Question
I am currently suffering from pain that radiates down the right side of my neck (from just under the right ear) down both the front and back of my right pec, across to my right shoulder, down the inner and outer parts of my arm and terminating in my elbow.  The pain is generally a dull pain with excrutiating moments of razorblade like pain.  The pain in the elbow (not the entire elbow, just the inner part of the elbow) is perhaps the most painful, followed by the inner/outer arm pain, and finally, the pain in the neck.  This pain subsides when I lay down on either side of my body.  It instantly returns when I sit up or walk around.

Any thoughts or advice would be greatly appreciated.

Answer
Neck pain, shoulder pain, staten island neck pain, staten island shoulder pain, staten island pinched nerve,





Hello Brad,

I am sorry to hear of your complaints.

".....I am currently suffering from pain that radiates down the right side of my neck (from just under the right ear) down both the front and back of my right pec, across to my right shoulder, down the inner and outer parts of my arm and terminating in my elbow. ....." ; you state at the outset--- pain that radiates DOWN FROM THE RIGHT SIDE OF MY NECK.  You tell me the pain starts in the neck and spreads down your arm, I think you are telling me about a 'pinched nerve'.

see:  http://www.infovisual.info/03/038_en.html   
your  'brachial plexus'  may  be irritated at the spinal  roots.

see:  http://members.iinet.com.au/~chirosolutions/images/ANS.gif
your nervous system controls and coordinates ALL activities of the human body

see:  http://diabetes.niddk.nih.gov/dm/pubs/complications_nerves/images/fourparts.gif
nerve picture:   http://scienceblogs.com/clock/upload/2006/06/nervous%20system.jpg  

see: http://www.invanet.org/pics/central%20nervous%20system.jpg



You  can see how the nerves originate in the Brain, Central Nervous System, Spinal Cord and Spine.   The Vertebral Column (spine bones) protect the nerves, yet allow movement.


see:  http://www.baxterfamilychiro.com/images/Subluxation.jpg   depiction of Vertebral Subluxation Complex

see:  http://www.drpurdychiropractic.com/Spc-abnm.gif



In my Staten Island Chiropractic office I hand out information sheets on 'Pinched Nerves',
perhaps this will be of help:





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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I recommend a visit to the local Doctor of Chiropractic (DC).  A case history consultation, physical examination, chiropractic evaluation and then treatment or appropriate referral can be made.

I hope this all helps.

Please do not hesitate to REcontact me here at AllExperts.com if you need further information:
http://www.allexperts.com/ep/965-100794/Chiropractors/Victor-Dolan-DC-DACBSP.htm


Thank You,

Dr. Victor Dolan, DC
Email newsletter:  . . . . . http://drvictordolan.chiroweb.com