Is this an accurate assessment of my Neck pain?

Question

I have been having neck pain for at least on and off for about 7 months. Until recently, I just contributed it to stress and working on the computer a lot. The past 2 weeks it has gotten tremendously worse. Tingling down my right arm...and pain in my neck and headaches. My doctor ordered a c-spine, and of course it came back with Osteoarthritis with some nerve compression. I'm slightly baffled by this diagnosis as I'm only 45 yrs old. My doctor now wants an MRI...(which I went today for) to see exactly what is going on with the nerves and soft tissue.
I'm primarily concerned because of my age...possible misdiagnosis. Although, I will know more in a couple of days based on my MRI findings. Has anyone ever been through this before? I really do not want surgery. I'm hoping that its something that can be managed with physical therapy...and whatever else is non-invasive. Thanks for the help...

Answer 1

The same principle applies to necks as to headaches(below)... Muscles get knots called trigger points. These make the muscles tight causing them to press on nerves and other thing.
Pain can be referred from places other than the head.
#1 The first thing is to take a couple swigs of molasses or eat a couple of bananas. They contain magnisium and potassium both of which muscles need.
#2 WATER she should be drinking 1/2 gallon minimum. The head of neurology at UCDavis likens a body running low on water to a car running low on oil (the engine can seize).
Get a good (deep tissue) massage (to loosen the trigger points) on the back, shoulders and neck. Make sure to press up at the base of the skull where it meets the spine.
You rub or lightly scratch everywhere on your head. You will hit spots that are tender these are trigger points. The idea is to rub across them 6-12 times per session up to six times per day until they go away.
For more information on trigger points read The Trigger Point Therapy Workbook by Davies.

Answer 2

Well I'm certainly no doctor but I since was diagnosed with a problem with my C-7 vertebrae in my neck I have intermittently suffered from neck pain, tingling or shooting pain down my left arm, headaches and the "piano wire" tightness on both sides of my neck. I am 35 and your symptoms seems much like mine and I too work on a computer all day. Although many people have preconceived notions about chiropractors I see one about once/week and it has greatly relieved the frequency and intensity of this tension. It's amazing how one slight kink between two vertebrae can pinch nerves and sent shooting pains all over the place. He has also taught me home exercises and since I am a stomach sleeper to not sleep with a pillow all of which has brought relief. It might be that your problem is larger than mine but my suggestion would be to at least give a local chiro an opportunity to take a look before you go through a bunch of expensive test and/or surgeries if you really don't need them.
In any event I wish you the best of luck and hope you feel better soon. Cheers.

Answer 3

You sound like a good candidate for physical therapy. Your therapist can help to figure out if there are postural or environmental issues that are putting extra strain on your neck and/or your nervous system. The MRI is helpful to have, especially to rule out any really scary stuff.

You will want a PT who has a background in manual therapy, and who is experienced in spine. Go to APTA.org, click on "find a PT", and search your home area. This list will give you a PT's additional credentials. You may want to find an OCS - orthopedic clinical specialist.
Good luck!

Answer 4

I would certainly check into some sort of other options--I have using the NUCCA method of chiropractor for 20 years now and it certainly has been a blessing in my life for I have never had to had myself cut open--of course I have not gone every week for
20 years just several weeks whenever something has come up
What is NUCCA
NUCCA stands for the National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association, and is a specialty within the chiropractic field. The NUCCA system is a painless and safe spinal correction which restores body balance and increases the body's natural healing ability.

it is worth checking out!

Answer 5

Honey, I hate to tell you this, but age is only a number. From the medical background that I have, it sounds as if your physician is doing the right things. He should also be doing some blood work in addition to the MRI. Surgical intervention is not always the conclusion on this type of condition. There is a website called WebMD and I urge you to go to it and research this for yourself. I have seen many patients much younger than you have this type of condition. I hope things work out well for you.

Answer 6

Yes, if you spend too many hours sitting down with your head turned to a certain angle, such as the computer, you can be prone to this sort of injury. Best thing to do would be to listen to your doctors medical advice, and always think twice before under going any surgical operation. I feel you will be fine if yuou stretch and train your neck.

Answer 7

Yes, you can have OA at your age (people can start to get it in their 20s). It sounds like your physician was correct with his/her diagnosis. Physical therapy is usually very effective in cases like yours. You can probably expect postural correction, cervical traction, manual therapy, and/or therapeutic exercise... and diminished cervical and radicular pain. Good luck.

Answer 8

Go to a chiropractor.

Answer 9

depending on your job and surroundings it can be stress or compression somewhere along your spine.