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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Severe Tightness On The Left Arm?

I had an MRI and it references disc desiccation for c2-3, c3-4,c6-7,c7-t1. It also says for c4-5 there is mild central disc bulging, c5-6shoes decrease in height broad based central disc bulging and mild sided neural foraminal stenosis, and the cervical spinal canal diameter shows a mild degree of cervical stenosis at c4-5 and c5-6 levels, I had this done as I had severe tightness in my left arm felt like a vice was tightening my arm and there was a severe pai not in the top part of my back where they thought I was having a heart attack but wasn t. I was referred to nurologist but he blew off report and no one can explain why I had this pain
Tue, 7 Apr 2015
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Orthopaedic Surgeon, Joint Replacement,  's  Response
Hi,
Thanks for your query.
* Usually, the spinal cord and nerve roots are protected within the spinal canal. The spinal canal is guarded by the vertebrae which separated from one another by a cushion like intervertebral discs. With age, degenerative changes occur which leads to disc prolapseand spinal cord/nerve root compression.

The herniated discs compresses spinal nerves or spinal cord. Symptoms are experienced along the area of distribution/path of that particular nerve. This has happened at level of C3-C7 in your case.
Treatment includes
1. Use of cervical collar helps in immobilisation and brings relief.
2. Medical drugs like pain killers - acetaminophen/ibuprofen and muscle relaxants might be helpful.
3. Methylcobalamin supplements are also recommended for nerve compression symptoms.
4. Cervical isometric exercises are beneficial to maintain the strength of the neck muscles. Neck and upper back stretching exercises, as well as light aerobic activities, also are recommended under the guidance of a physical therapist.
5. Hot fomentation helps in relieving acute symptoms.

I do hope that you have found something helpful and I will be glad to answer any further query.
Take care
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What Causes Severe Tightness On The Left Arm?

Hi, Thanks for your query. * Usually, the spinal cord and nerve roots are protected within the spinal canal. The spinal canal is guarded by the vertebrae which separated from one another by a cushion like intervertebral discs. With age, degenerative changes occur which leads to disc prolapseand spinal cord/nerve root compression. The herniated discs compresses spinal nerves or spinal cord. Symptoms are experienced along the area of distribution/path of that particular nerve. This has happened at level of C3-C7 in your case. Treatment includes 1. Use of cervical collar helps in immobilisation and brings relief. 2. Medical drugs like pain killers - acetaminophen/ibuprofen and muscle relaxants might be helpful. 3. Methylcobalamin supplements are also recommended for nerve compression symptoms. 4. Cervical isometric exercises are beneficial to maintain the strength of the neck muscles. Neck and upper back stretching exercises, as well as light aerobic activities, also are recommended under the guidance of a physical therapist. 5. Hot fomentation helps in relieving acute symptoms. I do hope that you have found something helpful and I will be glad to answer any further query. Take care