cervical spine injury c6

[ark]

This is really strange.... I went in to the dr. a few weeks ago because my arm went numb and I was having chest pains.... of course I was thinking I was having a heart attack. If you knew me, you'd know that I get a little paranoid at times!

I came out with a possible diagnosis of carpal tunnel. My dr. ordered an EMG. The results came back that there is injury to my cervical spine, c6. So now the dr. is ordering x-rays. I go tomorrow to pick up the order and make an appointment.

This just really threw me. I can't figure out how this happened........ OR if this is an old injury from gymnastics.

I've tried researching, but so much comes up. Something did come up about spinal injuries and headaches... I've had migraines and severe headaches on and off since the 7th grade. I'm wondering if this could be the cause. I did have a back injury years ago (summer between 5th and 6th grade during gymnastics)... I'm wondering if this is connected to my headaches???


Any ideas or experience?

[smittygouv]

What part of your arm went numb? What were you doing when it went numb? How old are you, if you don't mind me asking?

It is common for C6 injuries to radiate to the muscles of the back side of the forearm. So, with your palm to the floor bending your wrist to the ceiling might be weak, as well as you might have some weakness flexing your bicep. It is also common to experience some numbness down the thumb side of the forearm and into the thumb with this kind of injury.

Also, headaches are extremely common with any cervical spinal cord injury, so there probably is a connection there.

As to how you injured it, yes,there is good chance that gymnastics could have caused this. But it could also be from many other things. How is your posture, do you sit with your head forward?

[ark]

[quote=smittygouv;523014]

What part of your arm went numb? What were you doing when it went numb? How old are you, if you don't mind me asking?

I was teaching a middle school class. I'm 34 The numbness started in my fingertips and slowly went up my entire arm.

Also, headaches are extremely common with any cervical spinal cord injury, so there probably is a connection there.

Makes me feel a little better knowing the headaches might be related to the injury.

How is your posture, do you sit with your head forward?[/

quote]

I just noticed that as I am reading this, I'm sitting w/ my head forward!

WOW.. you are good! Thanks for your help! I am going to make the appointment for the x-ray.

[Alextown]

get ready for plenty of PT. I had problems with C5 and C6 (herniated and bulging respectively), had numbness in the thumb, some extreme pain for 2 two days, and then started seeing a Phys Therapist, on advice from an orthapedic surgeon. It takes time, but the PT is worth it.

[UConnJulie]

Could be an old gymnastics injury or could just be wear and tear from life and postural issues.

You will need to find a good PT ... one who will not only do manual techniques, but one who willl also teach you about proper posture and positioning to reduce compressive load on that area, and exercise to strengthen and improve alignment. What you don't want is a PT who will do ultrasound, massage, and heat. It might feel good, but won't help in the long run ... we call it "fake and bake" treatment.