Neck Pain radiating to upper back, muscles in upper arms, tingling in fingers

[Cz6635]

In July of 2008, I was required to carry a laptop on my left shoulder, while carrying my purse and briefcase on the right. I noted pain in the upper left shoulder radiating down my back and a sometimes sharp pain on the left side  bottom of my head. It progressed to intense pain. I saw an orthopedist who took X-Rays which showed some compression in the neck.He advised physical therapy.  I went to a neuroligist who ordered an MRI. I had an open MRI done this week and am having a full back MRI tomorrow. This pain is better, but its been present for 9 months.

I've been to a Chiropracter 4 times--with some months in between, and it did nothing. I tried twice to go to physical therapy at the height of my pain and it didn't help. I'm really frightened as I don't have a clue as to how to heal this or what it might be. Can you advise.

[abhijeet v ghosh]

hi buddy,
You can go to an orthopaedician who specilizes in spine or a neurosurgeon.
I don't think neurologist is the right doctor for you.

also keep us posted,
regards

[Cz6635]

Thank you for your information. Actually, I only went 2 times and did not continue with physical therapy for either my neck or back pain. It has gotten somewhat better on its' own but I have pain when I raise my arms out from my body (like flying) but not when I do it straight up. I think it's my fear that's kept me from continuing the physical therapy.
I'm going to a neuroligist on Monday who will tell me what he sees on the upper back/neck and lower back MRI's. Ques: Is a Neurologist the right doctor or do I go to a Orthopedist, or someone else. This has been a bit confusing.

[abhijeet v ghosh]

hi friend,
So many MRi's/ looks like you have got a good insurance cover.
You have not mentioned about the MRI report. Are you having some severe disk problem or mild canal compromise like features??
If the pain is bothering you a lot you need to have some muscle relaxants and anti-inflamatory.
a failure of physical therapy for 6 weeks for neck and 6 months for back , points towards the requirement of surgery.

Regards