severe neck pain and tight numbness adn a neck plate w/screws

[gail_laveryyahoocom720]

could something worked it,s way loose, causing fevereneck pain with numbness on right back of head and intense pinching and pain inthe middle.where plate is thatravels down right side, hurtig shoulder and causes pain inneck with pain shooting down rigt arm and into my hand, locking 3 fingers when I move them. could a pinched nerve or blunt trauma to the back of my head be causing my problem?

[S. Kaul, MD]

Hi there!

Well, without a detailed clinical evaluation it would be difficult to comment specifically on the situation. Possible causes of neck pain include postural issues, neuro-muscular causes such as muscle sprain, nerve impingement, injuries to muscles/ ligaments, inflammations, spinal causes such as degeneration, micronutrient deficiencies, referred pain from other regions etc. Nerve impingement at neck level could be responsible for shoulder and arm issues. I would suggest getting this evaluated by a neurologist or an orthopedician for a detailed evaluation and suggestion of an appropriate managmenet plan. Meanwhile you could take some tylenol/ OTC NSAIDS and see of these seem to help.
Hope this is helpful.

Take care!

[Dr Santos]

Hi,
How are you? Can you elaborate on your history of  neck plate? Your symptoms may indeed be associated with this or caused by musculoskeletal or neurological issues. For proper evaluation, and to rule out involvement of the neck plate, imaging studies may be required. It is best that you have this examined by your doctor for proper diagnosis. Take care and do keep us posted.