Experiencing Neck Discomfort, Joint Sounds, and Numbness in Limbs While Running
I’m a 28-year-old weighing 150 pounds, and I've been dealing with a mild cervical hernia located between the C6 and C7 vertebrae, along with some arthritis and bone spurs. Next week, I am scheduled for an MRI, and I also have a follow-up appointment with a neurosurgeon. This all began about a year and a half ago during a metal concert, where I shook my head vigorously. Just two days later, I noticed significant soreness and discomfort in my neck, which has since been accompanied by a distinct crepitus—a wet crunching sound—each time I move my head. Ignoring it has proven quite challenging. Initially, my condition seemed to stabilize; however, during a recent exam period that required extensive studying, my neck began to feel hot and painful. I did my best to cope, but concentrating on math without referencing the paper was impossible. The second bout of discomfort was notably worse. I found myself studying intensely and under considerable stress. For the most part, my neck felt "okay," but I began experiencing rapid numbness and tingling in the arm I rested on, waking up twice with a completely dead arm. Just as I finished my exams, the situation deteriorated. I had also taken part in a sports test where I needed to run at speeds of up to 14 kph, and I didn't encounter any problems at the time. However, just two days after the running test, I went for another run and experienced tingling and numbness in both arms. It felt like I lost all sensation in my skin. Subsequently, after driving for an hour, I noticed that both my arms and legs were tingling symmetrically for a significant portion of the drive. Currently, I find it difficult to attend classes and concentrate due to the discomfort. My neck feels inflamed, and resting my arm leads to more tingling. I can’t comfortably look down at my tablet, so I’ve adjusted its angle, but I still feel heat and soreness—not quite pain, though. Driving has become unpleasant since turning my head causes my neck to heat up, but it remains a necessity. During the day, my limbs tend to start tingling quite easily. I’ve found that shifting my arms and legs, or changing my neck position, alleviates the sensation. Surprisingly, walking does not cause any issues. What do you think might be going on with me? Is there a chance for recovery? What questions should I consider asking during my neurosurgery consultation? Thank you for your assistance!
Answers (1)
2/6/2026, 11:50:41 PM
OpenHealth AI
Thank you for sharing your detailed experience. It sounds like you are facing a complex situation with your cervical hernia and associated symptoms. Here’s a breakdown of your situation and some guidance on what you can consider.
Key Points:
- Symptoms: You are experiencing neck discomfort, joint sounds, and numbness/tingling in your limbs, particularly after physical and mental stress.
- Underlying Condition: Your cervical hernia, arthritis, and bone spurs can contribute to nerve compression, which may explain your symptoms.
- Upcoming MRI: This imaging will help assess the current state of your cervical spine and inform treatment options.
Explanation:
The symptoms you've described, including the distinct crunching sound (crepitus) and the numbness in your arms and legs, can result from nerve compression due to your cervical hernia or arthritis changes in your spine. The fact that these symptoms worsen with certain activities (like running or studying) suggests that your nerves may be becoming irritated under specific conditions, particularly those involving neck movement or sustained pressure.
Prioritized Next Steps:
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Prepare for Your Neurosurgeon's Appointment:
- Questions to Consider:
- What are the MRI results indicating about the current state of my cervical spine?
- Do you recommend any specific treatments (e.g., physical therapy, medications, injections, or surgery)?
- Are there lifestyle modifications I should consider to prevent worsening of my symptoms?
- How can I manage my symptoms during activities that exacerbate discomfort?
- What does recovery typically look like, and what are the expected outcomes for someone in my situation?
- Questions to Consider:
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Self-Care Tips:
- Ergonomic Adjustments: Ensure that your study and driving positions are as ergonomic as possible. Adjust chair height and support your neck while studying or driving.
- Neck Exercises: Gentle stretching and strengthening exercises for your neck may help alleviate tension. Focus on gradual movements, and avoid any positions that cause pain.
- Rest and Recovery: Take frequent breaks during study sessions, and avoid prolonged positions that might strain your neck.
- Heat and Cold Therapy: Applying heat can help with muscle relaxation and pain relief, while cold packs may reduce inflammation.
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Monitor Your Symptoms: Keep track of your symptoms, noting what activities may trigger or worsen the tingling or discomfort. This will provide valuable information for your healthcare provider.
It's understandable to feel anxious about your symptoms, but the MRI and follow-up appointment will provide clearer insights and potential treatment pathways. Stay positive; there is often a pathway to recovery or management even with chronic conditions. If you have further concerns or need more clarification as you prepare, feel free to ask!
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