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Having Neck Pain With Numbness In Thumb. Having Pain In Shoulder. X-ray Showed Mild Straightening Of The Normal Cervical Lordosis. Help?
I have been having neck pain (around 13 months) along with some episodes of numbness in left thumb (lasted for around 1 month). In addition, right shoulder has pain in front during coughing & tight muscle in right trapezius near center of should blade seems constant. I finally went in for an x-ray and consult w/ PA.
Below are a copy/paste of X-ray results. "FINDINGS: AP, lateral and and odontoid views of the cervical spine were obtained. There is mild straightening of the normal cervical lordosis. There is no evidence of fracture, spondylolisthesis or prevertebral soft tissue swelling. There is mild degenerative disk disease at C5-6 and C6-7. Facets are in normal alighnement. Odontoid view is normal.
IMPRESSION: 1. Straightening of the normal cervical lordosis which can be seen in the setting of muscle spasm. 2. Mild degenerative disk disease at c5-6 and C6-7."
PA prescribed muscle relaxer & motrin. Neck exercises & better posture awareness. Check back in 6 months if not pain free. I have bad posture and the thought is that too much chronic head forward bad posture has contributed to my current issues. I would appreciate your feedback as to the x-ray results & suggested treatment. Thank you!!
Below are a copy/paste of X-ray results. "FINDINGS: AP, lateral and and odontoid views of the cervical spine were obtained. There is mild straightening of the normal cervical lordosis. There is no evidence of fracture, spondylolisthesis or prevertebral soft tissue swelling. There is mild degenerative disk disease at C5-6 and C6-7. Facets are in normal alighnement. Odontoid view is normal.
IMPRESSION: 1. Straightening of the normal cervical lordosis which can be seen in the setting of muscle spasm. 2. Mild degenerative disk disease at c5-6 and C6-7."
PA prescribed muscle relaxer & motrin. Neck exercises & better posture awareness. Check back in 6 months if not pain free. I have bad posture and the thought is that too much chronic head forward bad posture has contributed to my current issues. I would appreciate your feedback as to the x-ray results & suggested treatment. Thank you!!
Sat, 31 Aug 2013
Hi and welcome to HCM
The symptoms and x-ray findings are suggestive of cervical spondolysis. Cervical spondolysis is due to the age-related degeneration ('wear & tear') of the vertebrae and discs in the neck region. This can cause compression of the nerves and hence pain.
Apply warm compresses on the area and take some over the counter anti-inflammatory pain killer like Iburpofen after consulting your doctor. Application of topical muscle relaxants will also help. Cervical spondolysis also responds to anti-inflammatory drugs and cervical collars and traction.
It is also better if you correct any posture imbalances that you may have, whether in a sitting posture or in a standing posture like you should avoid sitting on computers for long. It is also very important to make sure that the pillow you use under your head is the correct size and thickness for your body. Make adjustments in your diet and add lots of calcium rich foods like curd, milk etc in your diet.
I do hope that you have found something helpful and informative and I will be glad to answer any further query.
Take care.
The symptoms and x-ray findings are suggestive of cervical spondolysis. Cervical spondolysis is due to the age-related degeneration ('wear & tear') of the vertebrae and discs in the neck region. This can cause compression of the nerves and hence pain.
Apply warm compresses on the area and take some over the counter anti-inflammatory pain killer like Iburpofen after consulting your doctor. Application of topical muscle relaxants will also help. Cervical spondolysis also responds to anti-inflammatory drugs and cervical collars and traction.
It is also better if you correct any posture imbalances that you may have, whether in a sitting posture or in a standing posture like you should avoid sitting on computers for long. It is also very important to make sure that the pillow you use under your head is the correct size and thickness for your body. Make adjustments in your diet and add lots of calcium rich foods like curd, milk etc in your diet.
I do hope that you have found something helpful and informative and I will be glad to answer any further query.
Take care.
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Hi
Thank you for your question.
Straightening of the cervical lordosis as rightly described is related to spasm of neck muscles. Spasm is a protective phenomenon while body is trying to reduce actions which cause pain. At this point since neck pain is the main symptom with relatively new thumb numbness the treatment would be muscle relaxant, analgesic (tramadol can be tried if motrin is not enough), local analgesic gels and education about correct neck posture and neck exercises.
If the numbness in thumb is worsening or new tingling, arm pain or weakness appears it would be advisable to obtain MRI of the cervical spine.
Wish you the best.
Thank you for your question.
Straightening of the cervical lordosis as rightly described is related to spasm of neck muscles. Spasm is a protective phenomenon while body is trying to reduce actions which cause pain. At this point since neck pain is the main symptom with relatively new thumb numbness the treatment would be muscle relaxant, analgesic (tramadol can be tried if motrin is not enough), local analgesic gels and education about correct neck posture and neck exercises.
If the numbness in thumb is worsening or new tingling, arm pain or weakness appears it would be advisable to obtain MRI of the cervical spine.
Wish you the best.
I find this answer helpful
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