May 26, 2012
Topics A-Z Shoulder Pain Pain in left shoulder with numbness in the hand
Pain in left shoulder with numbness in the hand |
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Dear Ask The Doctor: I have continual left shoulder pain and spasms. My arm, thumb, index finger will go numb instantly in certain positions. I have see a chiropractor twice a week for 3 months to fix this problem without results. What should I do? Dear Jack: According to your description, a cervical nerve compression must be ruled out in your case also an inflammation of the peripheral nerves at the level of the arm and hand, for example a Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. In the younger patients, cervical radiculopathy may be a result of a disc herniation or an acute injury causing impingement of an exiting nerve. In the older patient, cervical radiculopathy is often a result of spinal canal narrowing from bone (osteophyte) formation, decreased disc height and degenerative changes due to aging process. The treatment strategy usually includes: physical therapy program aimed to reduce pain and inflammation, and the use of anti-inflammatory drugs (as “motrin”, “advil”),TENS, also a re-education of habits and posture to improve quality of life. You should be independent in a stretching and strengthening program and continue with these exercises under the periodic supervision of a physical therapist initially and then completely on your own. Patients whose condition fails to improve with a comprehensive rehabilitation program and selective injections (medrol dose kit) should be presented with a surgical reevaluation. Often, patients should show progressive improvement over the first 6-8 weeks with conservative treatment. |
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| Last Updated ( Thursday, 02 February 2012 ) |
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