OpenHealth Q&A

Cervical Radiculopathy from Repetitive Strain?

**Personal Information** - **Age:** 35 - **Gender:** Male - **Height:** 5'6" - **Weight:** 150 lbs - **Ethnicity:** Filipino For quite some time, I've been dealing with a level of neck discomfort that ranged from mild to moderate. Typically, I managed it using a combination of acupuncture and massage therapy. However, in July, I experienced a significant exacerbation of my symptoms, particularly in the left side of my neck where it meets my shoulder. Recently, this has escalated to the point where I occasionally hear ringing in my ears, especially when I lie down flat, even with a cervical support pillow. I also experience intermittent tingling sensations that extend to my fingers. The discomfort seems to fluctuate, affecting various areas including the scalene muscles at the front of my neck, and I've noticed pain radiating to my chest and lat muscles as well. After consulting with my neurosurgeon, who performed a scalene release micro-nerve procedure in 2023 to alleviate my thoracic outlet syndrome—which had been impacting my grip strength—he prescribed treatment for cervical radiculopathy based on my MRI findings. The results indicated the presence of herniated discs along with signs of cervical stenosis and straightening. Furthermore, my acupuncturist suspects arthritis in my neck, which aligns with findings from recent X-rays. Since my condition didn't arise from a specific injury, my physical therapist suggests that my symptoms are largely due to poor posture, particularly forward head positioning. Consequently, she recommended a regimen of stretches and exercises to address this issue. At present, the consensus among the medical professionals I've seen is to avoid surgical intervention due to the mild to moderate nature of my symptoms. They have all advised pursuing physical therapy as the primary course of action. I plan to continue this therapy while also incorporating acupuncture and neuromuscular techniques, massage therapy, and I am considering epidural steroid injections to assist with pain relief during the night. I'm curious if anyone else has encountered a similar situation. Could repetitive poor posture related to excessive use of computers, phones, and gaming have led to such severe neck pain? I'm eager to know what physical therapy exercises worked for others to alleviate their issues. Did anyone end up requiring surgery? What other treatments proved effective for you, and how long was your recovery process? Additionally, any advice on what activities to avoid or what positions might exacerbate my neck issues would be greatly appreciated. I'm still in the process of identifying which specific actions increase my discomfort aside from sleeping, which is unavoidable. I find it particularly uncomfortable when lying face down during acupuncture or massage sessions; after about 30 to 40 minutes, the flare-up on my left side intensifies and radiates down to my thumb, fading only once I change positions. I intend to provide updates on my condition, hoping to assist others who may experience similar challenges with their neck health. Currently, my physical therapists have prescribed exercises such as chin tucks, scapular retractions, upper trapezius stretches, shoulder shrugs, and workouts targeting the upper back, pecs, and lats. I also consulted a pain management specialist who strongly recommended that I proceed with an epidural steroid injection in the neck area on both sides. From what I understand, the effect of the anti-inflammatory injection may be temporary, and I've heard that insurance typically covers only up to three injections per year. I remain hopeful that a combination of physical therapy, acupuncture, massage, and specific exercises will lead to improvement.

Answers (1)

8/16/2025, 10:11:03 PM

OpenHealth AI

It sounds like you are navigating a complex situation with your neck pain and related symptoms, and I'm here to provide you with some helpful insights and actionable next steps.

Main Points:

1. Your symptoms may be related to cervical radiculopathy, likely exacerbated by poor posture and repetitive strain.
2. A multi-faceted approach, including physical therapy and possibly epidural steroid injections, is recommended while avoiding surgery for now.
3. Identifying and modifying activities that worsen your symptoms will be vital in managing pain.

Explanation:

Cervical radiculopathy often occurs when a nerve in the neck is compressed or irritated, which can happen due to herniated discs, degenerative changes, or poor posture—common in individuals who spend long hours on computers or mobile devices. The ringing in your ears and tingling in your fingers align with nerve involvement.

Given that your healthcare team is recommending a conservative approach, it’s crucial to address your pain through physical therapy, proper posture, and potentially injections, while remaining attentive to activities that might aggravate your symptoms.

Next Steps:

1. Continue Physical Therapy: Stick with the prescribed exercises:

   • Chin Tucks: Strengthen neck muscles and improve posture.
   • Scapular Retractions: Help strengthen upper back muscles and counteract forward head posture.
   • Upper Trapezius Stretches: Alleviate tension in the neck area.
   • Shoulder Shrugs and Upper Back Strengthening: Engage and support muscular balance.

2. Monitor Posture: Assess and adjust your sitting ergonomics:

   • Ensure your computer screen is at eye level.
   • Use a chair that provides good neck and back support.
   • Take regular breaks to change positions and stretch.

3. Activity Modification: Be mindful of activities that exacerbate your discomfort:

   • Avoid lying face down during therapies that worsen your symptoms; communicate this with your therapist for alternative positions.
   • Limit prolonged screen time without breaks to reduce strain.
   • Be conscious of your head position during activities—try to keep ears aligned with your shoulders.

4. Consider Pain Management Options: If the epidural steroid injection leads to pain relief, it may allow you to engage more comfortably in physical therapy. Discuss the potential effectiveness and any concerns with your pain management specialist.

5. Log Your Symptoms: Keep a diary of activities, positions, and times when your pain intensifies. This can help identify patterns and modify behaviors accordingly.

6. Seek Support: Engage with support networks or forums where individuals share their experiences, which may provide you with additional coping strategies.

Remember, everyone's recovery timeline can vary, but following these steps and maintaining open communication with your healthcare providers will be vital for your progress. If you're noticing any sharp changes in symptoms or new concerns, be sure to reach out to your doctor promptly. Please keep me updated on your journey; I'm here to help!