Hello,
I am a 25 year old female with a long history (12 + years) of lower back problems. I am a dance teacher with a very flexible spine and lordosis. My official diagnosis is Degenerative Joint Disease, though I have not ever been to see a spinal specialist. My last MRI (about 18 months ago) showed a mild disc bulge and degenerative changes in the L-5 region, with facet arthropathy. My
pain is currently under (relative) control, though I go through periods of severe, debilitating
pain radiating down my right hip and leg. I can feel what my physical therapist told me are the facet joints actually getting stuck and I have to consciously "unstick" them numerous times per day.
My question today, however, has to do with a relatively recent problem I have been having with my neck. I have not yet been to see a doctor about my neck problem, and I'm wondering if it is something I should be concerned about. Neck tension, stiffness, and cracking are pretty common for me, but two months ago I woke up with unbearable
pain in the right side of my neck, traveling up into the back and top of my head, down my right arm and hand, and down the whole right side of my torso. I'm not sure how I mangaged to get out of bed (it took several tries) because I literally screamed with
pain every time I moved any part of the right side of my body. I couldn't drive, work, or sleep for over a week, and I could barely dress myself or shower.
It took nearly two months to finally feel almost normal, though I still have some lingering
pain and stiffness on the right side of my neck. The main problem that I am now having is a deep, burning
pain in the right side of my neck that comes and goes. What is strange is that every time I have this burning
pain, I feel the exact same sensation in my right hand, near the base of my thumb. When the
pain in my neck stops, so does the
pain in my hand. Also, my neck makes all kinds of crunchy sounds when I tilt my head (not just one crack, but lots of small sounds every time I roll my head around). Using my hand on my chin to tilt my head to the left and crack my neck, which is probably not a good thing to do, nevertheless does seem to stretch out the right side of my neck and bring some temporary relief from the
pain.
From what I've read online, it seems possible that I may have experienced a cervical hernia . . . does this seem likely? It's hard to find much information on Degenerative Joint Disease . . . is this a progressively worsening condition that could be spreading to my neck and causing my problems? Is it time for a follw-up and maybe a consulation with a specialist? I've been told that I have the spine of an 80-year-old woman, even though I am only 25. Between my back problems and now my
neck pain, I'm living in almost constant discomfort, sometimes severe
pain, and I'm not sure what my next step should be. Any suggestions?
Thanks!
