orthopedic pain

[algernon1000]

6 months ago I had a motorcycle accident resulting in breaking my c-6 vertabrae and severing my c-5 and t-1 nerves; resulting in a frozen shoulder and some loss of hand motorization, I can't grip or curl my fingers! Ever since I've been plagued with "pins and needles" to the point of pain and pain-killers like Myprodol and Coxflam make it worse! Does this go away or what can I do?

[S. Kaul, MD]

Hi there!

It would be difficult to comment precisely on the situation without knowing the relevant clinical details or a detailed clinical evaluation. While severed C5 and T1 nerves at the spinal level are unlikely to recover, capsulitis may respond to management. While the pins and needles sensation may get better with time, motor skills would need to be improved. Physiotherapy may be recommended for the same. It would be best to discuss the appropriate management plan and the expected prognosis in detail with your treating orthopedician.
Hope this is helpful.

Take care!

[Sanjivani Wanjari, MD]

HI,
I hope you have had a thorough evaluation and are in touch with your Doctor. The symptoms seem to be due to involvement of nerves. Recovery of nerve injury is a slow process and may take some time. Measures that will help are taking of nerve tonics and multivitamin tablets. Also physiotherapy in such a way that decompression of nerves is facilitated will help. Anti-inflammatory drugs and pain killers will help tide over the problem.
Take care and good luck.