C4 and C5 are herniated. Just begun experiencing numbness and tingling in hands mostly in PM in bed. Help?

Question

I just had a baby recently. Before that was not having any problems due to C4 and C5 as a result of working out regularly and keeping back strong. Over past month, lots of numbness and tingling in hands, thumb, mostly right side. Worried and want to make sure it is due to the C4 and C5 and not MS or other type of nerve issue. Most of my problems are during the nite and in the Am when I wake up. When I stand, walk, sit, feel better although a bit of numbness remains in right hand. Any suggestions???

Answer 1

I would go get it checked out, personally. C4-C5 classically affects the shoulder and deltoid. However pain upon wakening is classic pain from a disc herniation. So, instead of us being the judge, I think you should get a professional to sort this one out. And congrats on the new baby. But, I know that makes it harder than ever to take care of yourself.

Answer 2

Left arm pain or numbness is related to the heart sometimes and there are no real definitive tests other that an scopic exam to tell the difference. However sounds like your doc has ruled that out. That leaves nerve impingement. If you work out your shoulder areas quite a bit like swimming, volleyball or other arm motion that has wide arc movements the constant rubbing of the bone against the top of the joint in your shoulder can cause a bone spur to develop or just inflame the tendons enough that they place pressure on the nerve that runs down your arm. Sleeping constantly on that side of the body can also place additional stress on that area. Motrin three times a day for a couple of months, a one or two weeks regimen of prednisone, Ice and physical therapy sometimes help. Surgery may be an option later on if it doesn't get better. Ask you physician for a consult to an orthopedic surgeon they are the experts. X-rays, maybe MRI can help him visualize the problem. good luck

Answer 3

I agree - you should be going to your doctor for this. I'd like a better history and a good exam on you before I make any conclusions - this can be easily done in a primary care visit. How do you know about your (I assume disc) herination?

It's doubtful that it's MS, and if this is your first episode and the only area of your body that you've had it, you don't meet diagnostic criteria. Don't let that fear of a huge long-shot delay you from going into the doctor to figure out what's wrong. He/she can figure out where exactly your numbness/weakness is coming from, what nerves are involved, and therefore what roots are involved (e.g. relating it to your cervical root problems).

Answer 4

You don’t have to get worried about it. It could be because there is not enough blood circulation due to perhaps disuse atrophy or perhaps due to the fact that part of your body was at rest for two or three hours. You can find good home remedies for this. I did find some at http://ailments.in/peripheralneuropathy.html

Answer 5

Maybe you should go and see a doctor because sometimes these types of symptoms can indicate that you have had a slight stroke or a slight heart attack, without you even knowing it.

Answer 6

This is something you should be asking your dr.