Straight Neck, Pinched Nerve, Shoulder, Neck, & Back Pain

[Dmunozsantos]

Hi,

I just recently went to the ER for extremely intense shoulder pain, as well as for the sensation of pins and needles down my left arm. They never took x-rays of my shoulders and instead I had three x-rays of my neck done. They told me that I have a straight neck, which is causing all of the shoulder, neck, and back pain. They also believe I have a pinched nerve, possibly caused by a bulging disc, that is giving me the sensation of pins and needles. They gave me 4 prescriptions, none of which fully cover the pain..

I experience many different types of pain, and the severity ranges from day to day. I am only 25 and in good health otherwise. This has significantly limited what I am able to lift/move/do etc.. I sometimes feel pain down to my upper arms. Sometimes I feel a deep pain which feels as though it is in the bone. (Possibly arthritis pain?) It's very difficult for me to even sit, stand, or sleep comfortably at times. Some nights I can't sleep because the pain is so bad, or it wakes me up in the middle of the night.

Different types of pain include: joint pain, burning pain, soreness, stiffness/tightness, deep ache, sharp pains, twinges of pain down my neck or back, and I've even had a sensation that I can only describe as a knife being wedged in between my joints or in the bone. Pain is in my neck, sometimes all throughout my back, shoulders, upper arms, clavicle, and the area where my neck and skull meet...

I've had back pain a good portion of my life off and on, but not to this extent. I also noticed something odd that I've experienced most of my life as well. I did not mention this to the doctor in the ER, because I didn't think anything of it until now... But it's as though I can hear some kind of fluid running up or down the back of my neck.. Almost like water flowing through pipes.. And I can subtly feel it too. I don't feel pain when this happens. But I had assumed this was normal since I always remember hearing it, up until now. I can go without hearing it for months at a time. But I've heard it quite often as of late. And I'm growing concerned that that may be linked to this horrible neck pain...

I will post the x-rays. I hope someone can help me...

Thank you!

Daniela

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hi Daniela!
I am sorry to hear about your medical problems. If you can rotate your shoulders then in all probability the pain is not located in the shoulder. In this case, the diagnosis of a pinched nerve is most likely. Also, the varying nature of pain and the feeling of water running down your back could be due to the pinched nerve (this can cause pain in neck, upper back, shoulder area, arms, and fingers). However, if shoulder movement is restricted then you may need X-rays and MRI of shoulder joint.
The next step should be a MRI or an EMG/NCV study. If this cannot be done, then along with pain medication, you would need physiotherapy. If a MRI is done then other therapies such as traction, spinal manipulation etc can be planned. Please discuss with your doctor. Take care!

The medical advice given should not be considered a substitute for medical care provided by a doctor who can examine you. The advice may not be completely correct for you as the doctor cannot examine you and does not know your complete medical history. Hence this reply to your post should only be considered as a guiding line and you must consult your doctor at the earliest for your medical problem.

[Dmunozsantos]

I have another x-ray photo but this would only allow me to post one. The other one is head on.... You can see a slight curvature of my neck. Not sure how serious that it, or if that's causing any of this pain. I do not typically experience pain in either side of my neck.