I was in an auto accident earlier this year and had a concussion and whiplash. I was breastfeeding at the time, so I could not take the muscle relaxers that were prescribed. On a few occassions I had to take a break from breastfeeding in order to take the pills, because the pain was just too bad. I also underwent PT for about 6-8 weeks (e-stim, massage, excercises, ultrasound).
It has been about four months since the accident occured and the pain has subsided for the most part. However, I have some light electrical sensations up my neck toward my head on occassion. These are decreasing in frequency. Recently I started waking in the night with my right arm completely asleep all the way down to my hand. This never happened to me before. I sleep on my back and my husband and I do not crowd each other during sleep. My orthopaedic doctor ordered an MRI which showed a slight bulging disc (I don't know which one). He did not recommend additional treatment. I am concerned that this could be a pinched nerve. He seemed to think the nerve was bruised during the accident, and that my activity level and physical aspects of caring for my two small children daily has not allowed it to heal yet.
Should I see a neurologist for a second opinion? Could there be more going on with this? I don't want to incur any more medical expenses if I don't need to. I also don't want to have any permanent nerve damage, and once I settle with the auto insurance I will be limited as far as future treatment (if needed) goes. My health insurance won't cover anything related to this accident.