Question
Over the summer I somehow managed to injure my neck, probably while running (this is when I first felt symptoms). I experience mild upper back pain (lower neck down to shoulder blades) and get cramps and muscle spasms down my arms, particularly in my forearms, and some mild finger tingling. My doctor told be I probably herniated a disc, and to take over the counter NSAIDs. No MRI. X-ray normal. Symptoms mostly disappeared after a few weeks. Recently, however they came back with the addition of foot tingling (two little toes, mostly), and an occasional numb tail bone when I sit or lean over for too long. Is this consistent with with a herniated cervical disc? Or would this likely to be a separate injury/condition? What would you recommend?
Nick
28 years old. 195 lbs. Teacher.

Answer
Dear Nick,

Since your symptoms abated, the answer to, "Is this consistent with with a herniated cervical disc? Or would this likely to be a separate injury/condition?" is, "probably neither."

The location of the pain suggests very tight paraspinal muscles, from neck to waist.  As they relaxed, somewhat, your symptoms abated.

Sounds like you need a course of training in muscular control, to relax those muscles.

My direct recommendation is somatic education, my field.  You may read articles about it at somatics.com/page4b.htm, particularly about wandering pain and whiplash injuries.

NSAIDs will do nothing for that condition, other than possibly dull the pain while the condition (and possible disc degeneration over the long-term) continues.  Best to handle the condition on its own terms.

You may also want to get a second opinion from another doctor, but that's my opinion.

with regard,
Lawrence Gold

PS:  Certain self-help programs will help you retrain your muscular control on your own.