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What Causes Severe Neck Pain Radiating Down The Arm?
My husband (age 68) is at a charity function BBQing for raising funds for the Wounded Warriors program. He claims that he woke up (in our motorhome) with a stiff neck. I told him to ice it (don t know if he did). He said our son massaged it and when he touched the spot, it was agonizing. This was about 3 hours ago. My son just called and asked if I could bring up some Aleve (about 40 minutes away) because he is in a lot of pain, especially when it radiates down his arm. I ve never heard of a heart attack starting with a stiff neck upon awaking, so I don t know whether or panic or not.
Mon, 5 Nov 2018
Hi,
Neck pain in front on the left side could suggest heart problem but it needs to be associated with other symptoms likely weakness, sweating, shortness of breath, chest pain compressive in nature.
You mention of none of these so though heart checkup is indicated, his pain seems to be nerve root compression at the neck or spinal level to cause nerve pain (due to awkward sleeping posture.)
Over the counter pain medicine, ice pack and rest should be given before he is checked up by a physician.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Vasudha Jayant Athavale,
General & Family Physician
Neck pain in front on the left side could suggest heart problem but it needs to be associated with other symptoms likely weakness, sweating, shortness of breath, chest pain compressive in nature.
You mention of none of these so though heart checkup is indicated, his pain seems to be nerve root compression at the neck or spinal level to cause nerve pain (due to awkward sleeping posture.)
Over the counter pain medicine, ice pack and rest should be given before he is checked up by a physician.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Vasudha Jayant Athavale,
General & Family Physician
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