[52M] Experiencing head and neck pain with numbness in the upper arm

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, you may be experiencing:

• Cervical Spondylosis: This is a general term for age-related wear and tear affecting the spinal disks in your neck. As the disks dehydrate and shrink, signs of osteoarthritis develop, including bony projections along the edges of bones (bone spurs). Cervical spondylosis is very common and worsens with age. More than 85 percent of people older than age 60 are affected by cervical spondylosis. Most people experience no symptoms from these problems. When symptoms do occur, nonsurgical treatments often are effective.

  • Treatment typically involves physical therapy, pain medication, and possibly surgical intervention if symptoms are severe or worsening.

• Cervical Radiculopathy: This is characterized by damage to the nerve function that results if one of the nerve roots near the cervical vertebrae is compressed. Damage to nerve roots in the cervical area can cause pain and the loss of sensation along the nerve's pathway into the arm and hand, depending on where the damaged roots are located.

  • Treatment typically involves physical therapy, pain medication, and possibly surgical intervention if symptoms are severe or worsening.

• Tension Headaches: These are the most common type of headache, and they can present as a dull, aching sensation all over your head. It isn’t throbbing. Tenderness or sensitivity around your neck, forehead, scalp, or shoulder muscles might occur. Anyone can get a tension headache, and they’re often triggered by stress.

  • Over-the-counter treatments such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or acetaminophen (Tylenol) often help. But be careful. Taking too many of these pills can cause hard-to-treat rebound headaches. If you need to take these drugs often, see your doctor. Do not give aspirin to anyone under age 19 -- it raises their risk for a serious condition called Reye's syndrome.

What you can do

• Try to maintain good posture. If you work at a computer, make sure your monitor is at eye level and your knees and hips are at 90-degree angles.
• Take regular breaks to stretch your neck and back.
• Stay hydrated and maintain a healthy diet.
• Try over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) or acetaminophen (Tylenol, others).
• Use a heating pad or an ice pack on your neck to provide pain relief for sore muscles.
• Exercise regularly. Regular exercise helps to reduce pain and promote a healthy mental state.
• Try to reduce stress. Stress can exacerbate pain and other symptoms.

What you should look out for

• If your symptoms worsen or do not improve with conservative treatment
• If you develop new symptoms such as weakness in your arms or legs, loss of bladder or bowel control, or severe pain that does not improve with medication
• If you have difficulty walking or maintaining balance

Remember, it's important to consult with a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis and treatment. This advice is intended to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your healthcare provider.