My achy shoulder and arm could be originating from the neck?

Signs and Symptoms: Deep, Achy, Throbbing pain on the entire right arm.

Adjustments: Specific levels of cervical spinal corrections in a specific head position, guided by the X-ray.

Outcome: Total number of treatments was 10 over the 2 months period.

A 40-year-old male visited the clinic with the sudden onset of moderate pain in his right shoulder and arm. The pain was triggered by a traumatic event and progressively worsened over time. An X-ray was ordered to investigate the cause further.

X-ray is an effective diagnostic tool that helps in understanding the nature of an injury and guides appropriate treatment decisions.

Number of issues were found, following are the findings.

1. There is a decreased disc height between C6 and C7.

2. There are narrowed holes in between the vertebrae (Intervertebral foramen) over the C5 on 6 and C6 on C7.

The patient's symptoms were strongly correlated with the findings, which guided the management and treatment plan.

The treatment involved mobilizing the disc and facet joints of the lower cervical spine, alongside the use of a soft collar to support the head and neck.

A positive response was observed relatively quickly, though the relief was initially short-lived (lasting less than a week). After six weeks of treatment (once per week), the patient experienced a pain-free period lasting about a week, which continued to improve after the eighth visit.

This case study shows the importance of the imaging study on a neurological symptomatology and how to manage/treat the root of the cause in a conservative approach.

If you are experiencing symptoms such as shoulder pain, achy arms during sleep, or numbness in your hands, we encourage you to contact the Headache and Neck Clinic for an assessment to determine if we can assist you in managing your condition.