cervical hnp?

about 2 weeks ago I woke up with severe pain and stiffness in my lower neck and shoulder area(between shoulder blades) barely able to turn my head or raise my arms. I saw a doc at the local clinic who told my I had a severe muscle strain, she gave me a muscle relaxer, and a pain killer, neither worked, so I stopped taking both and went back to rest and ice.  One week ago I saw a chiropractor and he suggested I had a cervical hnp.
Lately I have been experiencing burning and pinching in my left lower neck and tingling and numbing in my left shoulder, elbow and wrist. Sometimes the same symptoms in my left lower leg and foot as well. The chiro thinks he can help me w/o surgery is this possible?

[Godofredo MD]

Hi.

Although your symptoms might suggest herniated nucleus pulposus, it would be advisable for you to first consult a neurologist and perform an MRI to see if there is indeed disc herniation, and if so, the level and severity, including nerve compression. Any form of manipulation prior to knowing exactly what is wrong might lead to worsening of symptoms if not done correctly.

Hope this helps.

[refereeof3]

hi,

well latest appt, dr. concerned about left arm pain and numbness, another appt tomorrow and possible MRI, if not hnp than what?

[Godofredo MD]

Hi again.

Muscular spasms can present with your symptoms. Vertebral malalignment could also cause back pain. In your case, however, there is a significant possibility that the symptoms are indeed due to hnp.

However, the point I was trying to put across was to not undergo any physical manipulation of your spine without first knowing exactly what and where the abnormality or injury is because there is a significant risk of unintended injury with blindly applying any form of traction or rotation on the vertebrae. This is why you need to first consult a neurologist or an orthopedist to perform a complete examination as well as the MRI to correctly diagnose your condition.

Good luck.