sharp pain down right arm


I have degenerative disc disease. Two of my discs have been fused and others need it. The pain is unbearable going down my left arm into three fingers and thumb.


You're in a difficult place, I'm afraid. After failed spinal surgery, what are the options?

Firstly, I'd get a home traction unit and lie in it for 20-30 minutes every day; they aren't particularly expensive and the surgeon could advise you where to get it, and even have it prescribed for payment by your surgeon.

The distribution you mention may actually mean that the problem is not in your neck; it's following the median nerve, so it could be in the carpal tunnel, or between the bellies of the pronator teres; having said that, your neck is at the root of it all.

Not many chiropractors would delve into your neck, but an opinion from someone wouldn't be a bad idea.

Acupuncture and a weekly deep massage would be worth pursuing too.

You've either had an old whiplash, or a poor diet lacking in omega-3 and other anti inflammatory foods; or both. I'd get on to that, though in the short term it's not likely to help directly.

One last thought; researchers at Harvard have found that a chicken bone bouillon taken regularly is a very effective in the treatment of inflammation; it provides the cartilage that your spine needs. Use the site search function at Chiropractic Help to find it.

Sorry not be to more positive.

Dr B

» » sharp pain down right arm





Click here to post comments

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How? Simply click here to return to Chiropractic help Questions (Neck pain).





Did you find this page useful? Then perhaps forward it to a suffering friend. Better still, Tweet or Face Book it.

Share this page:
Enjoy this page? Then forward it to a friend. Here's how...

Would you prefer to share this page with others by linking to it?

  1. Click on the HTML link code below.
  2. Copy and paste it, adding a note of your own, into your blog, a Web page, forums, a blog comment, your Facebook account, or anywhere that someone would find this page valuable.