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Suggest Treatment For Symptoms Of Cervical Spondylosis
Question: Hi, Doc:
I have had gradually increasing pain on my right side. This started less in the last year, and I can't tell if it starts in the neck or shoulder, but it certainly radiates through the hand. My thumb goes numb now, from time to time. My right hand has begun going numb while I was sleeping or trying to sleep. It has gotten progressively worse to the point that I often cannot sleep on my right side at all. Interestingly, my forearm is not intolerably painful. I am not sure where to start. My shoulder and upper right arm ache terribly, but only really badly at night. Should I expect to have to have an EMG, to determine what, if any nerve damage may be going on. I haven't had any injuries, and I am in overall decent health for being a white female, 43 years old. I cannot get into my Primary Care doc for at least 2 months, and my symptoms are growing intolerable. Should I start with a neurologist to order the EMG? I am a psychologist, so I have a relatively sedentary job, but look forward to light gardening this weekend, as active as kayaking on the weekends this summer. I don't know if surgery is/will be necessary, but my work schedule is not physical therapy friendly, as I don't know how I will schedule 3 times per week with my own patient caseload. Do you think an MRI will be necessary? Any ideas, suggestions or kicks in the butt would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for you time and assistance!!
I have had gradually increasing pain on my right side. This started less in the last year, and I can't tell if it starts in the neck or shoulder, but it certainly radiates through the hand. My thumb goes numb now, from time to time. My right hand has begun going numb while I was sleeping or trying to sleep. It has gotten progressively worse to the point that I often cannot sleep on my right side at all. Interestingly, my forearm is not intolerably painful. I am not sure where to start. My shoulder and upper right arm ache terribly, but only really badly at night. Should I expect to have to have an EMG, to determine what, if any nerve damage may be going on. I haven't had any injuries, and I am in overall decent health for being a white female, 43 years old. I cannot get into my Primary Care doc for at least 2 months, and my symptoms are growing intolerable. Should I start with a neurologist to order the EMG? I am a psychologist, so I have a relatively sedentary job, but look forward to light gardening this weekend, as active as kayaking on the weekends this summer. I don't know if surgery is/will be necessary, but my work schedule is not physical therapy friendly, as I don't know how I will schedule 3 times per week with my own patient caseload. Do you think an MRI will be necessary? Any ideas, suggestions or kicks in the butt would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for you time and assistance!!
Brief Answer:
Seems to be due to cervical spondylosis.
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for asking on HealthcareMagic.
I have carefully considered your case and understand your concerns. It is possible that you have cervical spondylosis. The spinal nerves exit from either sides of the vertebral column. In case of cervical spondylosis, these nerves get compressed and the effect is felt is the regions those nerves supply. Thus the pain and discomfort would be felt over the neck, shoulder and would even radiate to the arms.
You need to get an X ray of the cervical spine - AP and lateral done. MRI needs to be done only if further workup is needed.
Static neck exercises should provide relief (google out for the techniques). Hot compress would help. Depending on the gravity of the situation spinal traction might be required.
Regards
Seems to be due to cervical spondylosis.
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for asking on HealthcareMagic.
I have carefully considered your case and understand your concerns. It is possible that you have cervical spondylosis. The spinal nerves exit from either sides of the vertebral column. In case of cervical spondylosis, these nerves get compressed and the effect is felt is the regions those nerves supply. Thus the pain and discomfort would be felt over the neck, shoulder and would even radiate to the arms.
You need to get an X ray of the cervical spine - AP and lateral done. MRI needs to be done only if further workup is needed.
Static neck exercises should provide relief (google out for the techniques). Hot compress would help. Depending on the gravity of the situation spinal traction might be required.
Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Sonia Raina
Answered by
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