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Chiropractors/neck/upper arm pain, numb thumb
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Question
About two weeks ago I got what I thought was a crick in my neck all the sudden. Some pain in my right side of my neck. A few days later it spread to my right shoulder and upper arm. In the past few days, now my right thumb is numb and significant pain in my upper arm and shoulder. I've tried relaxers, heat pads, stretches, etc. All to no avail.
Likely you have a cervical spine disc lesion such as a disc bulge or protrusion. Depending on your age, you may have osteoarthritic bone spurs as well. These two entities encroach spinal nerves or irritate (without encroaching or pinching) spinal nerves at the root of the nerve where it exits your neck. The nerves go down your arm, and the discs can refer pain also to the upper back by your shoulder blade. It's a classic pattern called "cervical radiculitis." You do not have to rush out for x-rays or MRI's. You first need a physical examination by a good chiropractic doctor to see if you have any signs of nerve impingement or some other condition that would warrant medical referral. If you are safe to treat, then a short course of care, about 2 to 3 times/week consisting of neck manual tractioning, mobilization and manipulation can be helpful. If you are no better after about 6 visits, or find that you get worse after a few visits, THEN consider MRI of the cervical spine. Don't waste your time with x-rays.
'Hope this helps.
Dr. G
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Scott F. Gillman, DC, DACBSP
Expertise
21 Years in practice: I can answer any question regarding chiropractic and sports medicine treatment. Mostly, I can help the unknowing public understand what is safe, valid, reasonable and evidence-based, and what kinds of unscrupulous chiropractors and fraudulent methods to stay away from. I have an advanced specialty degree in Chiropractic Sports Medicine. I have experience treating elite and Olympic athletes.
Experience
Experience:
- 21 years in practice;
- Pan American Games, 2011: Official Medical Staff for the Pan Am Games.
- Beijing 2008 Olympic Games: World Olympians Associan and International Sports Chiropractic Association Healthcare Team;
- International Chiropractic Sports Sciences Diploma;
- Official Provider: Jamaican Track and Field team for Penn Relays (2009-2011)
- Experience with USA Gymnastics Healthcare team and International Powerlifting Association Medical Staff;
- 300 hour chiropractic sports medicine diplomate degree (DACBSP); International Chiropractic Sports Sciences Diploma (ICSSD)
- Healthcare Consultant: Century, Ty-Wood Corp. Holliston, MA (2005-2007)
- Team Chiropractor: Boston Bulldogs USL D-3 & Boston Renegades USL W-1 League (1999-2004)
- Independent Examiner: Scope Medical and The Physician's Network
- Professional/Clinical Monitor: Affiliated Monitors, Inc.
- Board of Directors: MetroWest Chamber of Commerce (Massachusetts)2000-2006
- "The Impact of Chiropractic Manipulative Therapy on Chronic Recurrent Lateral Ankle Sprain Syndrome in Two Young Athletes" J. of Chiro Med , Fall 2004
- "Work Related Injury;" The Hanover Report, June, 1993
- "Long Lasting Analgesic Effect of Oxymorphonazine in Rats;" Agonists and Antagonists III, n.7675, 1985
- BS Biology, Doctor of Chiropractic: Northwestern College of Chiropractic,
- Diplomate: American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians (DACBSP)
Education/Credentials
Doctor of Chiropractic Diplomate: American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians
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