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

[CCF Neuro[P] MD, RPS]

Dear Jeffco:

If you find a new type of MRI that defines nerve compression or damage let us know.  The only refinements are in selecting the spin times, time to echo, relaxation times and tensla power.  There are things that have been around a few years to note metabolic features of cells but this is old technology.  

CCF Neuro MD

[jeffco]

I am told that there is an improved MRI exam available which is especially designed to locate nerve damage, compression,etc. If so, where would this machine be found?

[CCF Neuro[P] MD, RPS]

Dear "toctoole"

It is rather difficult to tell you what you may have as I have not examined you or seen your workup.  I am assuming that the MRI of your C-spine was normal.  The neurological exam must also be perfectly normal with no weakness or sensory level.  The radiating pain suggest some sort of radiculopathy.  I assume that your trauma was minor and that you had no head trauma or lost consciousness.  Since your EMG must of have been normal, there is likely not a brachial plexus injury, no cervical spinal damage, no neuropathy, etc.  Sorry, but I am at a loss to suggest anything else.  If the dizziness is vertigo and there is a negative Hillpike-Dix then the problem is central but a positive sign would be peripheral and suggest some inner ear problem.  The normal MRI and EMG however, would suggest that the etiology of your pain is something other than peripheral or central.  This might suggest that your pain might be functional.  However, until you rule out all other causes I would not jump to that conclusion.  You may want a second (in your case fourth)opinion and have all the films, EMG, blood work etc gone over by fresh eyes.

Sincerely,

CCF Neuro MD

[[email protected]]

I am a nurse that has had a injury to neck & shoulder have pain in neck r side which goes down my R arm,  i have periods of dizzy feeling and at time feel that i need to hold on to somethings. Its wakes me up out of a sleep, it come into my dreams & wakes me
its not getting any better have seen nurologious X3 they think I depress but i know I'm not this has only happen since my injury
nearly 6 months ago . Pain is the main problem with the dizzness
hope you can help  with some suggestions

[CCF Neuro[P] MD, RPS]

Dear Linda:

I would see a neurologist and have things looked at.  It may be that you have a spinal problem.  But, this will be unknown unless a thorough exam is initially done.

I hope you find out the source of your problems.

CCF Neuro MD

[Linda McDonald]

I have been experiencing severe pain in my left shoulder, scapula, elbow, wrist and numbness in my left thumb.  Sometimes I feel pain in my neck and lower back.  The bursea below my shoulder and elbow are quite inflamed. I believe this started when I was digging a hole to plant a shrub.  I have been under some stress lately and feel this has contributed to the problem.
I have been treated several times by a chiropractor and also a massage therapist. I did get some relief but there are times when the pain flares up and is almost intolerable.  I have been trying ibuprofen, tylenol pm, and a generic form of flexoral but nothing seems to give much relief.  I haven't been able to sleep for longer than 2 hours at a time before the pain has me pacing the floor again. I have a problem with taking strong medication such as morphine or demoral.  My real concern is, will there be permanent damage to my tissue because of the numbness?  I assume there is a ischemic condition. Also, how long does it ususlly take for the nerve to heal after being constricted?  This problem has been going on for about 3 weeks now.  I am currently attending school for massage therapy and wonder if this will affect my ability to be a massage therapist.  Any information you can give me will be greatly appreciated.  Thank You