Suggest Treatment For Pain In Back Radiating To The Arm

Posted on Wed, 27 Aug 2014

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

Wed, 27 Aug 2014 Answered on

Wed, 17 Sep 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I have pain in upper left back radiating to left arm. MRI shows left lateral herniation at C4-5 and C5-6 , filing the lateral recess and compromising the corresponding neural exit foramina. At C6-7 there is left paracentral disc protrusion with flattening of the related aspect of spinal cord. Treatment with Cerebrex and Nervex for last 7-10 days has reduced intensity of pain. Is accupunture helpul to treat this problem. Can you suggest good doctor in XXXXXXX (prferebaly in Trivandrum), XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Dr. Shruti Rijhwani (11 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
In my opinion it is not a very useful technique.

Detailed Answer:
Dear Sir,

Thank you for posting your query

I have gone through your problem and in my opinion accupuncture will not be very helpful in treating your condition . Since the pain you get is due to compression of nerves accupuncture therapy will not be very fruitful in dealing with it .

Your doctor has treated you rightly with medicines and physiotherapy is one modality that will bring long time relief in your case . Regular physiotherapy will keep the joints in the neck XXXXXXX and also releases the compression when practised religiously . I think you can discuss this with your treating doctor what he feels about this as he remains the best judge since he had the privilage tio examine you .

Take care.

Dr. Shruti

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

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Shruti Rijhwani (3 hours later)

Thank you, Doctor. In addition to Cerebrex and Nervex, I have now been asked to take Prednisolon-nycomed 5 mg twice a day for 10 days. Is it advisable to take this when I am already taking Cerebrex. Can it have reactions. Is it advisable to reduce dosage and gradually stop Cerebrex and move on to Prednisolon.

I have a general fear of Steroids having never taken them before and would like to know about it's possible side effects as also whether it is o to take them.

I continue to have pain in the upper left back radiating to the left arm

Answered by Dr. Dr. Shruti Rijhwani (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Follows.

Detailed Answer:
Dear Sir,

You can take the combination that your doctor has prescribed , steroids are byfar the best antiinflammtory drugs known and can prove highly beneficial in your case .
If your doctor feel this you should go ahead with what he has advised .You can take it with cerebrex and there is no need to taper it.

Steroids given for such small duration will not lead to any side effects , so be rest assured and dont worry about that aspect.

Dr. Shruti

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