Numb index finger, thumb and sore back question.

[Paulcalif]

55 year old male. Thrown from horse 10 years ago, landed on back of right shoulder. Xrays didn't show any bone injury and although it took a long time, I eventually recovered. Not sure that is relavent. More recently, 1 1/2 years ago, I started getting pain in my upper back just below my neck. My thumb and index fingers on my right hand went numb. I noticed then that if I turned my head a certain way the numbness would go away. I was treated with spinal decompression that didn't seem to help, then manual decompression by a physical therapist that did seem to help, and I was symptom free until about 6 weeks ago. I have been doing a LOT of manual labor (fixer upper home) since the end of Jan. this year. Over head drywall, and tossing tons of trash. The pain in my upper back/lower neck came back really bad, as did the numbness in my index finger and tip of my right thumb. Turning my head does not seem to help. Doctor prescribed Vicodin and muscle relaxers, plus physical therapy. Since this is an HMO (Kaiser), Physical therapy was 6 weeks out. I went to a Chiropactor while waiting on PT. The Chiropractor took xrays and said my disc at one level (lower C or upper T?) was very narrow and told me there was nothing he could do. He had already tried a tens unit (sp?) but that didn't help. He also tried decompression and a machine that hammered my back based on feedback from a diagnostic machine??? Anyway, that didn't help. Since then the pain is much better (I credit healing time) but the numbness is still there, index finger and tip of thumb. If I get an MRI, I will have to pay the entire cost (poor insurance). If the numbness lasts a long time, can it still clear up? I would really appreciate any suggestions - I still have a LOT of work to do! Thanks, Paul

[Paulcalif]

Thanks for the reply. I haven't noticed any pain or weakness in lower extremities. Pain has been moving around, has improved greatly, sometimes absent, but when present is always either in  upper/center of back, right shoulder, right arm pit, or right arm (or all of the above). Index finger and thumb are constantly numb, some times worse than others. I type a lot (computer repair), and that seems to aggravate it. Could it possibly be carpel tunnel? Could that be causing pain in my back? Maybe I have two conditions? Physical Therapy starts tomorrow. Should I seek a consult with a Neurologist, keeping in mind that payment will be entirely on me?
Thank you again! Paul

[Dr. A. Srivastava]

Hi, Thank you for your question. I think this may be a slipped disc condition at cervical and lumbar region. In slipped disc or disc prolapse conditions symptoms may originate due to nerve root pressure, pressure on the spinal cord and pressure on the tail bone. Common symptoms could be paralysis of muscles, pain radiating to the arms or legs, leg pain and numbness, tingling, or weakness. Warning symptoms can include loss of control of the bladder function, numbness/pain at genital areas, paralysis & spasticity of both the legs. In addition, if you are suffering continuous weakness and notice reduced strength of muscle bulk in other areas, please arrange an appointment with a neurologist right away. Further referral to a physiotherapist for spinal exercises could be beneficial and may produce relief of symptoms. Hope this helps. Take Care & Stay Healthy!!!