Suggest Remedies For Pulled Muscle In Back And Shoulder Area

Posted on Tue, 24 May 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 24 May 2016 Answered on

Wed, 29 Jun 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : I pulled a muscle in my back/shoulder area, then few days later I noticed my index finger and middle finger are numb constantly. Also when the in certain angles my whole arm feels like when you hit your elbow.

Answered by Dr. Vasudha (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
IT's problem of nerve supply to hand. consult orthopedic surgeon

Detailed Answer:
Hi, Tailerciohoney,
Thanks for the query.I have read & understood your complaint.
* The whole sequence of muscle pull in back & shoulder followed by numbness in index & middle finger of hand.The shock like pain when hand is moved in a specific direction... All these symptoms point to entrapment of nerve supply to hand mostly at-
- cervical spinal level- due to cervical spondylitis ( C5-C7) / disc problemfollowing jerk/ trauma/ fall / osteoporosis ,causing pressure, kinking or irritation of nerve supply to hand.
- The compression can be by a cervical rib on the same side of symptoms
* Exact site of the compression would decide line of treatment. X ray/ CT scan/ MRI would pin point the cause.
Consulting an orthopedic surgeon is advised for expert advise regarding management.which would include medicines ( NSAID. medicines/ steroids as per need)/ physiotherapy or physical therapy/ surgery in non responding conditions or cervical rib.
* self care- till you get an appointment of expert, you should-
- give rest to the hand. avoid painful movements.
- avoid flexion of neck,
- pain killers over the counter after food & B6, B12 pills would help,
I hope the answer was informative & useful to you. Any follow up query is welcome.
I request for grading the answer( in case you find it informative & helpful ) before you close it.
Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar