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Suggest Treatment For Persistent Neck Pain That Radiates To The Shoulder

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Posted on Thu, 2 Mar 2017
Question: I have neck pain that occasionally goes into the right shoulder. It is very severe when it goes to the right shoulder...No tingling or numbness. I had an MRI recently (1 week ago) that said:
There is severe disc space narrowing C5-6 C6-7 C7-T1....
C 4-5 A broadbased disc osteophyte indents the ventral thecal sac at this level.The ventral cord is contacted. There is mild canal narrowing. Moderate right and moderate to severe left foraminal narrowing are present secondary to facet and uncovertebral joint hypertrophy.
C5-6--A broad based disc calcified indents the ventral thecal sac at this level. The ventral cord is contacted. There is mild canal narrowing. The ventral thecal sac is flattened. Uncovertable joint hypertrophy and facet hypertrophy contribute to severe right and moderate to severe left sided foraminal narrowing. "
Id like to know what I could do to keep it from getting worse and to avoid surgery if possible. I take care of my mom who is 92 and I have to stay healthy. What is the best pain med to take? I take Advil now
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Conservative treatment includes other possibilities besides drugs.

Detailed Answer:
Hello again and thanks for being on HCM.

I have read your question and understand your concerns.

It is obvious from MRI results that you suffer from degerative cervical spine and discs disease.

Conservative treatment is a feasible first course of action to treat the clinical manifestations of first-onset degenerative spine disease.

The most commonly accepted modalities range from anti-inflammatory therapy to exercises designed to increase muscle strength and relieve joint loading.

So, ibuprofen is an antiinflammatory drug, you can use also painkillers such tramadol in addition to it.

Warm procedures on neck and exercises designed to stretch the muscles and neck (McKenzie exercises for example) may be of benefit in your case.

If these treatment ways fail to improve your condition after one or two months, decompressesive and stabilization surgery may be considered.

Discuss with your Doctor about these issues.

Hope you found the answer helpful.

Kind regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (1 hour later)
Dr....
1. what do you think of diclofenac as a prescribed anti-inflammatory?
2. what is your opinion generally about accupuncture for the pain I have?
3. what type of injections might be used for the situation I have?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (11 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Diclofenac may be a good alternative.

Detailed Answer:
Welcome back.

Diclofenac is one of the potent antiinflammatory drugs, in my opinion, you can use it to relieve your symptoms, however, it could result in adverse effects such stomach upset, increased blood pressure etc.

Acupuncture also is found to relieve neuralgic pain, so, it could be of benefit besides exercises and physical therapy.

If these measures fail to improve your condition, epidural injections may be tried.

Hope I helped you.

Take care.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho

Neurologist, Surgical

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 4502 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Persistent Neck Pain That Radiates To The Shoulder

Brief Answer: Conservative treatment includes other possibilities besides drugs. Detailed Answer: Hello again and thanks for being on HCM. I have read your question and understand your concerns. It is obvious from MRI results that you suffer from degerative cervical spine and discs disease. Conservative treatment is a feasible first course of action to treat the clinical manifestations of first-onset degenerative spine disease. The most commonly accepted modalities range from anti-inflammatory therapy to exercises designed to increase muscle strength and relieve joint loading. So, ibuprofen is an antiinflammatory drug, you can use also painkillers such tramadol in addition to it. Warm procedures on neck and exercises designed to stretch the muscles and neck (McKenzie exercises for example) may be of benefit in your case. If these treatment ways fail to improve your condition after one or two months, decompressesive and stabilization surgery may be considered. Discuss with your Doctor about these issues. Hope you found the answer helpful. Kind regards.