Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Suggest Treatment For Cervical Radiculopathy
Question: Hello
I am interested in a holistic approach to healing a cervical radiculopathy issue.
I have pain shooting down my left arm with tingling into my hand and fingers.
This is stemming from a disc bulge in my back that triggers pressure on a nerve that extends to and throughout my left arm and hand.
What holistic approach can I take to healing the root cause?
Thank You.
XXXXXXX
Brief Answer:
Following measures would be helpful.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for posting your query.
I have noted your symptoms and the MRI spine findings.
At this stage, following treatment measures would help you:
1. Medications such as pregabalin and gabapentin capsules, would help reduce the nerve pain and tingling.
2. Use of soft cervical collar, especially while traveling would also help.
3. Physiotherapy, with IFT, ultrasound, traction would help reduce the pain. Once pain is better, then, neck extension exercises can be started.
4. You should use a cervical pillow (small/less height).
5. Prolonged sitting in one position especially working at laptop/computer should be avoided, you should get up and walk for a few minutes every 30-45 minutes.
6. If above measures fail, then, epidural injections may be given.
I hope my answer helps. Please get back if you have any follow up queries or if you require any additional information.
Wishing you good health,
Dr Sudhir Kumar MD (Internal Medicine), DM (Neurology) XXXXXXX Consultant Neurologist
Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad, India
Click on this link to ask me a DIRECT QUERY: http://bit.ly/Dr-Sudhir-kumar
My BLOG: http://bestneurodoctor.blogspot.in
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you for you quick response.
Also, after taking the Medications "pregabalin" and "gabapentin" capsules, would these meds prevent future nerve damage or just "mask" the pain and continue to stress the nerve?
My concern/goal is to protect the nerves as much as possible while in the process of reducing inflammation in the disc.
Please let me now your thoughts.
Thank you again for you cooperation.
XXXXXXX
Brief Answer:
My reply is below.
Detailed Answer:
Thank you for getting back.
1. Pregabalin and gabapentin would reduce the inflammation but not prevent any future nerve damage.
Other measures (steps 2-5) as mentioned above would reduce the future nerve damage and protect your nerves.
I hope it helps.
Best wishes,
Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM (Neurology)
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
