What is causing upper arm pain that wakes me up?

[greenwave]

I have been waking up with severe upper arm pain. I have a cervical fusion already and was in a car wreck on Aug 29 2015. I am losing being able to hold things and worried about the pain. Does anyone else have this ?

[Tuckamore]

Hello Fellow Floridian, Welcome! I'm sorry to hear about your pain and loss of function. We understand how pain and dysfunction can change a life. Many of us are in a similar situation. You have my empathy!

I think Mr. Cook has offered some accurate suggestions. Apparently something is going on with the cervical fusion area. It could be a compressed nerve. He's named the possible culprits.

Another thought is the areas above and below the fusion. When an area of the spine is fused it puts greater stress on the structures above and below it. They experience more than normal pressure and movement. Obviously the spine is a marvelous structure - designed to function as one unit. Changes to the structure can cause multiple problems.

I encourage you to consult a neurosurgeon - or neurologist. You require some diagnostic scanning. Be assertive and don't take no for an answer. If you are not satisfied with one specialist - consult another. This is your spine and no one cares as much about it - or your pain as you do.

What was fused in your cervical spine? The C5, 6, 7? Educate yourself on the structures in that area - as well as cervical fusion. We want as much information as possible when you consult your medical provider. Know the terms so you can discuss your condition - and understand what is being said to you. Know what options are available - and make an educated decision. If you need assist we're here to help.

What you are experiencing is not the norm. It's time to investigate what the is causing your pain and loss of function. I hope you'll keep in touch and let us know how you are doing?

Best of Luck,
~Tuck

[GordonCook]

judging on my experience from 15 years ago something in your neck is compressing the ulnar, median or radial nerve in your arm. I am NOT a medical professional but i has experience in the year 2000 when the surgeon put a screw in my cervical disk rather than the vertebra.... don't ignore!

[ALbertPA]

Greenwave,
I agree with GordonCook,
Likely you are experiencing a nerve radiculopathy from cervical spine root impingement. Suggest you visit neurosurgeon or at least a pain specialist for diagnosis and possible treatment.
Best-

[ALbertPA]

Greenwave,
You could try Lidoderm 5% patches any clinician practitioner  can prescribe BUT only for comfort until evaluated by specialist suggested by me. If not covered by your insurance, can try a new (less costly) OTC pain gel my patients have described to me - Nordic ICE Pain relief gel.
Best-