can cervical stenosis cause the upper part to go numb

[jojoander]

I have cervical stenosis diagnosed after a car accident, Can the stenosis cause my whole upper to go numb ?  also my arms get weak, It goes away as the day goes on but returns in the morning mostly

[caregiver222]

That is a difficult question to answer. Often the problem comes about months after the accident, and part of the problem is a dislocation of nthe verterbrae. Try to get a 3T MRI (the best) which is very definitive. The images are much clearer. Contact Siemans Corp.  (which makes and services  the machines) to determine which hospital has a 3T machine in your aresa.  Most of the MRI's are 1T (tesla Units). Treatment protocols depend upon the degree of damage. There may be bone damage, or damage to the cartilidge or both. Somertimes there is a fracture that heals and causes nerve entrapment.   There are several issues. The development of calcification, which can be resolved by range of motion exercises through the limits of pain. There is a potential progression to degenerative spinal disease due to constant inflammation. Muscle tone exercises are very helpful, but few physicians seem to know about them. Avoid "self-splinting" which can result in eventually restricting your ability to mover. Intermittant axial traction for several minutes at intervals is always helpful. Puchase andf adjust  the harness (available without prescrioption) , discard the water bag, and use it from six to eight minutes several times a day. You can bring it to work and hang it over a door. Gently let yourself down a teeny bit  (not letting your full weight bear) until the numbness disappears.  This permits fluids to drain and reduces inflamationj. Do not use a cervical collar. This causes loss of muscle tone over time. Try to locate a physician with what is called subluxation experience. They are very difficult to find. Go to the website of Dr. Jerome Groopman, purchase his excellent book "How Doctor's Think" and review the essays on spinal damage on his website. Do not agree to ultrasound treratment, which many physicians prescribe. The vibration only causes more inflamation. Muscle rerlaxers are also often prescribed, but  are contraindicated, except for the first few days after the accident. The reason is they cause degradtion of muscle tone, which agravates nerve entrapment. Keep well-hydrated. There are isometric exercises that increase muscle tone, as well as doing sit-ups. Place a hand sagainst your forehead and gently push against it. Release pressure and move your hand 30 degrees to the right or left. Continue to do so until you have encircled our head. Good luck.