Question
I had a lumpectomy -right breast in February.  At that time 3 lymph nodes were also removed.  Prior to this operation I would OCCASIONALLY (maybe a couple of times a year) get brief periods of neuropathy in my right hand during my sleep.  Since the surgery, I get it pretty much every night and often during daytime activities.  I am still swollen in the right breast and along the side at the ribs under my right arm.  An MRI shows mildly narrowed discs C3-C4, C4-C5, markedly narrowed C5-C6 and mildly narrowed C6-C7.  It also mentions posterior disc bulge at same places,posterior and central disc bulge at C5-C6, narrowing or encroachment of neural foramina bilaterally by disc osteophyte.  I can feel that the muscles under my right "wing"  and shoulder, my upper shoulders(both sides)  and under the right arm are VERY tight.  If I stretch, for example by "hanging" from a bar, it is quite uncomfortable under the right arm.  I am doing the series of neck, arm, shoulder stretches and seeing a chiropractor.  I am also getting massages.  It seems to not be getting better, though I have better and worse days.  I also am showing possible symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome.  I'm sure everything is related to the inflammation and surgery, and lymph node interruption.  But, maybe you have other ideas.  Any suggestions for treatment to get rid of the pain and numbness in the right hand (mainly thumb and first two fingers- but sometimes into the ring finger) would be most appreciated.

Thanks,
Abbe

Answer
Hi Abbe,

Since many Chiropractors use different techniques, results can vary dramatically. Your MRI shows a disc herniation (bulge) which requires towel traction. This is done by a D.C. that is proficient in reducing disc protrusions. If your present D.C. is unfamiliar with this, I can find you one that is. Relief will come in a week or less, it is very effective and proven to work. A thin mesh towel made up of material similar to a pillow case is used to pull the base of the skull with approximately 80lbs of traction with 5-8 reps ending with a slight thrust. Getting a home over door water bag traction kit will speed recovery, these can be purchased for 40-50 dollars at most physician offices. Numbness in the hand while pulling should disappear immediately if the cause is a disc. Ask you D.C. if he is familiar with this technique, if not, I will find you one that is. CTS is easy to diagnose and should not be confused with a cervical disc. Two test that are easy to perform can rule this in or out. The first being phalens and the second being tinnels sign. Also, CTS usually wakes patients up at night and bracing helps. These tests and supports will not effect a disc or relieve symptoms. Your D.C. should know this.

Thank you for your question Abbe, I hope this answer helps!

Dr. Timothy Durnin
drs.chiroweb.com