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neck pain and numbness in arms and face.

Does any know what you could do for someone that is suffering from neck pain with numbness in the arm and up the face mainly. Numbness mainly on right side of body. Client has had a MRI, was normal, Has had chiropractic treatment, not working. And has done acupuncture, worked for a few days. Any advise would help.

Thanks

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Gloria Coppola on November 17, 2009 at 3:42pm

Hi Gloria!

A few questions?
How long has this been going on? What kind of work or hobbies does the client have? Any car accidents?

It sounds like the brachial plexus may be involved and is often impinged due to repetitive strain or injuries.
Myofascial release techniques in the anterior thoracic region, neck and shoulder joint. Specific work around
attachments in the arm joints. Range of motion.

Did chiropractor find anything in the neck or upper ribs??

Does the numbness go into the hand?
Were they checked for TMJ?
More details might help a bit too

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Permalink Reply by GLORIA SINGLETON on November 17, 2009 at 3:52pm

Numbness has been going on for about 3 weeks. yes it does go into the hand. Yes car accident in October of last year. And yes I beleive she has TMJ problems too. She is also a therapist. We are both just graduated from Massage school. Also has a two year old boy.

Thanks

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Permalink Reply by Marissa on November 17, 2009 at 4:56pm

Has she seen a Neurologist? This would put me on guard! Ruling out nerve damage due to the car accident would help.

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Permalink Reply by Gloria Coppola on November 17, 2009 at 10:18pm

I agree with Marissa, has she seen a neurologist?

I have worked for a neurologist for 12 years and then I had a private practice where I got referrals from MD's, etc from post traumatic accidents.
It is very common for symptoms to show up much later. Often whiplash type injuries create these pain patterns/symptoms.
If the doctors can't find anything, I HIGHLY suggest myofascial release techniques .

GLORIA SINGLETON said:

Numbness has been going on for about 3 weeks. yes it does go into the hand. Yes car accident in October of last year. And yes I beleive she has TMJ problems too. She is also a therapist. We are both just graduated from Massage school. Also has a two year old boy.

Thanks

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Permalink Reply by GLORIA SINGLETON on November 17, 2009 at 11:00pm

Thank you both for the info! She has not seen a neurologist, but I will let her know. Have a good night!

~Gloria

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Permalink Reply by lee kalpin on November 18, 2009 at 11:50pm

Nerve impingement is a common problem after a neck injury, or even after overuse of muscles in the neck area. There are
several areas where the nerves can be impinged.
1. in the cervical spine
2. between anterior and medial scalene muscles
3. under pectoralis minor muscle
4. several places down the arm and wrist
simple tests can be done to pin down the source of trouble - and the nerve can be impinged in more than one place
An important thing to ask if WHERE the numbeness is felt in the hand. If it is the thumb and first 2 fingers it is median nerve. If it's the 3-4-5th digits it is the ulnar nerve

Look up your assessment book for the test for nerve impingement and perform them on your client to isolate the problem area so you will know you are treating the problem correctly.