Suggest Treatment For Electric Shock-like Pain In Right Arm

Posted on Mon, 7 Dec 2015

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

Mon, 7 Dec 2015 Answered on

Tue, 5 Jan 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : I have a horrible electrical type pain in my right arm. It makes the finger nails on my thumb index finger and middle finger feel like they are going to pop off. This is going on for 5 weeks now. It is so bad and working on my nerves so bad now. It started after i went to sleep with my head on a pile of pillows.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Radiculopathy

Detailed Answer:
Hello and Welcome

I appreciate your concern

The pain is likely related to cervical radiculopathy. It is due to compression of a nerve as it exits the cord. Symptoms include pain, paresthesia and weakness of the limb involved. If the cervical spine x ray was done and it showed spondylosis or evidence of compression then steroids like Medrol are the correct way to go. NSAIDs, muscle relaxants such as Diclofenac and tizanidine can be initiated along with the corticosteroids. Most likely the pain would improve.

Based on the degree of severity, gabapentin or amitriptyline can also be added to the medication. Nerve conduction studies and cervical spine MRI should be considered if the pain persists or worsens even after maximum treatment. Physiotherapy can help reduce the burden of pain medication and can be continued with the treatment. It also has considerable benefit.

Wishing you best of health

Thanks

Let me know if you have any query

Please consult your doctor before deciding on any further course of action and for a prescription.

For future follow up / correspondence you may ask me directly at the link given below

http://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/Funnel?page=askDoctorDirectly&docId=68107

Dr. M.S. Khalil

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Sonia Raina