Ask a PT

156 Posts
 
Posted - 01/29/2008 :  15:27:29  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
Our user asked: "I woke up from a nap yesterday with neck/upper cervical pain on the right side that radiated down my arm slightly. I figured I was tired and slept in a funny position. I tried to stretch a little. By evening the pain got worse and I could hardly sleep. I had to lay very still in bed to sleep, any movement exacerbated the pain. By morning the pain seemed even worse and radiates down my arm in the deltoid area. It hurts worst when I try to move my neck. I took some Naproxyn with no relief so far. What should I do? I've had this once before and it went away with rest."

Ask a PT Response: "Cervical pain with radiculopathy could be attributed to a variety of factors including but not limited to discogenic disorders, musculoskeletal dysfunction and mechanical/postural dysfunctions. Since your condition has worsened over time and anti-inflammatories have been ineffective, it may be a good ideal for you to seek medical attention if you are able to. Numbness/tingling, weakness of the neck/upper extremity/hand or the inadvertent dropping of items are other symptoms which would suggest the need for medical attention. It is correct that you would want to avoid activities which exacerbate your condition. This could make a condition worse. As far as treatment, physical therapists often utilize a hot pack/cold pack or other modalities to help relax muscles or control pain. They also can perform gentle massage or manual therapy to the affected area which may give some relief as well if it can be tolerated. Therapeutic exercises are often prescribed as well. If your condition continues to persist and worsen, than definitely seek out medical attention from your physician or physical therapist. Good luck and thank you for using CyberPT."