QuestionQUESTION: Hello, I'm 23 yrs old and I've been suffering from bad arm pain with numbness and tingling feeling that radiates to my fingers, once in a while it will start on my neck. I got an MRI of my neck and was normal, next step was getting another one from my head but at the moment I'm waiting for Medicaid to change in the next week. I thought it was carpal tunnel but the family Dr I work for doesn't think so. I don't know what else it could be and it's really upsetting to be dealing with this. Please, what can I do, what are my possible options??? I'm very tempted to just go to the hospital!!
ANSWER: neck pain, left arm pain, 'pinched nerve', cervical-brachial neuritis, cervical herniated disc, cervical radiculopathy, staten island neck pain, staten island cervical radiculopathy, staten island pinched nerve, carpal tunnel, staten island carpal tunnel, double crush syndrome,
Hello Gisela,
I am sorry to hear of your neck/ arm/ hand/ finger pain- tingling- numbness.
First of all,,,, when we doctors hear of left arm pain, we get scared for the patient and think of the possibility of a heart attack! Now you are young (23 years old) so this is NOT likely.
BUT- you do not have any other symptoms/ risk factors,,, do you?- high blood pressure, high cholesterol, high homocysteine ( http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=535 ), overweight, any known cardiac abnormalities, family heart problems? Cardiac involvement is unlikely,,,, but even with neck pain- that left arm pain makes us doctors concerned about heart problems,,,,,
Now that I have gotten the most significant, but least likely problem out of the way, on to the likely problems.
You mention carpal tunnel; you mention tingling, numbness; you mention your neck; my best bet- most likely?= a 'pinched nerve', cervical- brachial neuritis, a radiculitis, a radiculopathy.
Have you had stiff necks in the past? This pain from the neck- extending to the shoulder, upper arm, elbow, forearm, wrist, hand, fingers- this could be a 'pinched nerve' that is a PROGRESSION of prior stiff necks. Prior damage- such as sleeping on the stomach, sleeping with the arms underneath or over the head, poor posture, poor movement patterns, forward head posture- these things put pressure into the neck, the cervical spine; leading to irritation of the joints and nerves, leading to degeneration, leading to pain and dysfunction. This pinched nerve progression is slow, insidious, subtle. If you have thesse above habits, above conditions, your stiff necks- over time- turn into a pinched nerve; even without trauma.
Hve you injured your neck in the past?- played sports with contact, had an MVA (motor vehicle accident), had a 'whiplash', had a good slip/ trip/ fall? If you have injured your neck, had trauma in the past- this can be a progression of the problem; especially if you did not address the CAUSE of the problem.
Your MRI is 'negative', so I assume- no herniated disc. What does your chiropractic doctor say about the alignment and motion of the cervical spine?
My Staten Island Neck Pain patients get the following information handed to them:
PAIN
Pain is a 憆ed light on the dashboard?
Pain is your body telling you that something is wrong.
That RED LIGHT on the dashboard of your car-
-- do you ignore it until the car breaks down,
or do you get it checked and correct the problem?
Pain,
pain in your body-
-- do you ignore it until your body breaks down,
or do you get it checked and correct the problem?
Pain,
do you cover up the pain by taking a painkiller?
Take a painkiller,
mask the pain,
and allow a problem to progress in your body?
NOTICE ON PAIN RELIEVERS:
Label changes ORDERED by FDA; the FDA announced proposed label changes for OTC over-the-counter pain relievers to include the potential for stomach bleeding and liver damage (FDA news 206- 207; 12-9-06) ;
The American Heart Association issued a scientific statement recommending medical doctors change the way they prescribe OTC pain relievers from a first choice to an alternate of recommending non-pharmacologic treatment (AHA statement 2-26-07).
NSAID Acceleration of ARTHRITIS; an important side effect of Aspirin and other NSAIDS is that it will inhibit cartilage repair and accelerate cartilage destruction ( Journal of Rheumatology, 1982; 9: 3- 5 ). Many times people take NSAIDS for the pain of Arthritis, not realizing these drugs may make the underlying condition worse. These medications cover up the pain, and cause the problem to worsen.
Pain can often be the result of the Vertebral Subluxation Complex.
Vertebral Subluxation ( 慥SC?, 憇ubluxation? )
Vertebral Subluxation is actually a quite common condition. Doctors of Chiropractic look for pathological conditions which may require referral to other specialties, and also look for 慡ubluxation? Other disciplines look for pathology, but overlook the importance of alignment and movement in the spine which affects our nervous system (the master control system- ALL health disciplines learn this). VSC- 慡ubluxation??can be the cause of many symptoms and conditions.
Only a Doctor of Chiropractic will evaluate and treat for VSC, as well as other pathology.
The course of VSC is highly variable. Some patients with VSC literally cannot walk, yet other patients with similar test findings may be able to run marathons or lift heavy weights. Some patients immediately develop symptoms related to the VSC, some patients take years to develop symptoms. Some people suffer for only a few days with pain and symptoms, some people suffer for months. Some people recover in days, some take months or years, depending upon severity of the condition.
A subluxation interferes with the proper functioning of the nervous system (the master system which controls and coordinates all function within the body) and may cause various other conditions, symptoms and problems.
The Vertebral Subluxation Complex describes what happens when spinal bones lose their normal movement patterns and position. When subluxated, joints are in a stressed, vulnerable, compromised condition. Subluxation may cause Arthritis, Disk Herniation, or aggravate such conditions.
Vertebral Subluxation cannot be corrected through chemicals (medicine), stretching, yoga, vitamins or physical therapy alone. Subluxation- a neuro/skeletal/muscular- mechanical- problem requires a mechanical correction- - - a manipulation, best performed with the chiropractic adjustment.
Dr. Victor E. Dolan, Doctor of Chiropractic; Diplomate, American Chiropractic Board of Sport Physicians; Diplomate, American Academy of Pain Management; Certified Clinical Nutritionist (IAACN); FIRST Chief of Chiropractic in a Hospital in New York State (DHSI); As Seen in PREVENTION Magazine
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As you can see- we can take a pill, get a shot, we can 'kill the pain'--- BUT what is the CAUSE of the pain???, if we 'kill the pain', and do not address the CAUSE of the pain, the cause can continue to do damage, continue to progress, continue to get worse- while we feel no pain!
Many of my Staten Island Pinched Nerve patients have had trauma, BUT many have not had traditional 'trauma' (ie: motor vehicle accident, car crash, auto accident, slip trip fall, ore even a sports injury), many of my 'pinched nerves' have BAD posture habits, poor movement patterns, repetitive stress conditions. Many people sleep in a wrong posture, sit/ stand/ walk improperly, repeatedly do the same postures or movements; these can add up to a 'radiculitis' (pinched nerve), poor posture/ movement can ultimately even culminate in a Herniated disc!
You have had an MRI which rules out the HNP- herniated disc,,, but how is the positioning, the alignment, the movement of your spinal joints in your neck? Have you EVER had trauma to your neck? Do you have poor posture habits?
My Staten Island Pinched Nerve patients will get this information also:
揚inched Nerve?
( Also Known As- neuritis, neuralgia, brachial-neuritis, sciatica )
損inched nerve??is only ?a diagnosis, WHAT is causing the 憄inch?
Your Doctor of Chiropractic will examine and evaluate you to make sure you are not showing signs of neurological damage or disease, tumors, cancers, severe pathology, perhaps a Herniated Disc, or a Vertebral Subluxation Complex.
Sometimes we can wake up with a 憄inched nerve? or a muscle spasm.... sometimes a slip, trip, fall, heavy lift, or even a motor vehicle accident can cause a 憄inched nerve? Very often - the true c a u s e of the pinched nerve, painor numbness in the: neck and/ or shoulder and/ or arm and/ or hand; pain in the back and/ or buttock/ hip/ leg/ knee/ foot - is a misalignment, a 慿ink?in the neck or back - more properly termed a Vertebral Subluxation.
Vertebral Subluxation Complex (a.k.a. 憇ubluxation?
The vertebral subluxation complex is the underlying cause of many healthcare problems.
A subluxation interferes with the proper functioning of the nervous system (the master system which controls and coordinates all function within the body) and may cause various other conditions, symptoms and problems.
This is a serious condition identified by its five parts:
Spinal Kinesiopathology:
This is fancy way of saying the bones of the spine have lost their normal motion and position. It restricts your ability to turn and bend. It sets in motion the other four components.
Neuropathophysiology:
Improper spinal function can choke, stretch, or irritate delicate nerve tissue. The resulting nerve system dysfunction can cause symptoms elsewhere in the body.
Myopathology:
Muscles supporting the spine can weaken, atrophy, or become tight and go into spasm. The resulting scar tissue changes muscle tone, requiring repeated spinal adjustments.
Histopathology:
A rise in temperature from an increase in blood and lymph supplies result in swelling and inflammation. Discs can bulge, herniate, tear, or degenerate. Other soft tissues may suffer permanent damage.
Pathophysiology:
The VSC contributes to OsteoArthritic degeneration. Bone spurs and other abnormal bony growths attempt to fuse malfunctioning spinal joints. This spinal decay, scar tissue, and long-term nerve dysfunction can cause other systems of the body to malfunction.
The Vertebral Subluxation Complex describes what happens when spinal bones lose their normal movement patterns and position.
Automobile accidents, improper lifting, improper posture, alcohol, emotional stress, chemical imbalances, and long periods of sitting can cause the Vertebral Subluxation Complex.
Vertebral Subluxation cannot be corrected through chemicals (medicine), stretching, yoga, vitamins or physical therapy alone. Subluxation- a neuro/skeletal/muscular- mechanical- problem requires a mechanical correction- - - a manipulation, best performed with the chiropractic adjustment. For good health-
Treat the Cause, not just the Symptoms.
揚inched Nerve? ( Also Known As- neuritis, neuralgia, brachial-neuritis, sciatica )
損inched nerve??is only ?a diagnosis, WHAT is causing the 憄inch? ?That 損inch?has to be taken care of FIRST!
As the 損inch??the MECHANICAL component of the problem, the CAUSE of the problem is being taken care of through Chiropractic treatment, perhaps additional help would speed your return to health:
Nerve Health Support:
-----B complex containing thiamine, folic acid, B-12 and niacin is highly suggested for nerve support. High dose
B-vitamins should only be taken at the advice of a licensed healthcare professional.
-----B-6 is lower in patients with neuropathy. Vitamin B-6 reduces the glycosylation that can cause nerve damage. Amounts greater than 200mg/day can cause neuropathy symptoms.
-----Calcium and magnesium are important for nerve conduction and as muscle relaxants.
-----A multi-vitamin/mineral supplement is suggested for comprehensive support.
-----Essential fatty acids are necessary for nerve health. Essential fatty acids include omega-3 fatty acids (fish and flax oil) and omega-6 fatty acids (black currant seed oil, borage oil and evening primrose oil).
-----Proteolytic enzymes may be beneficial in neuritis for the inflammation.
-----Lecithin aids in nerve support.
-----Natural herbal remedies including passion flower, valerian, chamomile, scullcap and white willow bark may be helpful.
-----Eat a healthy diet. Avoid foods that stimulate the nervous system such as caffeine, chocolate, refined sugars, soda pop and cigarettes.
-----Drink plenty of filtered water.
-----Chiropractic care is imperative to remove nerve irritation.
Joint Support:
-----Glucosamine sulfate helps strengthen joint integrity. Glucosamine is effective in relieving joint pain associated with osteoarthritis. Glucosamine's pain-relieving effects may be due to its cartilage-rebuilding properties. These disease-modifying effects are not seen with simple analgesics and are of particular benefit.
-----MSM is known for its pain-relieving properties in such conditions as fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, bursitis, tendonitis, back pain and muscle soreness. Not many clinical trials have been done using MSM, but clinical observations support the theory that MSM is beneficial in pain managment.
-----White willow is an antiinflammatory and analgesic agent. White willow was used as far back as the Middle Ages to reduce pain and fevers. The salicylates found in the white willow bark are responsible for the anti-inflammatory and anti-fever effects. Acetylsalicylic acid, otherwise known as aspirin, is chemically similar to the salicylates.
-----Boswellia and turmeric (curcumin) are potent antiinflammatory herbs. Curcumin may have similar action to aspirin.
Dr. Victor E. Dolan, Doctor of Chiropractic; Diplomat, American Chiropractic Board of Sport Physicians; Diplomat, American Academy of Pain Management; Certified Clinical Nutritionist (IAACN); FIRST Chief of Chiropractic in a Hospital in New York State (DHSI); As Seen in PREVENTION Magazine
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You mention Carpal Tunnel. Many Staten Island Carpal Tunnel patients have surgery- and for some of these patients- the carpal tunnel returns!,,, why?,,,, because often the carpal tunnel is a symptom of a 'double cruch syndrome' (see: http://stanford.wellsphere.com/complementary-alternative-medicine-article/carpal ), if ALL of problem is not addressed, then the problem is not taken care of.
Many of my Staten Island Carpal Tunnel patients hve good results with safe, effective, non-invasive chiropractic care for their Carpal Tunnel complaints.
As you can see, I think it most likely tht you have a pinched nerve from a vertebral subluxation in your neck. For that I recommend you see your local doctor of chiropractic. Many lay people do not realize that chiropractic doctors (DCs) have different specialties, different credentials, if you wish to see a specific specialty- chiropractic could have that for you!- see:
http://www.acatoday.org/pdf/ApprovedChiropracticSpecialtyPrograms.pdf
You state: ".....I thought it was carpal tunnel but the family Dr I work for doesn't think so. I don't know what else it could be and it's really upsetting to be dealing with this.....", the doctor you work with probably refers to other doctors all the time. Ask your employer which Chiropractic Doctors he(she) recommends to your office's patients. I refer to different mdeical doctor specialties every day, and often my new patients have been sent TO me by their MD.
"Sciatica"- is a 'pinched nerve' (DC's prefer 'irritated nerve'- more technically correct) in the lower back affecting the leg. Here is an answer about 'sciatica' which is applicable to your 'pinched nerve' in your neck:
http://en.allexperts.com/q/Chiropractors-965/2009/9/acute-pain-leg-lower.htm
"....I don't know what else it could be and it's really upsetting to be dealing with this....", Pain is terrible, we need release/ relief from pain! I know how you feel- stop the frustration!- see your local chiropractor!
"....Please, what can I do, what are my possible options??? I'm very tempted to just go to the hospital!!...."- my recommendation: see your chiropractor. This doctor will determine through evaluation whether chiropractic can be of help, or which other specialty to refer you to!
Go to the hospital?- they would probably give you some pain medication (see side effects above) and instruct you to 'see your own doctor'--- not really any good kind of answer.
I hope this information helps you.
But,
my recommendation: see your chiropractor!
If you need further information, please do not hesitate to re-contact me here at
AllExperts.com
http://allexperts.com/ep/965-100794/Chiropractors/Victor-Dolan-DC-DACBSP.htm
Thank you for the question. good luck in returning to full, Good Health!
Your Staten Island Chiropractic Expert,
Dr. Victor Dolan, DC
Email newsletter: . . . . http://drvictordolan.chiroweb.com
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Thank you so much for getting back @ me... I didn't have a major accident, I was making a left turn on a traffic lane, the road was kind of wet and as I was turning I went over the curve on the right but didn't hit another car, a week later or so my neck begun to feel stiff for a couple of days then it went away. The car didn't suffer any damages so I thought there was nothing major to myself and didn't do anything about it. I do crack my neck a lot ever since I was 17, if I don't do so my neck starts hurting a lot. I got an appointment tomorrow with a Neurologist and I'm getting an EMG done. Hopefully we can find something, if not my next option would be a chiropractor since I don't have one yet, just the family doctor I work for. High blood pressure and high cholesterol does run in both sides of my family, I suffered from high blood pressure during the last months of my pregnancy and few months after 2 years ago. I've been checking my bp ever since and it's been great, I haven't have to take any meds. The last time I checked my cholesterol was a little high but it wasn't high enough to be treated. Maybe I should check my cholesterol again since it has been a year since I last checked it. Not overweight, currently 125 lbs, 5 feet tall. I do sleep on both of my sides with either arm under the pillow.
AnswerHello Gisela,
I hope the above (prior) information helps you. You seem to be heading in the correct direction.
I would recommend a Doctor of Chiropractic, maybe one with a neurology credential; but even your neighborhood chiropractic doctor handles cases like this all the time.
Your Staten Island Chiropractic Expert,
Dr. Victor Dolan, DC
Email newsletter: . . . . http://drvictordolan.chiroweb.com
