What Causes Neck Pain In A Certain Position And Numb Left Arm?

Posted on Wed, 15 Jun 2016

Question: I had cervical disc replacement a month ago to relieve pressure on the C6 nerve root. The neck pain and tingling/numbness down my left arm went away pretty much immediately. However, in the last couple of days, I'm experiencing different (somewhat similar) pain/really achiness down the left lower neck, down the back of my left shoulder. I can gain some relief with positioning, specifically leaning back a bit in my chair, or raising my shoulder a bit, even raising my arm above my head. I'm wondering if these symptoms are normal, and should they subside over time?

Answered by Dr. Neeraj Kumar (26 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Take treatment as advised, consult treating surgeon

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I have gone through your question and understand your concerns.

According to you, your surgical outcome of C6 disc surgery was good with relief in symptoms.

This other pain is not typically of such nature.

One possibility may be muscular spasm.
Is there any neck collar being used?
You can visit and consult your treating surgeon.
You can try pain killers like PARACETAMOL 650 mg three times daily after food with muscle relaxant for some time.

Avoid lifting heavy objects or carrying something over shoulder.

Wishing you good health.

Hope you found the answer helpful.
Do get back to me for further queries.
Regards
Dr N Kumar
Neurologist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Neeraj Kumar (4 days later)

I appreciate the response, and while muscular spasms seem a logical cause, I'm quite sure my issue is primarily neurological. Depending on positioning, I experience pain/tingling from the base of my neck, down left shoulder blade, into the back of my left shoulder. I've learned that if I lean back in a chair, or lie flat in a bed, the symptoms subside almost completely. When sitting in a chair leaning slightly forward, or with arms resting in a table, the symptoms return dramatically. I have some historical experience with lower back spasms, so I know what spams feel like. This is very different. Thoughts?

Answered by Dr. Neeraj Kumar (7 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Less likely to be nerve root related

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
The distribution of symptoms is above C6 and may be nerve root related if some compression was present earlier.
For operation related complications consult your treating neurosurgeon.
Pregabalin with methylcobalamin can be used for such neuropathic pain.
Hope you recover soon
Regards
Dr N Kumar
Neurologist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Neeraj Kumar (2 hours later)

Many thanks for your time and expertise. I'll follow up with my neuro surgeon.

Answered by Dr. Neeraj Kumar (30 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Wishing you good health

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Do get back again with reports and advice of your neurosurgeon.
Wishing you good health.
Regards
Dr N Kumar

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee