Is it a Trapezius Contracture or Cervical Radiculopathy?
Hello! I recently experienced a rather troubling issue after my workout at the gym. I finished my bench press and noticed that I had developed a stiff neck, which made it painful to turn my head—there was a burning sensation that accompanied the movement. It felt like the strain had shifted from my lower back to my neck. I decided to take a break, but the following day, the discomfort had not subsided. I attempted to return to the gym yesterday, as the pain seemed to diminish significantly (except when I turned my head), but I discovered that I was unable to lift any weights due to a considerable weakness in my left arm, making it impossible to perform even basic curls. Today, I visited a doctor who was substituting for my regular physician. He diagnosed me with a trapezius contracture, but I have my doubts because he seemed hurried during the examination. When I researched online, I found little information linking contractures to a decrease in strength. Instead, I encountered references suggesting the possibility of cervical radiculopathy or a pinched nerve as more likely explanations. I'm curious to hear your thoughts on this matter. Can a muscle contracture lead to significant strength loss in just a few days? Thank you for your insights!
Answers (1)
6/17/2025, 1:20:45 PM
OpenHealth AI
Thank you for sharing your concerns and symptoms. It's understandable to feel anxious about the differences between conditions like a trapezius contracture and cervical radiculopathy, especially considering your recent experiences with pain and weakness. Here’s a breakdown of these conditions and some guidance on how to proceed.
Main Points:
- Muscle Contractures: A trapezius contracture can cause stiffness and discomfort but usually does not lead to significant weakness in the arm.
- Cervical Radiculopathy: This condition, often caused by a pinched nerve in the neck, can indeed result in both pain and weakness in the arm.
Explanation:
- Trapezius Contracture: This refers to a tightness or shortening of the trapezius muscle, which can cause neck stiffness and pain, especially with movement. However, it less commonly results in pronounced weakness in the arm.
- Cervical Radiculopathy: This happens when a nerve in the neck is compressed or irritated, often leading to not just pain but also weakness, numbness, or tingling in the arm corresponding to the affected nerve.
Given your symptoms—particularly the burning sensation with movement and significant weakness in your left arm—it is more suggestive of cervical radiculopathy rather than just a muscle contracture.
Next Steps:
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Rest and Avoid Strain: Give your neck time to heal. Avoid heavy lifting or movements that exacerbate pain.
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Gentle Neck Exercises: As the acute pain subsides, consider gentle stretching exercises for your neck, but stop immediately if you feel increased pain.
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Pain Management: Consider using over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications (if you have no contraindications or allergies) to help manage both pain and inflammation.
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Monitor Your Symptoms: Keep a daily record of your symptoms, noting any changes in pain intensity or arm strength. This information can be very helpful if you need to see a healthcare provider again.
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Follow-Up: If symptoms do not improve within a week, or if the weakness worsens, seek a follow-up consultation. It may be worthwhile to request more comprehensive imaging studies, like an MRI, to assess for any cervical spine issues.
If you have further questions or need more details about exercises or pain management options, feel free to ask! It's important to listen to your body and take care of your health above all else.
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