Question
I injured my neck in a fall 20 years ago. I fell down some steps and it crushed the disc in my neck between the 5th and the 6th vertebrae and the 6th and 7th, they are pinched on the right side. My head hurts constantly, my arms feel real heavy at times for no reason and the outside of my left arm, down through my little finger and ring ringer will hurt really bad or just go numb, does this mean that mu injury is getting worse, if so should I see a specialist for it? It is affecting my life everyday now instead of once in a while.

Answer
Dear CJ,

Very short answer here...yes the problem is getting worse, you are experiencing a neurological pain distribution and yes you need to go see someone very soon!

The two best options for you right now are chiropractic care and neurosurgery, and I would suggest that you get both.  Conservative chiropractic care is a great option unless the disc is severely pressing on the spinal cord or nerve roots, or if there is bad stenosis (narrowing around the spinal cord or spinal nerve roots) and I would suspect significant spinal degeneration of the bones as well.  

First step...you need a functional examination of the spine and upper extremities with orthopedic testing and neurological testing...scout view x-rays of the neck and very likely a MRI of the neck.  A goo chiropractic physician can do all of this quickly.  If the findings are moderate to severe on that exam...then he/she should refer you for a neurosurgical consult and evaluation  to ascertain surgical options.

I would get the appointments scheduled soon.  It will only get worse if you let this go. Good Luck CJ.

Respectfully,
Dr. J. Shawn Leatherman
www.suncoasthealthcare.net