Question
if by chance i'm asking the wrong person i do appoligise before hand.
ok, here's my problem. i have a golf ball size knot at the bottom right portion of my neck. i have facial numbness to my right side of my face to the bottom lip. i also, have severe pain when trying to rotate my head to the right. i have shooting pain / tingels down my right arm / fingers. also when just restings my head i still have a constant pain in the right / bottom portions of my neck and in between my shoulder blades. now heres a little weird part. my left shoulder is swollen but my right shoulder appears to be smaller than normal. i aslo have very severe headaches that last for weeks.

Answer
Dear James,

You need to schedule an examination today.  Listen James, with all of the symptoms you are describing, this could be purely a musculoskeletal issue in origin or could involve tumor process, goiter (front of neck), or neurological compromise that is resulting in muscle atrophy (rt. shoulder).  Bottom line here is that your symptoms overlap many possible conditions to include disk problems, nerve root problems, metabolic and endocrine issues, and it needs to be evaluated in person, not over the Internet.

You need to see a musculoskeletal expert to evaluate you with functional orthopedic examination and neurological testing.  Imaging such as MRI is indicated with the pain and tingling shooting down the arm which will also be able to image the golf ball size mass (muscle spasms are not usually that large).  Moreover, the doctor may elect to get a complete blood panel and possible thyroid tests for further inquiry.  I would recommend either a progressive chiropractic physician or a physiatrist (medical doctor trained in physical medicine).  Second choice would be your general practice physician, but unless they have an expanded knowledge of physical medicine, they will likely refer you to an orthopedist.

Make the call and get evaluated.

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