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What Causes Pain In Back Of Neck Radiating To Arms?
Posted on
Mon, 15 Sep 2014
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Mon, 15 Sep 2014
Answered on
Thu, 2 Oct 2014
Last reviewed on
Question : I have been experiencing episodes of vertigo for about 5 months now. I did see an ENT who diagnosed my issues as TMJ. Since my visit, I have developed some other symptoms which include pain in the back of neck which pulsates through my back and left arm with rapid heart be
at. Usually at night, if I am sleeping o
n my back the pain in my neck and back of my head is worse. The pain in my arm feels like the tightness when taking your blood pressure. IBprofen helps somewhat. The vertigo with the heart rate is very uncomfortable. I do find it worse with caffeine or wine and with stress. The ENT diagnosed this as part of a problem of long term use of ephidrine. I have eliminated any use of ephidrine, caffeine and alcohol. Symptoms have not really gone away.
at. Usually at night, if I am sleeping o
n my back the pain in my neck and back of my head is worse. The pain in my arm feels like the tightness when taking your blood pressure. IBprofen helps somewhat. The vertigo with the heart rate is very uncomfortable. I do find it worse with caffeine or wine and with stress. The ENT diagnosed this as part of a problem of long term use of ephidrine. I have eliminated any use of ephidrine, caffeine and alcohol. Symptoms have not really gone away.
Brief Answer:
Further cardiac investigations are advised first..
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
I have gone through your medical history carefully.
The pain in the back of neck which pulsates through your back and left arm is indicative for possible spondyloarthrosis.
Rapid heart beat you feel is due to normal reaction to this stressed situation.
If I was your caring doctor would advise to run cardiac tests first to exclude cardio-vascular problems:
- ECG
- holter monitoring
- cardiac echo
- stress test
A complete blood count and hormonal balance is advised to exclude anemia and/or thyroid problems.
Neck X-ray or vertral MRI is recommended for further evaluation of spinal cord.
If everything is ok, then, it is due to TMJ. When you have these episodes, I advise to take:
- betahistine
- anti-inflammatory drugs
- increase water intake
- take more rest
to relieve the symptoms.
I encourage to continue the changes you are currently implementing in your diet and lifestyle regimen.
Hope it helped!
Dr.Albana
Further cardiac investigations are advised first..
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
I have gone through your medical history carefully.
The pain in the back of neck which pulsates through your back and left arm is indicative for possible spondyloarthrosis.
Rapid heart beat you feel is due to normal reaction to this stressed situation.
If I was your caring doctor would advise to run cardiac tests first to exclude cardio-vascular problems:
- ECG
- holter monitoring
- cardiac echo
- stress test
A complete blood count and hormonal balance is advised to exclude anemia and/or thyroid problems.
Neck X-ray or vertral MRI is recommended for further evaluation of spinal cord.
If everything is ok, then, it is due to TMJ. When you have these episodes, I advise to take:
- betahistine
- anti-inflammatory drugs
- increase water intake
- take more rest
to relieve the symptoms.
I encourage to continue the changes you are currently implementing in your diet and lifestyle regimen.
Hope it helped!
Dr.Albana
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
hi Dr. Albana - I am hypothyroid and have been for over 30 YEARS if that helps.
Brief Answer:
Hypothyroidism might be a possible cause...
Detailed Answer:
Hi back XXXX
Thank you for providing more of your medical data.
If you have been hypothyroid for over 30 years, then, this explains partially your current problems. Usually, low thyroid function is associated with low blood pressure, which might lead to vertigo/dizziness. However, I believe, your doctor has prescribed medication to keep a good balance of thyroid hormones. That should have improved your situation.
Anyway, spondyloarthrosis and other health problems (cardio-vascular, diabetes, anemia) as mentioned earlier should be excluded first. You can send any lab report you have for further evaluations!
Dr.Albana
Hypothyroidism might be a possible cause...
Detailed Answer:
Hi back XXXX
Thank you for providing more of your medical data.
If you have been hypothyroid for over 30 years, then, this explains partially your current problems. Usually, low thyroid function is associated with low blood pressure, which might lead to vertigo/dizziness. However, I believe, your doctor has prescribed medication to keep a good balance of thyroid hormones. That should have improved your situation.
Anyway, spondyloarthrosis and other health problems (cardio-vascular, diabetes, anemia) as mentioned earlier should be excluded first. You can send any lab report you have for further evaluations!
Dr.Albana
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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