neck, left shoulder and arm pain

[Rhonda]

I've been having alot of neck, shoulder and arm pain.  My doctor ordered an MRI and the report showed bulging annulus c6-c7 but no focal disc protrusions, mild posterior lateral spurring on the right at c5-c6 with a slight thecal sac encroachment.  What does this mean?  Will this get better on it's own?  I have severe pain that travels down my left arm so bad I can't even use my arm.  It's worse when I first get out of bed in the mornings.  Is this going to require surgery?  If it will get better on it's own, how long will it take before the pain is tollerable?  Thankyou, Rhonda

[Carolyn]

I recently had X-Rays of my neck and spine and an MRI of my back due to neck and back pain.  The results were disturbing:
1)Osteoporosis  2) straightening of the cervical and lumbar spine, and  3) degenerative arthritis and degnerative disc disease with prominent bone spurs. I cannot understand why I have osteoporosis because I have been on estrogen therapy for over ten years, exercise moderately,drink plenty of milk and take a daily multi-vitamin supplement.  Additionally, I had a bone density test in June of '98 and was told that I had "the bones of a thirty-year-old."  I teach and have to lug heavy books around all day.  Plus I must strain my neck by looking down to grade papers for hours on end.  Needless to say, I am in constant pain, but do not want to have to take addicting painkillers.  What can I do?My small-town doctor has chosen to treat me with large doses of steriod/cortisone shots (which will make my "already remarkable" cataracts mature earlier than had been expected) and pain management (i.e. sedatives and Tylox #3).  Should I seek the advice of a larger-town specialist, and if so, what kind--a neurologist, orthopaedist, or rheumatologist?  I need help and quickly!

[CCF Neuro[P] MD, RPS]

Dear Eva:

I would think that some simple tests such as a sedimentation rate, CBC, etc might halp in clarification of your problem.  It is very unusual for parasthesias to travel up the arm, the vast majority of peripheral nerve problems that induce parasthesia travel down the arm.  I would just sit down with your family physician and see what he/she thinks.

CCF Neuro MD

[Eva Rodriguez]

I have a feeling of tightness in my left arm, when I get stressed it hurts worse.  I often feel a pain that radiates from my pinky to my neck and my arm gets real cold.  After the pain it feels  cold and tingly. After I excercise I also get this problem where my left arm gets real cold.  I have been having heart palpatations and  lots of dizzy spells,shakiness in both hands and legs, nausea,headaches,fatigue, and a pain in my mid upper back.

I have talked to my doctor but he tells me I am too young for any heart problems. My brother had a heart attack when he was 31,   My father too has a history of heart problems as well as diabetes.  I had a stress test 12 years ago that showed Mitral Valve prolapse, along with an abnormal EKG's.  Now my EKG's are normal therefore my doctor refuses to refer me anywhere or do additional testing.  Could this be a normal feeling or should I try and get more testing done???  

I am 35 years of age.

[Robert]

I have a question in regards to mild twitching(1-5) per minute in the legs(various locations),  buttocks,  tricep area , cheek bone area and sometimes in the small of the back.  I also have what seems to be a muscular type pulling sensation in my hands(palms), feet(bottom near tendon to big toe area and around ball of big toe) and back of legs. Twitching seems to occur mostly while sitting or laying. Twitches are quick in nature sometimes length of tendon in thigh and sometimes very small area & not always visible to the eye.  What can be causing all of this and should I be worried? I am currently very stressed over the whole ordeal and feel something is terribly wrong.  An emg is scheduled,  although the nuero surgeon says there is nothing to worry about.   What can an emg determine?  I am 30yrs. old fairly muscular and have a degenerative back.  Is there need to worry about als?

[to linda mcdonald, 9/30/99]

Linda,
Sounds like you might have a rotator cuff tear or other injury to that area.  My suggestion would be to see and Orthopedic Suregeon that specializes in shoulder injury.
Often a person can have "referred pain", meaning the pain is being directed to other areas of you body.

Especially, since you were digging at the time, I would have the shoulder checked out.

[CCF Neuro[P] MD,RPS]

thanks for the comment.

CCF Neuro MD