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Have Pain In Left Arm. MRI Shows Diffuse Bulge. Reason For Having Paraesthesias?
4 weeks back pain started in left arm MRI shows diffuse bulge and focal left para central protrusion of c5-6 disc and diffuse bulge and posteriocentral protrusion of c6-7 disc encroaching o bilateral neural foraminifer more severe on right side
I had taken steroid 8 mg for 7 days does since last 2 weeks I m taking bed rest I don't have pain but numbness in left hand small and ring finger. I have redialing paraesthesias in both hand and leg more offen during night ( feel like current flowing in both arm and leg)
Will I be okay with bed rest only, no pain only paraesthesias is it normal ? When should I start physiotheropy
I had taken steroid 8 mg for 7 days does since last 2 weeks I m taking bed rest I don't have pain but numbness in left hand small and ring finger. I have redialing paraesthesias in both hand and leg more offen during night ( feel like current flowing in both arm and leg)
Will I be okay with bed rest only, no pain only paraesthesias is it normal ? When should I start physiotheropy
Thu, 1 Aug 2013
Hi, thanks for writing to HCM.
Your description suggests that you have CERVICAL DISC DISEASE with RADICULOPATHY (shooting pains down the limb).
The initial management for this problem is always conservative by following means-
* Rest: A soft cervical collar is advisable. It should not be used for more than a week or two as it may worsen the condition with prolonged usage.
* Medicines: Analgesic are needed in the acute phase. Muscle relaxants are essential for relieving muscle spasms once the acute pain subsides. Neurotropic vitamins like Vit B12 supplementation along with Pregabalin will lessen your paraesthesia.
* Cervical traction: may enlarge the disc space, permitting the prolapse to subside. Intermittent cervical traction for not more than 30 minutes at a time. Weight upto 8kg can be added.
* Physiotherapy: Once the acute phase of pain has subsided, Isometric strengthening exercises of the paravertebral muscles are started. Moist heat can be useful
If you fail to improve with the above measures, then an EPIDURAL STEROID injection is helpful in relieving the radicular pain.
If everything fails. then you may be candidate for surgical decompression of the involved disc.
Hope this information is helpful. Good day
Your description suggests that you have CERVICAL DISC DISEASE with RADICULOPATHY (shooting pains down the limb).
The initial management for this problem is always conservative by following means-
* Rest: A soft cervical collar is advisable. It should not be used for more than a week or two as it may worsen the condition with prolonged usage.
* Medicines: Analgesic are needed in the acute phase. Muscle relaxants are essential for relieving muscle spasms once the acute pain subsides. Neurotropic vitamins like Vit B12 supplementation along with Pregabalin will lessen your paraesthesia.
* Cervical traction: may enlarge the disc space, permitting the prolapse to subside. Intermittent cervical traction for not more than 30 minutes at a time. Weight upto 8kg can be added.
* Physiotherapy: Once the acute phase of pain has subsided, Isometric strengthening exercises of the paravertebral muscles are started. Moist heat can be useful
If you fail to improve with the above measures, then an EPIDURAL STEROID injection is helpful in relieving the radicular pain.
If everything fails. then you may be candidate for surgical decompression of the involved disc.
Hope this information is helpful. Good day
I find this answer helpful
Hello,
Thanks for writing to us.
The herniated discs compresses spinal nerves or spinal cord. Symptoms are experienced along the area of distribution/path of that particular nerve. This has happened at level of C5-C7 in your case.
Treatment includes
. Use of cervical collar helps in immobilisation and brings relief.
. Methylcobalamin supplements are also recommended for nerve compression symptoms.
. 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.
. Hot fomentation helps in relieving acute symptoms.
. You can avoid using a pillow/ watching TV or working on computer.
Avoid prolonged sitting / leaning forward/ 2 wheeler driving for long distances.
A course of Muscle relaxants, interferential therapy (IFT) and/or Intermittent Cervical Traction (ICT) for a week followed by exercises will help you.
Hope this helps you.
Wishing you good health...
Regards.
Thanks for writing to us.
The herniated discs compresses spinal nerves or spinal cord. Symptoms are experienced along the area of distribution/path of that particular nerve. This has happened at level of C5-C7 in your case.
Treatment includes
. Use of cervical collar helps in immobilisation and brings relief.
. Methylcobalamin supplements are also recommended for nerve compression symptoms.
. 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.
. Hot fomentation helps in relieving acute symptoms.
. You can avoid using a pillow/ watching TV or working on computer.
Avoid prolonged sitting / leaning forward/ 2 wheeler driving for long distances.
A course of Muscle relaxants, interferential therapy (IFT) and/or Intermittent Cervical Traction (ICT) for a week followed by exercises will help you.
Hope this helps you.
Wishing you good health...
Regards.
I find this answer helpful
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
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