Neck Pain & Tingling in Arm when wake up from sleep

[sahmo2]

I was in an auto accident earlier this year and had a concussion and whiplash.  I was breastfeeding at the time, so I could not take the muscle relaxers that were prescribed.  On a few occassions I had to take a break from breastfeeding in order to take the pills, because the pain was just too bad.  I also underwent PT for about 6-8 weeks (e-stim, massage, excercises, ultrasound).  

It has been about four months since the accident occured and the pain has subsided for the most part.  However, I have some light electrical sensations up my neck toward my head on occassion.  These are decreasing in frequency.  Recently I started waking in the night with my right arm completely asleep all the way down to my hand.  This never happened to me before.  I sleep on my back and my husband and I do not crowd each other during sleep.  My orthopaedic doctor ordered an MRI which showed a slight bulging disc (I don't know which one).  He did not recommend additional treatment.  I am concerned that this could be a pinched nerve.  He seemed to think the nerve was bruised during the accident, and that my activity level and physical aspects of caring for my two small children daily has not allowed it to heal yet.  

Should I see a neurologist for a second opinion? Could there be more going on with this?  I don't want to incur any more medical expenses if I don't need to.   I also don't want to have any permanent nerve damage, and once I settle with the auto insurance I will be limited as far as future treatment (if needed) goes.  My health insurance won't cover anything related to this accident.  

[dr_simran]

Hello Dear,
You should go in for physical therapy such as hydrotherapy, massage, and hot/cold therapy.
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) is a treatment in which a painless electrical current is sent to specific nerves through electrode patches that are placed on the skin. The mild electrical current generates heat that serves to relieve stiffness, improve mobility, and relieve pain.You should also take vitaminB complex supplementation to prevent demyleination of nerves.Neck and back exercises with yoga will be of help.
Best

[sahmo2]

Thank you for taking time to write me.  I've had PT already, but that was prior to the MRI.  I will look into the  TENS unit.

Regards

[jmbirds]

i can relate i was in an MVA 2/08 i have 2 tears in my shoulder superspinatis and the other one towards the back of the shoulder also i have an  encroachment or pinched areas of the tendon and muscle found on my MRI no fault will cover as long as your still in therapy allstate bought my TENS unit this is a godsend massage therapy and chiropractic and water therapy is working for me and i also use a C pillow watch where you place your arm its a bad habit  we get into also i am on soma 350 mg as needed soo i was also told my VIT D was dangerously low so you might want to have some blood work done, it cause muscle pain bone pain etc  i have been dx with myofacial pain syndrom (syndrome) and trigger point massage works for me