Expert: Gerald Anzalone, D.C. - 5/4/2007

Question
Hello, For the last 3-4 months I've had a pretty sore shoulder and neck.  I put it down to my job sitting in front of a computer 9-5.  2 months ago I started experiencing tingling down my right arm during the night and waking up with numb hands (both - but mostly my left)  For the last few weeks, my arm and hand tingles constantly and my upper arm feels uncomfortable most of the time.  Any suggestions??  

Answer
Kirsty,

As I don't have the benefit of knowing your medical history or performing a physical examination, I can't offer you a specific diagnosis, but in general, the symptoms that you are describing raise the suspicion of a cervical disc herniation that may be causing nerve root compression or nerve root irritation resulting from inflammation. An MRI scan is the most sensitive diagnostic modality for ruling out a disc herniation, but may not be necessary if you respond favorably to conservative care such as chiropractic or physical therapy, and if there are no significant abnormalities in your physical examination. Acupuncture may also be helpful.

My recommendation would be to have a musculoskeletal examination (which a chiropractor can provide) to evaluate your motor integrity, your sensation, and your deep tendon reflexes, as well as spinal pain and tenderness and neck ranges of motion. Depending upon the chiropractor you choose, there are variety of treatment options that are available. Normally I use soft tissue therapy and gentle joint mobilization and manual neck traction in cases similar to that which you have described. In other cases, joint manipulation may be helpful.

Or, you can consult your primary care physician if muscle relaxants or pain medications are needed in a more severe case.

I hope that this answer points you in the right direction.