Expert: Dr. Brendon J. O`Brien, D.C. - 8/5/2008

Question
Hi,
I hope you can help
About two months ago I began having some pain in my shoulder area (behind neck towards right.  It then progressed - pain behind my neck, pain in right shoulder (back), sometimes pain in right shoulder (front), pain in upper arm, and my thumb has gone completely numb(right hand).  There are moments when I move a certain way - example if I bend down to tie my shoe laces - I get extreme pain in my arm and then I get pins and needles thoughout my arm and hand. When I straighten up the pain subsides.
Thankyou in advance

Answer
Hello Barbara,

    You may want to have a MRI of the cervical spine, often impingement on the nerves will cause your symptoms.  A MRI will show any impingement,disc,facet,bone, and muscular changes.  Doctor's of Chiropractic specialize in the biomechanics of the spine and all joints in the body.  Chiropractic may be great benefit to you!  The results of the MRI will determine the coarse of treatment.  In the meantime you may want to ice and avoid painful movements.

Have a great day,
Dr. Brendon O'Brien D.C.