Can neck pain and stiffness be new symptoms from arthritis?
Mother has been complaining about neck pain and stiffness for the last couple of months. She has been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis but it's only in her hands. Is it possible these new symptoms could be from the arthritis, too? Although rheumatoid arthritis (RA) seems to target the small joints of the hands and feet, in fact, it can affect any joint in the body, including the cervical spine (neck).Head, neck, and/or arm pain with or without numbness and tingling of the arms and/or hands c...
What's the difference between a stinger/burner and a neuropraxia?
What's the difference between a stinger/burner and a neuropraxia? The term neuropraxia describes symptoms of bilateral (affecting both sides) burning, numbness, loss of sensation, and muscle weakness of the arms and hands. The symptoms are caused by pressure on the spinal cord in the cervical spine (neck). It is like having a concussion to the spinal cord (instead of to the brain). The symptoms can last minutes up to hours.With burners or stingers, the spinal cord nerve root coming off the spina...
Is this a nerve problem?
I have neck pain that goes down my left arm. The doctor has ruled out heart symptoms and thinks it might be a pinched nerve. When I put a soft collar around my neck, the symptoms go away. Does that point to a nerve problem? Neck pain that travels down the arm can be caused by several problems. Angina and heart attacks can sometimes present this way -- especially on the left side. But arthritis with bone spurs, disc herniations, and even postural issues (head forward and shoulders slumped) can cr...
Explain brachial plexus injuries
Can you please explain a brachial plexus injury to me? My brother is a garbage man. His arm got caught in the automatic trash compactor. They say he has this type of nerve injury and may never recover fully. Brachial plexus injuries refer to stretching, avulsion, or rupture of a group of nerves that come from the spinal cord in the neck. Avulsion tells us the nerve root is torn from the spinal cord where it attaches. Rupture refers to a complete tear across the nerve dividing it into two or more...
Can stenosis in the lower back cause shock sensation symptoms in your arms?
Dad is 72-years old and is having more and more trouble walking. We know he has stenosis in his low back. He's also complaining about a shock sensation in his arms. Can these symptoms all come from his stenosis or is something else going on? Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the opening called the spinal canal where the spinal cord travels from the brain down to the lumbar spine. Although stenosis is most common in the low back region, it can occur anywhere along the spine from the neck down to ...
Does cervical myelopathy always get worse?
I've been told that the neck and arm pain I have is from a condition called cervical myelopathy. No one seems able to tell me if I'll get better or not. What happens to most people with this problem? CSM is a degenerative condition that occurs with aging. Adults affected most often are 50 years old and older. The term myelopathy refers to any problem that affects the spinal cord. Cervical tells us the area affected is the cervical spine (neck region). Spondylotic or spondylosis describes a narro...
Should I get a home traction machine to treat a pinched nerve in my neck?
I've had a pinched nerve off and on in my neck for several years. I'm trying to avoid having surgery, so I've been seeing a physiotherapist. It seems to be helping. I really like the traction treatments. That seems to help the most. Since this is an ongoing problem, should I look into getting a traction machine for myself at home? You wouldn't really be able to purchase a traction machine for home use like you use in the physiotherapist's clinic. But home traction units with a head harness or ha...