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Suggest Treatment For Severe Pain In The Left Arm And Neck Stiffness
Question: I have a stiff neck on the left side with moderate pain from behind my left ear thru my left arm , have had this problem for a couple of weeks,
Brief Answer:
Physical therapy and muscle relaxant may be added.
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
Neck problems with spasms which cause pain radiating in the arm and the back of the ear are common. Viral infections may be a trigger as your doctor says but degenerative arthritic changes in the neck may play a role as well in the persistent inflammation.
Ibuprofen is indicated as an anti-inflammatory drug with pain relieving effects. In terms of medication I would add a muscle relaxant like Flexeril for a couple of weeks as well. Physical therapy is also recommended.
Most patients get better through the above mentioned measures inside a month, physical therapy exercises are advised to be continued later on in order to lower the chance of recurrences in the future.
If symptoms persist for over 4-5 weeks despite conservative therapy then imaging through MRI would be advised to make sure there is no issue like herniated discs with nerve root compression which might require surgery when conservative therapy doesn't work (as a last resort, do not think surgery will be required in your case).
I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Physical therapy and muscle relaxant may be added.
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
Neck problems with spasms which cause pain radiating in the arm and the back of the ear are common. Viral infections may be a trigger as your doctor says but degenerative arthritic changes in the neck may play a role as well in the persistent inflammation.
Ibuprofen is indicated as an anti-inflammatory drug with pain relieving effects. In terms of medication I would add a muscle relaxant like Flexeril for a couple of weeks as well. Physical therapy is also recommended.
Most patients get better through the above mentioned measures inside a month, physical therapy exercises are advised to be continued later on in order to lower the chance of recurrences in the future.
If symptoms persist for over 4-5 weeks despite conservative therapy then imaging through MRI would be advised to make sure there is no issue like herniated discs with nerve root compression which might require surgery when conservative therapy doesn't work (as a last resort, do not think surgery will be required in your case).
I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank You for your response. It seems almost impossible at my location to get a appt. with a real live Doctor. It is always a FNP, PA. and probably will be the Maint. Tech. (Janitor) in the future. I was raised in the old school that said, If you are sick see the Doctor. Anyway, I am following the steps you have lined out and will see how the problem turns out. Thank You very much.
Brief Answer:
You're welcome.
Detailed Answer:
I hope you will feel better soon.
You're welcome.
Detailed Answer:
I hope you will feel better soon.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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