What causes persistent tightness in the neck and upper back ?
Patient: Since 2011 I have been having c-spine issues. In 2011 I had eight injections in my c-spine and a full round of physical therapy. A couple of months ago I completed another round of injections and was to start physical therapy. During my PT evaluation, I was told c-2 and c-3 were shifted greatly to the right. The therapist was able to move them back into place but they immediately shifted back to the right. At that time I was unable to turn or tilt my head to the right. Two weeks later I went to PT and was told c-2and c-3 we re not shifted as bad and I was able to turn and tilt to the right. I have had continuous muscle tightness in my neck and upper back to below my scapula. Radial and ulnar nerve pain, weakness and tingling down both arms. Stabbing pain between my shoulder blades. Pain in both shoulders. The injections helped a lot of the nerve issues but have had no effect on the muscle issues. For the last several months I and others have noticed my head shaking. As of three to four weeks ago, I am now having upper body shaking both visibly and inside and my head is shaking worse. These are getting worse and worse where today I was up long enough to take a shower then was shaking so bad I had to lay down for 45 min to settle down. And to top it off, I can t eat and am almost always nauseated. Are these new symptoms all related to the c spine? Getting a little scared.. Doctor: Hello! I understand your concern! In my opinion the troubles you have may be related the a cervical spine problem. The pain, body shaking, tinglings on hands are all concerning symptoms of a serious cervical problem causing also irratation of the nerves. I would recommend you a cervical MRI to examine the vertebras and the spine for probable damage. The size of the spinal canal as it may be narrowed. If serious problems are encountered a surgical treatment may be needed . In the meantime I would recommend you a cervical collar. It will be very helpful to your situation. Hope to have been helpful!Thank you for using HCM!Best Wishes Dr. Abaz Quka