What Causes Pain In The Neck Radiating To The Back Of The Head?

Posted on Thu, 8 Jun 2017

Question: I have a compressed C7 in my neck. Two weeks ago after leaning on my right elbow while typing on my iPad, when I stood up I got a very bad pain in the left side of my neck shooting up into the back of my head, lasted about a minute. Two days later my right hand, thumb and index finger went numb and tingles, and is still that way, also all my knuckles hurt. Any idea od what may be going on?

Answered by Dr. Klarida Papaqako (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Looks like pinched nerve.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Thank you for using Healthcaremagic to post your health query.
I read carefully your question and I understand your concern.

Apparently you have a pinched nerve which might have happened because of that particular movement you are describing. I can tell that from the kind of pain you have, and the location of the pain.

It needs 4-6 weeks to heal completely.
You will need to take a painkiller regularly (Ibuprofen 400mg 3 times/day with food), so the inflammation of the nerve will decrease, and also do physical therapy as needed.
Keep the arm in a neutral position. Try not to sleep on the sides.

If not better during that time frame or if worse, you will need to see a local doctor who can do a MRI and see what is going on. It may need surgery if not better.

Hope this is helpful.
Let me know if you need more clarifications.

Regards,
Dr. Papaqako

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Klarida Papaqako (4 hours later)

Thank you very much. Do you think the chiropractor is good, or will it cause more damage? I went to the ER the night my fingers went numb, and the did an EKG, a chest X-ray, a CT scan, and blood work, and said all was fine. Everything bit the MRI. Also the Ibuprofen dosent seem to take away the numb, tingling feeling, is that normal?

Answered by Dr. Klarida Papaqako (57 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Yes, physical therapy is recommended.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Thank you for the follow up question.

Yes, doing physical therapy is recommended in this situation.
You will need to continue the painkiller and physical therapy for 4-6 weeks.

If worse or not better meanwhile, then it is time to see the neurologist again, so they can consider the MRI. It will show if you have only a pinched nerve, or also a herniated disk. But, it should go better in few weeks if it is just a pinched nerve, and it is not supposed to get worse.

Hope I have reassured and been of help.

Kind regards,
Dr. Papaqako

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Klarida Papaqako (1 hour later)

Thank you so much for your help.

Answered by Dr. Klarida Papaqako (32 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Glad to have been of help

Detailed Answer:
You are welcomed.

Glad to have been of help somehow.
Feel free to follow up with me anytime if you wish.

If you do not have other questions about this matter, please kindly close and rate the answer.

All the best,
Dr. Papaqako

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T