Question
Let me give you a brief history of me.  I have cervical stenosis, degenerative disk disease (MRI showed little to no white disks), arthritis in lumbar spine, old T6 compression fracture, and past coccyx fracture.

After I found out I was pregnant, I got off of all narcotics & only use Flexeril, extra strength Tylenol, & lidoderm patches.  A week & a half ago, I woke up with pain in the right side of my neck & left shoulder blade.  Nothing but lying on my back & heat help.  The pain goes from my shoulder blade on the left, down my arm esp. in the elbow & wrist joints with some numbness & pain in fingers.

My spine specialist who prescribed narcotics prior to pregnancy & other doctors say no one will touch me while pregnant.  I can't go through this pain for another 5 months (I am 15w5d).  I have to work.  I am scheduled for physical therapy on Monday, June 1st.  Would a chiropractor see me even just for the cervical radiculopathy (diagnosed in ER)? Would acupuncture help?

I am desperate.  I do not want to take any narcotics.  I need help with this and when I saw your credentials, I thought you would be the best to help me seek relief esp. from the newest ailment.

Any advice is welcomed & appreciated.  Thank you for your time and for your patience.

Answer
Hi Amanda,

I am sorry to hear that you are suffering greatly during your pregnancy.  

There is hope for your neck and low back pain.  Acupuncture and Chiropractic can help with the pain without endangering your pregnancy.  It sounds like the cervical stenosis is pinching the nerve causing pain and numbness to travel down to your arm.  

Acupuncture therapy can relief the pain of the neck.  As for the low back, acupuncture approach will be very cautious.  However, I would recommend chiropractic for the low back pain.  There are certain chiropractic techniques specific for low back pain due to or during pregnancy.  

Seek and consult both an Acupuncturist and Chiropractor for your conditions.  It would be best if you can find someone who is licensed in both fields.  If not, ask for referral from either your chiropractor or acupuncturist.