Expert: Gerald Anzalone, D.C. - 7/12/2007

Question
When i touch the top of my spine (near the nape of my neck)If I press the bone it feels like an electric shock. I often get an achey back and try to relieve it by exercise. Could I possibly have a trapped nerve and what treatment would be recommended

Answer
Jacqueline,

It's difficult to recommend a treatment without knowing the specific problem that is causing your symptoms.

Depending upon your age and your medical history, degenerative spinal changes would seem to be the most likely cause of the symptoms you experience when you press against the lower part of your cervical spine. It is important to note if you feel electric sensations only when you press your spine, or if you felt similar symptoms when bending your neck forward or backward that also shoot into the arms; this could be a sign of a more serious underlying pathology that warrants additional and prompt evaluation.

It would be advisable to consult with a chiropractor or an orthopedist for further evaluation, which would likely include x-rays or additional diagnostic imaging (such as MRI or CT scanning); management and treatment of the condition depends upon what the examination and radiographic findings reveal.

If your symptoms are in fact related to degenerative changes, mobilization/manipulation techniques may help, as well as specific rehabilitative exercises. Chiropractic, physical therapy, and massage therapy may be good options in that case.

I hope that this answers your question.