Finger Pain and Weakness After Neck Injury: A Patient's Journey

Q: Finger Pain and Weakness After Neck Injury: A Patient's Journey

Hello： You asked three times, so I will respond all at once. <br>1. <br>You can copy the pre-operative and post-operative X-rays and MRIs and place them here (if you have no privacy concerns) or bring them for discussion during the outpatient visit. <br>2. <br>A referral is certa

Finger soreness and weakness?

Hello Dr.
Lai,
I had an injury to my cervical vertebrae C4 and C5 from a car accident in May.
After surgery, I have been experiencing pain and weakness extending from my left shoulder down to my hand, particularly in my left middle and ring fingers, which not only feel sore but also numb and weak.
I discussed this situation with my doctor, who prescribed medication, but there has been no improvement.
Consequently, on September 5th, the doctor performed a nerve block at levels C3 and C7.
Now, my middle finger no longer hurts, but there has been no improvement in my ring finger.
Is it possible that there are issues with other cervical vertebrae? I am currently being treated in orthopedics; can I request a referral, or should I wait a few more days to observe? Thank you very much for taking the time to address my concerns!

A J, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/09/07

Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery

Hello: You asked three times, so I will respond all at once.
1.
You can copy the pre-operative and post-operative X-rays and MRIs and place them here (if you have no privacy concerns) or bring them for discussion during the outpatient visit.
2.
A referral is certainly possible, but it may not necessarily be an issue with the original surgeon's procedure.
However, it is still essential to have the aforementioned images, and it is best for the patient to be seen in person for a proper neurological assessment by the physician to provide an accurate response.
Best wishes.
// Dr.
Lai Chao-Kang, Chief of Spine Neurosurgery, Changhua Hospital.

Reply Date: 2017/09/07

More Info

Dear Patient,
Thank you for sharing your journey regarding the pain and weakness in your fingers following your neck injury. It sounds like you have been through a lot since your car accident in May, and I appreciate your patience as you navigate your recovery.

From your description, it appears that you have experienced significant symptoms related to your cervical spine injury, specifically at the C4 and C5 vertebrae. The pain radiating from your left shoulder down to your fingers, particularly affecting your middle and ring fingers, suggests that there may be nerve involvement, likely due to compression or irritation of the cervical nerves that innervate those areas.

The fact that you underwent a nerve block procedure on September 5th and found relief in your middle finger is a positive sign. It indicates that the nerve block effectively addressed the pain associated with that specific nerve pathway. However, the persistent symptoms in your ring finger suggest that there may still be an issue with the nerve supply to that area, possibly due to ongoing compression or another underlying issue in the cervical spine.

It is indeed possible that other cervical vertebrae, such as C6 or C7, could be contributing to your symptoms. Nerve roots can be affected by herniated discs, bone spurs, or other degenerative changes in the cervical spine, which can lead to pain, numbness, and weakness in the corresponding areas of the arm and hand. Given that your symptoms have not fully resolved, it would be prudent to further investigate the condition of your cervical spine.

You mentioned that you are currently under the care of an orthopedic specialist. While orthopedic surgeons are well-equipped to handle musculoskeletal issues, including spinal injuries, it may be beneficial for you to consult with a neurologist or a spine specialist who focuses on nerve-related issues. They can perform a thorough evaluation, which may include imaging studies such as an MRI of your cervical spine, to assess for any additional problems that may not have been previously identified.

In terms of requesting a referral, you absolutely have the right to seek a second opinion or request a transfer to a different specialist if you feel that your current treatment plan is not adequately addressing your symptoms. Open communication with your healthcare provider is essential, and expressing your concerns about the ongoing symptoms in your ring finger is important. They may be able to provide additional insights or alternative treatment options based on your feedback.

In the meantime, continue to follow any rehabilitation or physical therapy recommendations you have received. Engaging in targeted exercises may help improve strength and mobility in your hand and fingers, which can be beneficial for your overall recovery.

Lastly, it is crucial to monitor your symptoms closely. If you experience any new or worsening symptoms, such as increased pain, weakness, or changes in sensation, do not hesitate to seek immediate medical attention.

I hope this information helps clarify your situation and provides guidance on the next steps in your recovery journey. Please take care, and I wish you the best in your healing process.

Sincerely,
Doctor Q&A Teams

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