Question
Hi doctor i was recently diagnosed with arthritis in 3,4,5,6,7th vertabre.I also have terrible pain across my shoulder down my left arm front and back and my two middle fingers.its been 6 weeks now,i am not able to drive ,or swim ,walking is very limited  Ireally hope you can help me as i am limited in what i can do.My age is 49.Thank you

Answer
Hi, Carole,

Arthritis won't cause the symptoms you are experiencing.  You seem to have nerve impingements caused by the same condition that leads to arthritis:  contracted muscles of the neck and upper back, and possibly of the ribs and muscles of the abdomen (if your posture is slumped forward.)

Arthritis (except for rheumatoid arthritis) isn't a disease in its own right, but a consequence of joint overcompression.

Please see my article on pain control through movement education and on sciatica (which explains how muscular contractions lead to nerve impingements.)  somatics.com/page4b.htm

with regard,
Lawrence Gold