Question
Hi there,

My Mother, fully fit and healthly has recently trapped a nerve in her neck, causing non stop discomfort and pain. This is also causing her left arm to be almost strengthless and a pain running through the top of the lower arm. This links to a tingling of the left hand and fingers. (It feels like having slept on your arm!)

What is the best cause of action to take?

Answer
Hi Matthew,

Your mother is suffering from a nerve impingement in her cervical spine, most likely caused by a disc bulge. Therapy geared at reducing the pressure on the nerve in her neck would be very beneficial. I recommend that she see a Chiropractic doctor who can determine what is causing the nerve impingement and recommend an appropriate plan of management. Conservative therapy may include a variety of exercises, mobilizations, muscle release techniques, laser therapy, traction, electrical stimulation and/or pain relief postural recommendations.

With the appropriate treatment your mother should be able to regain the strength in her arm and reduce/eliminate the pain in her neck.

I hope this helps!

Dr. Liza