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Suggest Treatment For Severe Neck And Shoulder Pain Along With Blurred Vision

Posted on Wed, 29 Apr 2015

Question: I have severe neck and shoulder pain, my vision gets very blurred, I get very weak and almost feel like I am going to black out but don't. I know I have worked at a desk for years that is from the 1930s and my arms are always up high to use the computer. This has been going on for years and getting worse. I went to the emergency room due to being dizzy pain in my neck, shoulders, and arms, they automatically started testing for heart issues. I told them it is not my heart but they put me in the hospital over night and end result, not my heart. This I knew! Six years ago I had an MRI it said I have degenerative discs in 3 discs of my neck. Pryor to that I was having the above symptoms but now they are getting worse. Working at my desk makes my symptoms worst.

Answered by Dr. Saurabh Gupta (51 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
You need lifestyle modifications.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for your query.

It seems you are suffering from degenerative disc disease & it occurs due to repetitive overload or stress to the disc & it increases the risk of disc herniation & spinal canal stenosis.

It can be caused by lifting weights, episodes of over-exertion during work, long hours on computer, inappropriate posture while sleeping or sitting, lack of proper nutrition-exercises-rest-recreation or any other relevant past medical history.

You need lifestyle modifications (namely- avoiding pillow while sleeping, following a healthy diet plan, maintaining suitable posture while working on computer/driving, avoiding any activity that strikes neck discomfort)

Treatment includes
1. Use of cervical collar helps in immobilization and brings relief.
2. Medical drugs like pain killers - acetaminophen/ibuprofen and muscle relaxants might be helpful.
3. Methylcobalamin supplements are also recommended for nerve compression symptoms.
4. Cervical isometric exercises are beneficial to maintain the strength of the neck muscles. Neck and upper back stretching exercises, as well as light aerobic activities, also are recommended under the guidance of a physical therapist.
5. Hot fomentation helps in relieving acute symptoms.
6. You can avoid using a pillow.

I do hope that you have found something helpful and I will be glad to answer any further query.

Take care

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Neel Kudchadkar

Follow up: Dr. Saurabh Gupta (1 hour later)

I had an injection into the discs at a pain clinic about 6 years ago. It left a large bulge between my shoulders just below my neck. Every time I go though the dizziness and severe pain in my neck and shoulders that place swells and throbs. What could make that happen. Do you think I should go to a Neurosurgeon to get this checked out where it is effecting my daily lifestyle? I eat healthy and try to exercise, take hot saunas, take ibuprofen, it is short lived relief.

Answered by Dr. Saurabh Gupta (11 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Go to a Neurosurgeon to get this checked out

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

As the pain is severe and you had frequent dizziness effecting your daily lifestyle,
I think you should go to a Neurosurgeon to get this checked out.

Take care.

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar