Question
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Followup To
Question -
I've had upper left neck and shoulderblade area pain that is subsiding after aprox. 2 weeks of deep muscular pain. I now have numbness in my left pointer finger. It feels like the pain has travelled down my left arm and in to my finger. I've always been physically active; exerecise bike, kick boxing, etc. and don't recall injuring myself. I woke up with the pain one day and don't understand what's going on. Perhaps you can shed some light.
Answer -
This is very common symptom for any ages and genders. Since your onset of pain has been only for two weeks, it is too early to say that you have neurological involvement in the neck and arm.  However, from your description of your symptoms, you apparently suffer from cervical radiculopathy or neuropathy or some sort.  You might need further diagnotic studies to confirm such symptoms usually neurlogist.

At this time, try do massage and stretching to your neck region and shoulder after taking hot shower or hot bath.   Usually cold weather makes the symptoms worse.  If symtoms persist more than 4 weeks, see doctor for evaluation. Chiropractic and orthopedic can help your symptoms

Thank you for your quick response. My back is healing, my neck still hurts but is also healing. What explains the numbness in my pointer finger that started about 2 days ago? Is this part of the healing process or not?  

Answer
Once your muscle tension subsides and there is less tenderness in the neck and arm, the finger numbness will disappear gradually within a few weeks.

If the numbness and tingling sensation persist, evaluation and treatment are recommended.

Simon Lee, DC