neck and upper back pain with pinky and ring finger numbness

[Cinderalla70]

Hello my name is Cynthia in November of 2011 I fell on some ice. I had an x-ray in January 2012 because the pain was unbearable and an MRI right after the x-ray. Can someone tell me the results mean. AP, lateral and oblique cervical spine radiographs reveal loss of cervical lordosis with replacement by kyphosis and tilting of the head and neck to the right, with no evidence of fracture, malalignment or other acute or pertinent abnormalities. MRI There is straightening of the cervical spine. Individual disk levels are as follows. C2/3: Normal C3/4: Normal C4/5: Trace posterior disc protrusion C5/6: Normal C6/7: Trace posterior disc protrusion C7/T1: Normal. Please help what does that mean. I have been in pain since the fall, but since the beginning of February 2013 my right pinky and ring finger are always numb and I have pain from those fingers to my elbow, in my shoulder and some times I have pain in my ribs on the same side. Also I have pain on the left side of my butt. I was in the Army from 4 August 1997 to 26 June 2012. Since I got out and with my my new symptoms my VA doctor continues to say that I do not need another MRI. Whatever the x-ray and MRI says or don't say there is no reason I should be in this much pain. Please Help.

[caregiver222]

I might ad that chiropractic manipulation is another option. The VA doesn't usually provide this treatment.

[caregiver222]

Because I have had the same injury. They kept telling me it was psychological. I ended up being evaluated by a French pain specialist after being recommended for a spinal fusion. The pain was level ten and I had to use a walker.

Now, the treatment fr a subluxion injury  is as much of an art as a science. The basic treatment sequence is weeks of intermittant axial traction. That is traction along the axis of the spine pulling the head upwards separating the verterbra. You do not want prolonged axial traction because this will cause rapid loss of muscle tone, which keeps the head up and the spinag segmants separated.  This separation, will allow things to simmer down and relieve nerve impingement. How much and how long is a subject of argument. The best traction is applied with you lying flat and the traction harness pulling your head away with a pulley and weight. But suspension over a chair works. Ultrasound is contra-indicated. Theoretically it can loosen taught muscles, but they run the probe everywhere and invariably irritate the nerves making everything worse. A muscle relaxant may be useful the first day of axial traction, but in general you can accomplish the same thing with a long hot bath (or sauna), twice a day. Oral prednisone for a week is the easiest way when you start traction, plus a taper. Injected prednisone is often used, but unnecessary. The problem is the injection is that it has a short half-life and you need the anti-inflammatory medications when you are home using the traction device. Oral prednisone is the bad news bears but a week or two won't hurt you. Rub prescription-grade transdermal prednisone on the neck. After the prednisone go to Ibuprufin. You can take two 400 mg doses (over-the counter is 200 mg) separated by 12 hours without serious damage for a few weeks. Avoid riding in a vehicle or anything that causes up-and-down motion.  I also used DSMO (Medical Grade) but this transdermal anti-inflammatory has many hazards so look it up and think twice about using it. Cervical collars cause loss of muscle tone.  Avoid high glucose levels because the nerve is surrounded by a compartment, a part of which has a semi-permeable membrane, and when there is high glucose levels the pressure within the compartment impinges on the nerve. It is very important to keep well-hydrated, because the cartiliginous disc is mostly water. Sometimes all this doesn't and an operation called a laminectomy is necessary, but this should be avoided at all costs. The VA has excellent rehab programs for sciatica, but they do not understand treatment of sub-luxion (or whiplash injuries). Eventually it should get better and you can carry the portable axial traction harness device around with you and use it once a day, or once a week for a few minutes. Opiates are contraindicated because the pain comes from glial cell stimulation. Neuronton and Tramadol cause loss of mental acuity. Basically NSAIDS are what should be taken to relieve the pain. Stress is a componant and a few days of valium wouldn't hurt, but for idiotic regulatory reasons they are very reluctant to prescribe this drug.

I Vietnam, where I was a platoon leader and company commander, I never went around with less than 400 rounds, four smoke and two frags.

[Cinderalla70]

I Have had back pain in the past wearing body armor with 210 rounds a weapon, helmet, and a full ruck, duffel and assault pack, but this is crazy.  Thank you for explaining what is wrong, because my doctor is telling me that there is nothing wrong at all.  I will definitely do the exercises.  What do you suggest I ask for for the pain?  Its amazing that you can immediately tell me whats wrong when I have been going through this since January 2011.  Should I ask for physical therapy or just the things you mentioned.  Thank you

[caregiver222]

Well, there really isn't a reason for another MRI. We know pretty-much what is going on. Your nerves are pinched. You have a classic subluxion injury, caused by sudden flexure of the neck. The drill is not to use muscle relaxants, don't use a cervical collar, and to exercise through the limits of pain. You also need to use axial traction three to ten minutes at a time, then an hour or two break, then another session. You have to increase muscle tone. And range-of-motion exercises moving your head (rolling it around 360 degrees). Then isometrics placing your hand against your forehead and pushing foward, moving the hand 30 degrees and doing this around your head. Finally sit-ups. Prednisone helps in the short-term but causes too much damage for long term consideration. The trouble is you believe you are damaging something when you move into the area of pain. You are headed for a frozen shoulder and a walker if you don't do that. The VA isn't comfortable with these injuries. They don't have axial traction devices in their inventory to take home so you have to get one on the net or at a local store. They run about $35. Cut off the water bag and suspend yourself gently, but NOT fully while sitting over a chair. This is something you have to do every day for weeks or months. Keep well-hydrated and watch your glucose levels. High glucose levels increase osmolality and increase pain. With range-of-motion and exercise symptoms usually diminish and eventually go away. Don't let them talk you into a spinal fusion. More x-rays won't be worthwhile.