Neck pain & a numb left arm and thumb

[sophialoren57]

help! have been plagued with neck pain for years, about 7 weeks ago left arm started going numb with tingling, pins & needles very bad when in typing position  or arms out in front. 3 weeks ago thumb stated going numb/dead with a feeling of pressure round forearm, arm pit & top of the arm. neck pain is bad too. I had an xray- waited 3 weeks for the result!! which shows ;

'There is degenerative change at the cs/c6 level with disc height loss and anterior osteophyte formation.'
I think understand waht is happening to me, but I seem to be ghetting worse, cannot work, sleep is difficult and am having to wait because of the system; a long time to see a Neurologist. Ihave just had the MRI but no result yet.
My question is - how bad can this get how long can it be left ? I mean do I lose the use of my arm/hand eventually? is this nerve damage permanent?  Am I looking at surgery to remove these bony spurs for sure? How long does it take to recover from surgery afterwards & physio?  Ironically I work for the NHS! Please can anyone advise me?

[kay290]

There are alot of risks to an Epidural injection. Why don't you ask for steroid pills and see if that helps. A 4 month wait is NOT going to do you any good. Your symptoms may resolve by then. But if your having arm weakness you may need surgical intervention as soon as possible to avoid permanent damage.

[Dr. A. Srivastava]

Thank you for your question. Although your treating doctors will be in best position to come at final treatment conclusion, but I think you need cervical collar for about 6-8 weeks and surgical repair or fusion surgery, if condition is very severe. Additionally, follow exercises suggested by physiotherapist in order to get a relief in your symptoms. Hope this helps.

[sophialoren57]

thanks so much for your opinion- since then I hae has my MRI report back at last! Can I share the report with you for your comments? it says -" The spinal canal is developmentally of normal proportions. At C5/C6 level there is a shallow diffuse posterior discophytic bar which does not impinge upon the spinal cord.  Intervertebral exit foramina are narrowed bilaterally at C5/C6 with potential for compromise of the existing C6 nerve roots bilaterally. Elsewhere intervetebral exit foramina are patent with no evidence  of nerve root compromise.  The spinal cord shows normal apperances from the medulla to the lower border of T6. No intrinsic or extrinsic abnormality is identified.  Marrow signal return is within normal limits.  Conclusion= There is focal spondylitic change at C5/C6 without impingement or distortion of the cervical cord. There is bilateral narrowing of the intervetebral exit foramina which could compromise the exiting nerve roots at this level"
I have seen a Neurosciences Physio who has put me on a very long waiting list to have steroid injection to the neck (up to 4 months) here in the UK. My left lower arm feels quite floppy,dull and heavy and of course I still cannot work. I would welcome your opinion? with huge thanks.

[Dr. A. Srivastava]

Thank you for your question. Most likely your symptoms may be due to nerve irritation in the cervical (neck) spine because of degeneration of disc where contact between the edges of the vertebrae can cause neck pain. In few people, this pain may be referred and perceived as occurring in the back of head, shoulders, arms or chest, rather than just the neck. Other symptoms may include vertigo, nausea (dizziness) and neck pain/stiffness can be intermittent. It will be best that you consult a neurologist who would like to prescribe Pain killers, steroid and muscle relaxants. Other treatments could be cervical orthosis such as a soft cervical collar/stiffer neck brace to restrict neck movement. In addition, cervical traction may also be suggested by the doctor, if condition is severe. Hope this helps.