Hello everyone
I had numbness in my two left fingers years ago (left hand) and my GP thought it was probably my ulnar nerve. I went for an MRI scan in June 09 and here's what my letter stated from the consultant:
The MRI did not show any significant abnormality. There is a slight disc bulge at C5/C6 and C6/C7 but no evidence of any significant disc prolapse or nerve root impingement. Looking at the films there is no abnormal signal within the substance of the spinal cord itself.
However, recently I notice the numbness is back in my two fingers (left hand) and at times my left arm is numb. I've pain in my left shoulder and I went back too my GP who is referring me again to a consultant but he said it would take months too get an appointment.
I also can't sleep on my left side in bed as it's painful and I've the numbness at times.
Not sure if an ice pack or hot water bottle would be best for me?
Does anyone know if there is anything that can be done with bulging discs? I no in June 09 it was a slight disc bulge (maybe it's the same or worse now) and do people get surgery done?
A friend suggested I should try Bowen Technique so might consider it or I'd try anything too get some relief.
LilacJewel
Hi LilacJewel,
The disc bulge may or may not cause the numbness in the fingers. From the information given, the cause maybe one of a number of things.
There are several complimentary therapies that deal with this type of condition and redmedial massage, which I practice is one of them. Therefore my recomendation whould be to visit your local sports/remedial massage therapist who would be able to work with you to find a solution.
HTH,
Myarka.
Which two fingers? C7 is the two next to the thumb, the nerve runs all the way up the back of the forearm and back of the biceps to the shoulder.
Disc prolapses do heal and repair themselves if given enough time and rest. I use whatever feels the best mostly heat but sometimes cold when the pain is burning.
Neck operations and cervical operations are rarely done on the nhs in the uk because of the greater risks than the lower discs.
I have problems at c6/7 and nerve c8 and swear by a chopped memory foam pillow that keeps my head at the right angle.
Hi myarka and Cascara, thanks for your help and advice.
The numbness is in my little pinky finger and ring finger (beside it), as I'm typing I have slight pain and numbness in it 🙁 just more frustrating really and unfortunately I've abit of a wait too see the consultant.
Might try and see a sports massage therapist too see if it helps, thanks again.
Hiya Lilac!!
I am just starting to recover from a severe boudt of the 'C' spine impingemt symptoms you are describing. I lost all motive power and sensory perception in both arms and hands, and suffered with transfered pain, pins & needles and deep dull aches. I have had this before, and as a side effect, it also affects my upper 'T' spine rendering me unable to even sit and type!
There is no doubt in my mind that you have a 'C' spine impingement too! If you reseach online 'the Autonomic and Periferal nervous systems' you will see that your symptoms are classic 'c' spine impingement.
MRI's and X-rays rarely show up impingements at this level (or any level for that matter) because when we lay flat in the MRI scanner, our phyiology changes from that of a standing position, and the impingement could appear altered or in less contact.
I regularly see a Sports/Osteopath Therapist (as Myarka suggests) to correct this issue. Like Cassie, I too use use ice packs, as this will reduce the burning and inflamation that contributes to you symptoms!
Best wishes 🙂
SPINELF
I now it seems like I am always going on about MK (Mr Martin Knight, surgeon of the Spinal Foundation) but he was the one that diagnosed my c spine problems. On the mri I have a noticeable bulge but it is at c6/7 so the nhs surgeon said that could not possibly be causing the problems with my hand fingers and arm, however MK looked deeper and disregarded the report and sure enough on the scan it is possible to see that although the bulge occurs at c6/7 it impinges on the traversing c8 nerve before it branches off at c7/T1 (c8 nerve), problem solved, now all I need is the money lol! 🙂