pain in the right arm

I recently began to have severe burning pain shooting from my right thumb up the forearm to just above the elbow. The pain is not constant.  It seems to occur based upon activity but it has happened when the arms are not active such as sitting and watching TV.  The right arm is currently weaker than the left arm. Acetaminophen seems to have no impact on the occurence of the pain. What is happening?  Jerry

[DrSylvesterMD]

Hi Jerry,
How are your symptoms doing today? Hope you are better. From you description of pain it appears that you have cervical radiculopathy. Nerve root dysfunction, which is usually secondary to chronic pressure or invasion of the root, causes a radicular syndrome of pain and segmental neurologic deficit. Cervical (neck) disk syndrome involves pain, numbness, and muscular spasm of the neck, radiating to the shoulders, caused by irritation and compression of the cervical nerve roots by a protruding intervertebral disk.
Diagnosis: CT scans define the dimensions of the bony canal and lateral recess encroachment. Myelography outlines soft tissue planes and delineates the level and often the extent of a disk protrusion. MRI gives excellent images of spinal lesions and may replace myelography in many situations.
Treatment: Specific therapy depends on the etiology of the radicular syndrome. In cervical root lesions, traction as well as a cervical collar effectively relieves muscle spasm, even when nerve root involvement and motor weakness are present. It is usually applied at home for one hour three to four times daily, using weights.
The required amount of pull varies according to the person's size and body type and whether traction is applied supine or sitting. Neck position during traction is important. The most comfortable straight or mildly flexed position is used; extension should be avoided.
Traction is applied through a head halter, with the weight attached on a rope threaded through a pulley placed above and slightly in front of the seated or supine patient. The frequency of treatments may be decreased as symptoms subside.
If static home traction does not provide relief, intermittent traction using a motorized device in a physical therapy facility may help.
Drug therapy, is sometimes helpful. Hospitalization for further evaluation is indicated if motor weakness progresses or weakness or pain does not rapidly subside. Surgical decompression is usually quite effective if non-surgical therapy fails.
Please see a Neurosurgeon or an Orthopedician in this regard. If you have any further queries do get in touch with me.
Regards,
Dr Sylvester, MD