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Suggest Remedy For Numbness In The Arm Along With Neck Pain

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Posted on Mon, 27 Jul 2015
Question: I have increased numbness in my right arm and hand. I had a history of neck pain with herniated disc at c6-c7. My family doctor ordered an updated MRI the following are the results:
C2-c3 no abnormality
C3-c4 disc/osteophyte ridge which is central to left paracentral. Always slightly larger in the interval. Mild to moderate central to left canal stenosis. Mild left sides foraminal narrowing.
C4-c5 no abnormalities
C5-c6 mild uncovertebral hypertrophy. Overall mild left sided foraminal narrowing but no significant central canal stenosis. Far left lateral disc bulging.
C6-c7 broad based disc osteophyte which appears larger. Eccentric to the right. Mild to moderate canal stenosis.

I've already had all the epidural steroid injections they can do in that area. What is the next step? Also, should I be restricting my exercises? I'm a Beachbody coach so I do home fitness programs on a daily basis.. I would normally call I doctor, but she hasn't returned my calls or emails.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (33 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Cervical traction and regular exercise can help.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
The increased numbness in the hand and arm is due to the disc osteophyte with canal stenosis that is causing a compression on the nerves. If the epidural steroid injections have not helped you then you can consider going for a neck traction for a week at your physiotherpist's office. Doing regular neck strengthening exercises will also help. There is no need to restrict your exercises as long as they do not aggravate any neck pain. Taking methylcobalamin supplements and medicines like Gabapentin can also help in decreasing the symptoms. In case there is associated muscle weakness or the symptoms are gradually increasing then it is best to consult a neurosurgeon for a surgical decompression of the disc.
I hope this answers your query.
In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Praveen Tayal.
For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Praveen-Tayal
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

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

Orthopaedic Surgeon

Practicing since :1994

Answered : 12314 Questions

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Suggest Remedy For Numbness In The Arm Along With Neck Pain

Brief Answer: Cervical traction and regular exercise can help. Detailed Answer: Hello, Thanks for posting your query. The increased numbness in the hand and arm is due to the disc osteophyte with canal stenosis that is causing a compression on the nerves. If the epidural steroid injections have not helped you then you can consider going for a neck traction for a week at your physiotherpist's office. Doing regular neck strengthening exercises will also help. There is no need to restrict your exercises as long as they do not aggravate any neck pain. Taking methylcobalamin supplements and medicines like Gabapentin can also help in decreasing the symptoms. In case there is associated muscle weakness or the symptoms are gradually increasing then it is best to consult a neurosurgeon for a surgical decompression of the disc. I hope this answers your query. In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out. Wishing you good health. Regards. Dr. Praveen Tayal. For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Praveen-Tayal