Brief Answer:
Could be due to
cervical disc disease.
Detailed Answer:
Hi, thanks for writing to XXXXXXX
The most possible cause for your neck pain and painful shooting pain down the forearm, elbow and fingers is Cervical disc disease with
radiculopathy, which means that a protruded
intervertebral disc in the
cervical spine might be pressing over the adjacent nerve causing you the symptomatology.
An MRI scan of the cervical spine will establish the severity of the problem.
The initial management of this condition is always by conservative methods which involves the following measures -
Avoid Keeping bulky pillow underneath your head and neck while sleeping.
Soft Collar: Soft collar allow the muscles of the neck to rest and limit neck motion. This can help decrease pinching of nerve roots with movement. Soft collars should only be worn for
short periods of time, because long-term wear can decrease the strength of neck muscles.
Medicines: Analgesic are needed in the acute phase. Muscle relaxants are essential for relieving muscle spasms once the acute pain subsides. Neurotropic vitamins like METHYLCOBALAMINE (activated Vit B12) or
PREGABALIN will help in alleviating the
neuropathic pain.
Cervical traction: may enlarge the disc space, permitting the prolapse to subside. Intermittent cervical traction for not more than 30 minutes at a time.
Physiotherapy: Once the acute phase of pain has subsided, Isometric strengthening exercises of the paravertebral muscles are started. Improving neck strength and flexibility with simple exercises may lessen discomfort and pain. Moist heat can be useful
If your symptoms are not resolving with the above measures, you may need an Epidural steroid injection. Consult an orthopedic surgeon for a detailed evaluation and further management.
Hope I have addressed your query. Happy to help further
Regards