My hands have been tingling for more than a month...

by Christine Morgan
(Richmond, CA USA)

...with more than 20 years of neck pain after a car accident where the top of my head collided with the windshield hard enough to leave a few hairs in the crack that it made. This is my MRI picture and my Rheumatologist has referred me to a neurosurgeon for a consultation. I've also been in weekly chiropractic care for the better part of a year. I do have short periods of numbness as well as tingling in my right arm. The tingling in my right hand, primarily ring and pinky, have become persistent while the tingling in the same fingers on the left is intermittent. I also have a deep aching pain periodically in my right shoulder and my triceps feel weak.

I guess my real question is, will surgery be my only recourse at this point in my arthritis disease? This doesn't seem like something that will repair on its own and I agree that shots and injections are not only an increased risk factor for more problems, but at best, a band-aid...

Thank you for any input!!

Christine

Hello Christine,
I'm afraid whiplash always leaves its mark, and it certainly has on you.

You've had a lot of treatment, perhaps (controversial) too much depending on what the treatment has been, and if there hasn't been much progress I can understand you are looking for answers.

My best suggestions are:

Get a home traction unit - one of the lying down ones - and use it daily.

Instead of a manipulation every week, consider a massage every other week by a masseuse or even your spouse.

Ask for exercises. Start gently.

Start making a chicken bones bouillon every week (type into Search this site at C-H) - support for the cartilage in your neck.

See what the surgeon has to say. If there is real weakness in that triceps, you have to consider alternatives.

I hope that contributes,

Dr B