[54F] With sudden onset shocking pain and muscle spasms in back and arm

Patient Description

A 54-year-old female reports experiencing shocking pain in her back and arm for the past 4 days. The pain is rated as a 6 out of 10 in severity and came on suddenly. It radiates from between her shoulders down her arm and is exacerbated by any use of her arm or turning her head. The patient also reports severe muscle spasms in the same area, which are somewhat relieved by raising her arm above her head. Additionally, she experiences moderate weakness, numbness, and tingling in her arm, mostly along the outside. These symptoms have significantly limited her daily activities and overall quality of life.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the information you have provided, a possible unifying diagnosis is:

  • Cervical Radiculopathy: This condition occurs when a nerve in the neck is compressed or irritated where it branches away from the spinal cord. This can cause pain that radiates from your neck down your arm, along with numbness, tingling, and muscle weakness. The shocking pain you described, along with the numbness and weakness, are common symptoms.

    • Treatment: Treatment often includes physical therapy, medications to reduce pain and inflammation, and sometimes corticosteroid injections. In severe cases, surgery may be considered.
  • Herniated Disc: A herniated disc in the cervical spine can press on nearby nerves, causing pain, numbness, and weakness in the arm. This can also lead to muscle spasms and difficulty with certain movements.

    • Treatment: Treatment typically involves rest, physical therapy, pain relief medications, and sometimes surgical intervention if conservative treatments fail.
  • Brachial Plexus Injury: This involves damage to the network of nerves that sends signals from your spine to your shoulder, arm, and hand. This can result in similar symptoms of pain, numbness, and weakness.

    • Treatment: Treatment may include physical therapy, pain management, and in some cases, surgery.

What you can do

It would be best to consult a doctor about your symptoms so that they can provide a formal assessment and order relevant tests if necessary. In the meantime, you can try the following to help alleviate your symptoms:

  1. Rest and Avoid Aggravating Activities: Try to avoid movements that worsen your pain, such as turning your head or using your arm extensively.
  2. Apply Ice or Heat: Applying ice packs or heat pads to the affected area can help reduce pain and inflammation.
  3. Over-the-Counter Pain Relief: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen can help manage pain and reduce inflammation.
  4. Gentle Stretching and Exercises: Gentle neck and arm stretches can help relieve tension and improve mobility. However, avoid any exercises that increase your pain.
  5. Maintain Good Posture: Ensure that you maintain good posture, especially when sitting or using electronic devices, to avoid further strain on your neck and back.
  6. Use MDandMe: You can use MDandMe to journal your symptoms, track your progress, get insights, and share longitudinal medical notes with your provider.

What you should look out for

Reasons to see a doctor more urgently:

  • If you notice a significant increase in pain or weakness
  • If you develop severe or sudden numbness
  • If you experience loss of bladder or bowel control
  • If you have difficulty breathing or swallowing

Remember, while these suggestions can help manage your symptoms, it is important to seek care from real health professionals to receive a formal diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

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4 mo ago

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People Also Ask


What is cervical radiculopathy and what are its common symptoms?

Cervical radiculopathy occurs when a nerve in the neck is compressed or irritated, leading to symptoms such as pain radiating from the neck down the arm, numbness, tingling, and muscle weakness.


How is a herniated disc in the cervical spine typically treated?

A herniated disc in the cervical spine is typically treated with rest, physical therapy, pain relief medications, and sometimes surgical intervention if conservative treatments do not provide relief.


What are the potential causes of shocking pain radiating from the neck to the arm?

Shocking pain radiating from the neck to the arm can be caused by conditions such as cervical radiculopathy, a herniated disc, or a brachial plexus injury, all of which involve nerve compression or damage.


When should someone with these symptoms seek urgent medical attention?

Urgent medical attention should be sought if there is a significant increase in pain or weakness, severe or sudden numbness, loss of bladder or bowel control, or difficulty breathing or swallowing.


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