In our last post we discussed severe neck pain caused by a cervical radiculopathy. When a nerve root in the neck is irriated or compressed, a patient will show certain signs and symptoms. Lets find out what some of these classic symptoms are:
C5
If the C5 nerve root is irritated or compressed, a patient will exhibit certain pain patterns and neurological changes. The pain will be concentrated in the neck, upper arm, shoulders, and medial border of the scapula. The patient may also show numbness and tingling in the upper arm specifically in the arm and deltoid muscles. The Doctor may notice a decreased biceps reflex and the patient is not able to bring their arms sideways up towards their ears (abduction) to the level of the shoulder or above.
C6
Patients who have a radiculopathy that involves the C6 nerve root will present with neck pain, shoulder pain, medial scapula pain, thumb and index finger pain. They may have numbness and tingling into the outer aspect of the lower arm, into the thumb and index finger. The Doctor may notice that the brachioradilis and biceps reflex is decreased or absent. With motor testing, the doctor may also notice that the patient has weakness with wrist extension and the ability to bend the elbow.
C7
Patients who present with a C7 radiculopathy will show have neck pain, lower arm and along the medial border of the scapula. They may experience numbness and tingling into the middle finger. The Doctor may notice an absent triceps reflex. Weakness may also be noticed in the ability to straighten the elbow, and weakness in the triceps muscle, wrist flexors and finger extensors.
C8
Patients who have a c8 radiculopathy may present with neck pain, scapula pain, pain along the inner side of the arm, ring and little fingers. They may also have numbness and tingling in the ring and little fingers. Weakness may be noted in the finger flexors.
It should be noted that even if you have been diagnosed with a certain level of radiculopathy your symptoms may be different from the classic symptoms that we have listed above. Radiculopathic pain is not limited to one specific distribution pattern and may not always be sharp, and shooting and superficial in nature. Instead often times, the pain is all over the place, not just localized to one area and can be deep in nature. One reason for this because of the referred scleretogenous pain that comes from irritaton of the dural sleeve which is densely innervated.
As you can see, each nerve controls a lot of different sensations, muscles and reflexes. What causes irritation or compression to the cervical nerve roots in the first place? That’s a whole another discussion we will save for next blog post.
Additional Reading Resources:
- Part II: Are Your Severe Neck Pain Symptoms the Result of a Cervical Radiculopathy?
- Part III: The Causes of Severe Neck Pain Resulting from a Cervical Radiculopathy
- Part IV: Severe Neck Pain From a Herniated Disc: What are Your Treatment Options?
- Understanding your Disc Problem Like a Jelly Donut
- How to End Neck Pain Naturally by Doing A Cervical Traction Program at Home
Visit Arc4life.com for your online selection of cervical supports and cervical traction products for relief of stiff neck, and neck pain
Bookmark this on Delicious
Stumble It!
I have pain in the neck back complete shoulder in right side middle fingure have numbness since 4 days doc tested mri and given medicine pl advice any further treatement to get rid of acute pain
Ask your Dr if traction will be beneficial for you. – you can try a home traction unit (http://www.arc4life.com/site/615058/page/623226) or even the cervical traction neck pillow (http://www.arc4life.com/site/615058/page/158456). Also you can try ice and trigger point therapy for more relief.
Your article was very helpful in diagnosing what appears to be an issue with my C6 nerve root, which came from doing weight lifting (bench press) without supporting my neck properly. Other than the traction option (which is pretty expensive) are there any kinds of exercises, stretches, etc. that I can do on my own to relieve the pressure and speed healing? Are there things I should NOT do? Is a pillow like the one featured on this page a good solution for C6 issues?
Hi Todd, one option would be to see a chiropractor about the pain that you are having. Getting an MRI is also important, as you can determine if you have a disc bulge or herniation at the C6 Level. A chiropractor can also determine if a conservative course of chiropractic treatment will help (often covered by insurance); they also have therapies such as traction and modalities of ice/heat/e-stim to help you find relief. Finally, the cervical traction neck pillow will align your head and neck in the proper position for sleeping.
i have left bulging disks c5 c67 but right symotoms why is this also nerve test comferm this so why is that, shouldnt it be left arm pain
Dave,
The discs may be central meaning they could put pressure on the right or left side. Or you may have a protrusion to the left but there is also central bulging or something like this creating the right sided pain. My favorite treatment for herniations is neck traction: http://www.arc4life.com/site/615058/page/596365 – which you can do at home. Now there’s a new treatment that is a very advanced form of traction called non-surgical decompression. You have to go to any office that does it in your area, there’s no home device, but it may be well worth it.- NJ
I just have a quick question. I just had surgery in January 2007 where I had a disc rupture in vertebrae c6,c7,now am back having trouble again and doctors have now said there is a huge disc bulging in vertebrae c5,c6 that looks like it is getting ready to rupture as well,they think possibly am having back troubles because of what they call degenerative disc disease but I also have severe Fibromyalgia and am wondering if this could be what is causing the back problems and the disc problems,I may be facing more back surgery because of the disc problem and I just had surgery a little over 2 1/2 years ago for the ruptured disc and I guess I just don’t understand how the human spine works and what I can do to stop this from happening again. I’m only 35 1/2 and on disability because of the Fibromyalgia as well as TMJ and now I have the back situation to contend with so is there anything I can do to prevent anymore surgery and what exactly does c5 and c6 control as well as c6 and c7? and what would it look like on a diagram?I just really want to know about that area of the spine and how these problems can be controlled. Any info would be great. Thanks.
my husband is having the problems with what sounds like the C6 is there a way to do pain treatment at home that does not use medication.. it is affecting his left side now for about two weeks… can u release a pinched nerve?
I was beat up. I got hit hard at the left temple causing my head to fling to the right. Also, she flat handed me hard over and over again under my left and right clavical bones.
My back went into massive muscle spasms from top to bottom. My shoulders are now rolling forward and my clavicals jet out bad. I have pain in my neck at the c6 c7 level and tight muscles in the neck. What is happening is that the C7 bulges outward like a big ball but then some day’s it is completely flush and when that happens it is sore and I feel no space at all between the c6 and c7. The doctors in Kentucky are HORRIBLE. They have not looked at my shoulders or neck. They won’t do an MRI because they said they did an xray and it’s fine. I have massive arm weakness on both arms. Why don’t I feel a space between the c6 and c7 and why does it protrude out sometime and sometimes it goes back in. I don’t have pain in my arm so again no MRI but this is awful. My neck is so hot and I sweat from my face and even my head is hot. All I want to do is sleep. It is an overwhelming tiredness. I keep stretching and yawning which then shrinks the muscles back up and then I get fatiqued again. I am rather worried about this. Any help would be so very appreciated. I feel like my shoulders and ribs are locked upwards also. This is just not good.
Hi Cherie, Sorry to hear that you got beat up..sounds pretty rough and painful. The only way to see if indeed you do have a disc herniation or a disc bulge is with a cervical MRI. Also, with a disc bulge or herniation you can have changes in sensation. For example, numbness and tingling into your arms or fingers. Weakness into the upper extremity is also common like you mentioned, along with neck pain and soreness. Depending on the nerve root that is effected, certain muscles will feel weaker than others. I would recommend that you see your Dr about this right away. He/she may recommend medications for temporary pain relief- keep in mind that is not going to take care of the problem. Ice therapy, neck traction, chiropractic treatment, and stretching are all things that will help. You will also have to modify some of your activities of daily living. Hope this helps.
Additional Reading:
http://www.arc4life.com/site/615058/page/623201
http://www.neckpainreliefkit.com/neck-traction
http://www.neckpainsupport.com/2009/04/cervical-radiculopathy-how-your-dr-will-determine-the-nature-of-your-neck-and-arm-pain-1.html
I have severe neck and left shoulder arm elbow and fore arm pain. I ahve been told to take Lyrica for the pain but after reading about it I am a little nervous. I am also on ACCURETIC. is there anything wlse I can take for the pain or is there anuthing that can be done to actually fix the damaged nerve in my neckm (C-6)
Thank you for your timein advance.
Victor Rosettani
I think I have found the answer to my problem. I have felt pain everyday and went to see doctors, physiotherapists, chiropracters…with no solution. I only find relieve for a couple of days with acupuncture. Can this awful pain be eliminated?
p.s I HATE masking the pain with all different types of muscle relaxants…
Prescription drugs, surgery, pain killers, etc, just numb your pain and don’t do anything to fix the problem, yet they are responsible for 106,000 deaths per year.
Eat less food. Eat healthier food. Exercise. Don’t smoke. Get adjusted by your chiropractor. These simple lifestyle choices all have a positive long-term impact on your health.
hello, My mom has been having real bad Headaches at the back of her head an pain in her neck, they tell her its migrains, but she takes a crap load of meds an nothing help… I am just wondering if any of these she could have… I need help for my mom, She is soo much pain but just keep changing her meds an says its just migrains… she is in her 50’s she does wear glasses, they check for tumors, but nothing… they did find a lump on her brest, but it was buninen… I am worried for her, could any1 help me out??????? Thanx alot… LOVES
Dear Chrystal, Thank you for reading the Neck Pain Support Blog, and for posting your question. I am sorry to hear that your mom has been suffering with headaches. Has she visited a neurologist? She may need to have an MRI of her head/neck area plus a neurological exam to see if there is anything else going on. Chiropractic treatment for migraine headaches may also be beneficial.
For migraine headaches, look at other culprits such as diet, air quality, allergic type reactions etc.
New Study Finds that Poor Air Quality can Be A Cause for Migraine & other Headaches
http://www.neckpainsupport.com/2009/10/poorairqualitycausesheadaches.html
Bringing Light to the Pain of A Migraine Headache
http://www.neckpainsupport.com/2010/01/migraineheadaches.html
Natural Treatments for Neck Pain And headaches
http://www.neckpainsupport.com/2009/04/natural-treatments-for-headaches-and-neck-pain.html
i have c5 and c6 bulging for over a year from a car wreck the pain has went from my neck shoulder left arm all down my spin to my back…i have swelling in left arm left leg my left leg stays cold purple….what should i do please give me a answer…shauna
Dear Shauna, Thank you for your comment on the Neck Pain Support Blog. I would recommend that you have a cervical MRI- also see your Neurologist regarding the swelling in the left arm and the left leg temperature difference. Have you been recommended neck traction for your symptoms? This may be an option for you to try.
http://www.neckpainreliefkit.com/necktraction
yesterday i was diagnosed with scoliosis of teh c5-c6 and c6-c7 vertabrae. i have numbness of my right hand and arm chronic pain in y kneck and shoulder. I have been told i have to go back to the hospital for more tests on monday, something to do with an scan. i havent been told what they are going to test me for. i have also been told that i am anemic and might have a problem with my heart that will need firther tests. i was told treatment cant be started ubtill further tests have been done. what kind of treatmnt can i expect to recieve.what other tests might i have to have. thanks for any advice recieved. i am 42 years old and have calcifition of the vertabrae.
i am very worried and the constant pain is getting me down.
Dear Mmmellys, thank you for posting to the neck pain support blog. I am sorry to hear about the pain that you have been suffering. Neck pain that is constant can really interfere with our activities of daily living because it affects everything we do.
It is important to get things checked out, and it sounds like the Doctors are sending you for the right tests.I am hesitant to suggest anything, because there appears to be other factors involved with the neck pain. Stay positive- I hope that you will get the right treatment for your neck pain. – Nav
I am an active person and lift weights. Over the last 3 weeks ive developed pain on my right arm. Lost strength on my tricep, pain in my forearm and elbow. When i turn my neck to the left or put my head down the pain reflects in the tricep area. I got an MRI yesterday and have not gotten the results yet.Never had this happen so im very nervous, i hope its something mild. Im assuming its the C6-C7 areas from where i am experiencing pain and muscle weakness. The pain has subsided over the last week. The doc gave me Prednisone and a muscle relaxant. How long does this take to heal? And is it beneficial to exercise like this? For example with light weights, stretching etc? Thanks!
Hi there. Since 2005 I was complaining about neck pains and this pain running down my arms but was on and off and wasn’t consistant.. But after a year these symptoms became much worse. I had C5/6 and C4/5 Disc replacement in Nov 2009. But still felt pain, stiffness and was swollen around the neck and shoulder areas as well as the pain and weakness down my arms and on most occasions was not able to grip objects tightly resulting in me dropping things. Doctors who done the surgery said it went well and could not see why I was complaining still… Eventually I had another xray that sugeested that I had a protruding disc at level 4 and an MRI scan which said I had Nerve Compression C5 – C7… Which the pain consultant suggested I had these injections into my neck, which consisted of steriod and anesthetic, but these have not helped either. in fact made it worse! They are now suggesting some sort of nerve surgery. Will this ever end. Are there any suggestions?
hi,as per my MRI report c6 and c7 is compressed. i am suffering pain from 5 months, now a days i have no pain in normal condition but when i m sneezing or coughing pain is radiating from neck to left arm. i m taking traction daily in home and physiotherapy treatment is going on . still pain is in arm whili sneezing. also doing neck exercise as per the orthopediac consultant. please kindly give suggestions what should i do know.
Hi Nav, from the last couple of months I am having constant irritating pain on my right hand side, the area between the spine and the shoulder blade. This causes a constant urge to stretch my shoulder and neck and looks awkward. Have little numbness in the right hand thumb, and it aggravates when I stretch my neck on the left hand side. Otherwise no weakness in any other body part (doctor too tested it).
It seems my C6 and radial nerve has been affected. I do not want to have any pain killers. Can you please suggest if any alternative therapy like ayurveda or acupuncture that is available in India can help? Also I have stopped going to gym due to this pain, can you please suggest if I can continue weight training, which I do 2-3 days a week?
Hi Deepak, in terms of a more alternative approach, I would try neck traction, visit a chiropractor and also try acupuncture for this pain. I would also use a neck traction pillow such as the arc4life traction pillow to see if you can get relief with that. Hope that helps. http://www.neckpainreliefkit.com/tractionpillow
Hi, I’ve been told I have c5-c6 compression. I’ve tried Physiotherapy & Japanese Shiatsu which gave results that lasted just abt 48Hrs. Ayurvedic has been the only method which gave some comfort, specialy the simple strech actions. But now I’m in a country where that is not available. Pls tell me what other methods prove possitive results. Is ESWT (Extracorporeal Shock Wavw Therapy) any good. My Dr. here wants to try that. Pls advs. Tx!
HI, I’ve have been in pain for almost a year now from car accident. I was hit on the drivers side. I’m taking medicines for nerve pain and I’ve had three injection in my neck. I go three time a week to therapy and was recently told I have slippage at c5-6 which is 3mm. I don’t want surgery although I was told I need it. I also have a home traction unit which help while I’m using the unit. I just want my life back and I want to be able to run again. I also have a bulge at c5 and L5 or 6. I’ve had burning in my fingers , tingling, pin like feeling which have subsided some but I’m still in pain in my neck and lower back. Any advise would be most appreciated.
Hi,
I have a problem in C6 and C7 , it was paining to much ,
I consult a doctor he has advice me to go for surgery , Is their any alternate option rather then surgery. for recover c6,c7 .
suppose I will go for traction then its help me or not.
Hi Amali, thank you for visiting the Neck Pain Support Blog. I am not familiar with this therapy (ESWT) that you have mentioned for C5/C6 compression. It appears from your message that traction has been beneficial for you. Ask your Doctor and Physical therapist if it would be ideal for you to try neck traction for a period of a few weeks. It works for many patients, but does take time to work.
http://www.neckpainreliefkit.com/neck-traction
– Nav
http://www.neckpainsupport.com
I had two 30lb boxes fall from 11 12 ft as my rt arm extended as the boxes hit the shoulder joint at the front deltoid. At the same time I was.struck on the rt side of the head just above the rt ear forcing the head back to the Lt with great force. As a result I have headaches 24/7 encompassing my whole head. The shoulder is very painful as well. Mobility and range of motion are limited. Have been on generic gabapentin. This is some odd feeling drug. Constantly feel off balance can’t operate my vehicle. MRI show herniated c5/6 and nerve damage down rt arm to burning sensations.
I have C5 and C6 that are pinched and has been causing me intense pain and numbness in my right arm and hand. It hurts so bad that I have not been able to sleep at night at all. I am also five months pregnant and the doctors say that I can take Tylenol and do heat and cold compresses and that’s it, but it is not helping at all. I am a right handed person and now even to write or type is so painful that I end up in tears. If there is anything that you can suggest at all I will try. I also have the neck traction unit at home and that does help a little but when I take it off all the numbness starts again and comes back full blown.. please anything that you can suggest will be helpful.. thank you.
Hi
Ek soek asb raad, X-trale wys dat c5/c6 n vernouing het, maar die ergste is dat my regterhand o seer is, my middel vinger en ring vinger. Hoekom kan ek nie in koue water nie, ek kry geweldig baie pyn in koue water.
Hi Nav, i had MRI because of pain (as in your pic’s) but both sides and headaches where i cant put my head on the pillow, and they said something about c6 and c7, iv been offered nothing to help with this dreadful pain. is it normal to get both sides, sometimes i cant sit back in a chair because the pressure on my back really hurts
in 2013, my C7-T1 disc was herniated and entrapped my C8 nerve root. After months of physical therapy and nerve blocks, I had surgery to repair the disc, micro discectomy and 3 levels of foramen were cleaned out.
3 years later, I still suffer from sever numbness, tingling in my hand, arm, and ring and pinky fingers, on my left hand. My hand often cramps and spasms, as does my upper arm.
At this point, can anything be done, or any treatment I can do do lesson the constant pain and tingling?
Shellie, Thank you for your message. It’s hard to say. Sometimes after a surgery, not much can be done. In most cases, aligning the spine opens up those foramen like they should be. This relieves nerve tension and therefore relieves symptoms.
In some cases I have talked to patients for whom neck traction has worked many years after this type of surgery. If you are going to try that, start with an extremely gentle passive traction. For example laying on a towel roll or using a gentle traction pillow.
***As always, check with your Dr to monitors your cervical spine first to see if you can move forward with this type of gentle neck stretch.
What Is the treatment of hepertrophic transverse process of C7 vertebera
I had my c5/c6 disk replaced 10 years ago but after the operation it fused causing moderate stiffness but manageable lately I have been getting severe pain in my shoulder blade area down my left arm to the elbow and a chunching knocking sound from the neck around the big bulge between shoulders when I turn head or move up and down. What other treatments are available other than surgery as my specialist is reluctant to operate twice as he says that it’s a dangerous operation that was a success the first time and to do twice could be pushing it. I just really want the pain gone as I’m taking codine, paracetamol, pregablin and oramorphine and none of which even touch the pain.
Thanks for the great post.
Very informative. Worth to read.
It’s impressive that you are getting ideas from this paragraph
as well as from our dialogue made here.
What’s Happening i am new to this, I stumbled upon this I’ve
discovered It absolutely useful and it has aided me out
loads. I hope to contribute & assist different users like its helped me.
Great job.
I’ve been searching for this niche and your points are excellent.
These T-Beauty brands are truly a total revelation for my skincare routine!