HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

I Have A Tremendous Sense Of Pulling Downward In My Upper Back And Neck.RSI Or Something Else?

I have a tremendous sense of pulling downward in my upper back and neck. My traps at the top of my shoulders and where they join my neck feel inflammed and hard. I also feel tightness in the SCM muscles. I had worked on a laptop for 4 years and feel that this may be the cause of the problem. I originally had pain that traveled from my hands, into my arms, shoulders and then finally settled into the neck and upper back. The pain has gone, after doing a lot of stretching, but the constant tightness remains. It is relieved by stretching, but then comes right back. I have been told that I do have arthritis in the neck, which spams painlessly on a daily basis. I have also had several shoulder dislocations and feel as though I am unable to pull my shoulders all the way back.
Tue, 16 Apr 2013
Report Abuse
Physical Therapist or Physiotherapist 's  Response
hi,
thanks for writng to HCM,
your problem seems to be a combination of many factors firstly cervical spondylosis as mentioned that you have arthritis of your neck (if not yet medically diagnosed go for an X-ray cervical spine - AP& LAT view), repetitive strain of traps and SCM and thus spasm of the same muscles which could be impinging on the nerves coming down in the arms, excessive stretching can also be a factor, bad posture, weakness of neck and scapular muscles and core muscles, stiffness in scapular movements.
all of this can be diagnosed and ruled out by doing a detailed clinical examination and a X ray cervical spine.

for the treatment-
firstly relax your neck and scapular muscles by using heat therapy, followed by intermittent cervical traction and then based on your clinical examination stretch only those muscles which are tight and strengthen the weak muscles. include all the muscles of neck and scapula. i would also suggest you to work on your abdominals and back extensors they will help you main good posture.
for the above take the help of a physical therapist.
if you have history of recurrent shoulder dislocation kindly find out the cause for that - either weak muscles or some lesion in the joint. (for this take the help of your orthopedic specialist)

i hope this helps
wish you speedy recovery
I find this answer helpful
Orthopaedic Surgeon Dr. Aashish Raghu's  Response
Welcome to Healthcare Magic
You could be having cervical spondylosis which can result from frequent bad postures at work causing arthritis of your spine in the neck and nerve compression of your back and hands. You will require to adopt to better postures, avoid forward bending of neck. Sit up straight. Use good lighting at work. You may be having deficiency of Vitamin D and/or Calcium as well for which you will need to have diet rich in proteins and calcium like pulses, eggs, chicken, lean meat. Try to go out during the day to increase exposure to sunlight for proper Vitamin D production as well. You can get an X-ray neck to confirm arthritis and spondylosis and then receive physiotherapy which will improve your problems and also pain killer muscle relaxant drugs for add-on effect. Eat healthy. Drink plenty of water. Stay stress free by doing Yoga, Pranayam. Get 6-8 hours of sleep daily.
I find this answer helpful
General & Family Physician Dr. Jitender Chauhan's  Response
Hello, welcome to Healthcaremagic. You could be having Repetitive strain injury or cervical spondylitis. You need to get it evaluated by orthopedic doctor. The treatment advised for RSI consists of rest, exercise, braces and massage. As in your case use of laptop is responsible for your issue adjustment of workstation is recommended. You can take over the counter medicines and exercise on a regular basis. You must take physiotherapy for better relief. Maintain good posture and avoid sitting in one position for long times and take intermittent rest. In case of severe pain you might need to undergo surgery. Wish you good health.
I find this answer helpful
Cardiologist Dr. Naresh Ruparelia's  Response
Hi well come to HCM.
Looking to your history it goes in favour of severe cervical spondylosis with compression on nerves may be due to constant ad faulty posture.You got to do stretch exercdcise,mantain proper posture while working, and in case of need pain killer with muscle relaxant,calcium prepertion and at times SWD,with traction can
provide help for longer duration.Cervical collar to maintain proper posture can also
help you. Thanks
I find this answer helpful
  Anonymous's Response
Anonymous's  Response
http://mns100.sulekha.com/blog/post/2009/03/rsi-pain-in-arms-and-hands-and-acupuncture.htm
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Recent questions on Cervical spondylitis


Loading Online Doctors....
I Have A Tremendous Sense Of Pulling Downward In My Upper Back And Neck.RSI Or Something Else?

hi, thanks for writng to HCM, your problem seems to be a combination of many factors firstly cervical spondylosis as mentioned that you have arthritis of your neck (if not yet medically diagnosed go for an X-ray cervical spine - AP& LAT view), repetitive strain of traps and SCM and thus spasm of the same muscles which could be impinging on the nerves coming down in the arms, excessive stretching can also be a factor, bad posture, weakness of neck and scapular muscles and core muscles, stiffness in scapular movements. all of this can be diagnosed and ruled out by doing a detailed clinical examination and a X ray cervical spine. for the treatment- firstly relax your neck and scapular muscles by using heat therapy, followed by intermittent cervical traction and then based on your clinical examination stretch only those muscles which are tight and strengthen the weak muscles. include all the muscles of neck and scapula. i would also suggest you to work on your abdominals and back extensors they will help you main good posture. for the above take the help of a physical therapist. if you have history of recurrent shoulder dislocation kindly find out the cause for that - either weak muscles or some lesion in the joint. (for this take the help of your orthopedic specialist) i hope this helps wish you speedy recovery