor who took an MRI and put me on some medication. Has anyone had this and if so what can I expect? Looking for guidance and help with coping with this pain. Waiting for results from MRI at this point. Thanks.

JimSpoor · #2 02-12-2009, 09:38

I have to start off with the standard disclaimer: Anyone looking for medical opinions and advice over the Net may be on a fool's errand

With that out of the way, I'll try to answer your question. The symptoms you describe could be attributed to many different things, most of which will not be seen on an MRI. The most common would be a pinched nerve somewhere. No one expects you to discuss it in an open forum unless you want to but 2 places to start while you are waiting for the MRI results.
1) Review you activities for at least the past 6 months. Any injuries or falls to the effected areas or adjacent areas should be reviewed. Even if it seemed like nothing at the time.

2)Also look at your daily routine. Have you started a new sport or hobby? Purchased a new car (i.e. different seats)? What is different now? Body posture at work? Actual or implied stress? Any or all of these may cause what you are experiencing. Reviewing these will help you and your medical professional narrow down possible causes. The causes can help point you in the direction of the proper treatment. I am far from an expert but assuming you are not leaving some blatantly obvious injury out, I doubt if this will develop into any form of permanent issue. Good Luck

GPK5600 · #3 02-17-2009, 16:08

Will do. Just looking to get some advice as I go through with PT and Dr's.

Regards.

Bertrand7666 · #4 05-01-2009, 01:53

I encountered something very similar. Being an EMT I have taken quite a few cat naps in the front seat of a rig or even on the bench seat in back. I started getting the really stiff neck and weird tinges in the arm, also severe headaches. The MD said it was most likely from the naps in odd positions and gave some muscle relaxers. Those worked as long as I had them onboard. The problem was I couldnt be doped up at work, so I was working with massive headaches. A partner suggested a chiropractor. I found a local one and went for a visit. She gave me an "adjustment" and I felt almost instant relief. After several adjustments in a week things were alot better. Now of course, most people dont want to visit a Chiro all the time, or ever. So she also showed me some neck stretches that I can do anywhere, on duty or not. I have gotten in the habit of doing them just before a shift and after a shift in the shower. This has resolved my problem completely, no more meds and no more than 4 weeks of seeing the Chiro. I know everyone has different opinions on medical professionals. This is just the solution that worked for me. I just wanted to offer it up as food for thought.

No matter your course of action, I hope you find a way to resolve it.

Sandles2Sidearm · #5 05-01-2009, 15:31

Nerve stuff is scary and has so many triggers. What you describe sounds like some of the guys who wear heavier body armor. pain in the neck, down the arm and numbness in the fingertips.

Comes to nerves acupressure/puncture is an option not to rule out.

Good luck

esflea · #6 05-02-2009, 14:36

Also, don't rule out the possibility of having a couple of conditions here.

A couple of years ago, I suffered a LOD injury. Fast forward, the pain in my back got so severe, I finally went to a neurologist. Skipping ahead, not only do I have some disc issues and nerve damage, I also have borderline carpal tunnel, which explained numbness in my hands.

Point is, the hand numbness was NOT related to the injury and the spinal problems. If a doctor is looking for one diagnosis to cover all your symptoms, your doctor might, just might, be making a mistake.

Besides an MRI, you might also want to get an EMG as well.

FedAgent · #7 05-04-2009, 17:48

You might also consider a Doctor of Osteopathy instead of a Medical Doctor. They are both board certified physicians; however, a D.O. resorts less to meds and cutting. It basically means "doctor of the bones". D.O.'s used to be taboo but are much more prevalent in the mainstream medical practice these days. My medical control physician is a younger D.O. He's a state-of-the-art dude regarding saving lives but he's not so quick to refer surgery or meds on a clinical basis. I have an employee who had the exact symptoms you mention. He had an out-patient Discectomy (after 3 opinions) and has been well ever since. His doc went in through his throat and lasered of a nickel sized piece of Cervical vertebrae.

GPK5600 · #8 05-13-2009, 12:20

To date everything is better (manageable). Until I get the bone spur removed it will be just a game of chance. The feeling in my hand has come back, but with nerve damage. My neck gets stiff, but PT helps alot. Just one of those things you live with. Just have to change my lifestyle out of work (weekend warrior). Thanks for the posts...Be Safe!