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Is There A Reason Why Have I Been Experiencing Chronically Recurring Intermittent Pain In My Right Side Rhomboid Muscle, Neck, And Radiating Strain In My Right Arm?

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Posted on Mon, 11 Jul 2022
Question: Hi Doctor,
I have been experiencing intermittent pain (feels like strain) in my right side rhomboid muscle, neck, and radiating strain in my right arm for almost an year now. I have consulted neuro surgeon, orthopedic doctor and they suggested me to go for physiotherapy and take up activities like gym, swimming. I have attended multiple physiotherapists and am still doing all the recommended exercises by therapists. However, my pain keeps coming back. On one of the doctor's suggestion, I have recently (2 months back) taken an MRI of cervical spine. Every doctor I visit says that my spine is fine and have prescribed few medications. I am currently on Nervmax SR 75. This tablet seems to reduce my pain to an extent, but I'd want to permanently cure my condition.
Here are the impressions from my MRI study:
1) Diffuse disc bulge with mild uncovertebral hypertrophy at C3-C4 causing mild bilateral neural foraminal compromise.
2) Small posterocentral disc bulg at C4-C5 mildly indenting anterior thecal sac.
3) Diffuse disc bulge with mild uncovertebral hypertrophy at C6-C7 causing mild bilateral neural foraminal compromise with indentation on right side nerve root.

I have also got an abdominal ultrasound done to see if my gallbladder is compressing any nerve. The results show that it is not the case.

The onset of pain was after wearing a bulky helmet and driving a bike for long distance. I have since then stopped wearing heavy helmets and driving bikes. I have asked several doctors if surgical treatment is an option for me, and all of them rejected saying this is a minor problem.
I also want to know if my disc bulges will heal themselves or is there any way to naturally heal my disc bulges.

Thank you.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Sudhir Kumar (24 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Surgery is not needed.

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

At this stage, you need only medical treatment (medicines and physiotherapy). You would improve completely in 1-3 months. Surgery is required in only 10% of cases. Indications for surgery include:

1. Weakness or numbness of arm or hands or fingers
2. Severe pain not responding to medical treatment

So, I request you to continue medical treatment for now.

Regards,
Dr. Sudhir Kumar
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Sudhir Kumar

Neurologist

Practicing since :1994

Answered : 6232 Questions

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Is There A Reason Why Have I Been Experiencing Chronically Recurring Intermittent Pain In My Right Side Rhomboid Muscle, Neck, And Radiating Strain In My Right Arm?

Brief Answer: Surgery is not needed. Detailed Answer: Hi, At this stage, you need only medical treatment (medicines and physiotherapy). You would improve completely in 1-3 months. Surgery is required in only 10% of cases. Indications for surgery include: 1. Weakness or numbness of arm or hands or fingers 2. Severe pain not responding to medical treatment So, I request you to continue medical treatment for now. Regards, Dr. Sudhir Kumar