Question
Hi Leslie--I am a 21 year old female and have been experiencing back pain for several years now. I went into a chiropractor about a year ago because of a "stuck back" (I couldn't sit, stand, lay down, or move without excruciating pain) and he took some xrays of my neck. He told me I have phase 2 degeneration and subluxation of the spine (my neck has no curvature to it whatsoever). I believe all my back problems stem from a horseback riding accident I had when I was 14 or 15. Anyway, within the past several months, I've had intense pain that radiates through my right arm, I'll spontaneously lose strength in my right hand, and more often than not, have pins and needles in said arm. I've also had times when half of my forearm goes somewhat numb--the underside of my forearm along the ulna, half my palm, and my middle, ring, and pinkie fingers will feel as if asleep. It's not consistent--I'll have that sensation for several days and not have it again for a week or so. When I roll my shoulders, everything between my shoulder blades pops--it's not painful but the feel and sound of it is somewhat distressing to me. I have an appointment with an orthopedic surgeon (per my physician's suggestion) late next week, but I was just wondering if you could give me a heads up as to what to expect. Thanks in advance for your help!  

Answer
hi aja-

riding accidents can screw up your back for sure- I'd guess your surgeon will have an mri done, so that he/she can see the soft tissue. it does sound like you have a bulging disc (this can press against your nerves or spinal cord causing the feelings and weakness you describe)

as for the noises it makes when you roll your shoulders- probably not a big deal. i have one 'double jointed' shoulder (don't know if that's really a 'medical' term) and my shoulders have made all kinds of weird creaks and groans since before i was in the wreck. it is a creepy sound though, huh? if it causes no pain though I'd say it's probably unrelated, especially at your age.

assuming your problem is disc-related, the usual first step is steroid injection into the disc itself. Anyone who recommends surgery before this, ask WHY. injections are fairly easy, low side effects, and are often effective in treating inflammation- this will let disc heal without continually irritating it.

See what your next doc says, and what mri says- i'd bet you've got pressure on the nerve around c7 (my injury is c7, and on one side I can't feel the bottom part of my arm, along ulna, as you describe). Sounds like it should be totally treatable, though i'm sure it's no fun in the meantime-

good luck, let me know if i can help further
leslie