Introduction
"My little finger feels asleep all the time." You may not relate the pain you feel in your finger(s) or wrist or around your elbow as coming from your neck, but it just may. The spinal nerves coming off the spinal cord that send signals to your hands and arms and fingers may be irritated at their source, resulting in pain down the arm.
Definition
arm pain due to nerves in the cervical spine that are compressed by a disc or stenosis
Description
A disc herniation - contained or non-contained - may be a source of the radicular arm pain.
Examination
A thorough, clinical examination that may include imaging is important to your recovery.
Cervical Spine Exam Description
Treatment
In office, Vancouver Disc Centers uses Cox Technic Flexion Distraction and Decompression to widen the canal space, drop the intradiscal pressure and increase the disc height to relieve pain. You will welcome the Cox Technic manipulation that gently "pulls you apart," as many patients describe the treatment or say they need.
Graphic Animation of Cox Technic - Cervical Spine
The disc is pressing on the nerve. Note that as the disc herniation reduces, the pinched nerve is relieved.
This is an animation of the goal of Cox Technic
Flexion-Distraction and Decompression: reduced irritation of spinal elements
enough to relieve pain and help you regain your quality of life. The amount of
decrease in size of the herniated disc necessary for pain relief varies from 0%
to 100% for each individual patient.
Cox Technic Protocol I - for severe pain or pain that extends below the elbow
Cox Technic Protocol II - for pain that is in the neck and stays above the elbow
At Home Care
At home you will want to avoid sleeping on your stomach, wear a neck brace if recommended, take nutritional supplements that help rebuild disc cartilage, exercise, and modify your daily activities as needed. You will want to work closely with your doctor to ensure your treatment is properly administered and your return to maximum health is maximized.
Clinical Case Reports
Contact Vancouver Disc Centers for an examination of and a treatment plan for your cervical spine-related radicular arm pain.
"This information and website content is not intended to diagnose, guarantee results, or recommend specific treatment or activity. It is designed to educate and inform only. Please consult your physician for a thorough examination leading to a diagnosis and well-planned treatment strategy. See more details on the
DISCLAIMER page. Content is reviewed by
Dr. James M. Cox I."