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Probably Cervical issues
I've been experiencing the following symptoms for the past few months and would like guidance on which specialist to see and whether I need imaging before the consult.
Symptoms:
- Pain at the base of skull, right side — intermittent, not constant. Happens a few times a week .
- Pain is worse when sleeping on my stomach with head turned to the right (stretches that area).
- Restricted neck rotation — can't fully turn my neck.
- Numbness in hands at night — earlier it was my left hand, now it alternates and sometimes happens in my right hand.
- Lightheadedness specifically triggered by shaking or turning my head — feels like I might pass out.
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Questions for the doctor:
1. Should I see a neurologist or an orthopedic spine specialist first?
2. Do I need imaging (X-ray/MRI of cervical spine) before or as part of the consult?
Answers (22)
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would recommend consulting a spine specialist (Orthopedic Spine Surgeon or Neurosurgeon) or a Neurologist. A detailed clinical examination should guide further investigations.
An MRI of the cervical spine is likely to be more informative than an X-ray
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Just do x ray of the neck and share results. If light headedness is more, do c.t. scan brain.
Avoid neck bending, sidewards turning, jerky movementsof head and neck.
Avoid using high pillow.
Take a pain killer for pain. Tab neurobion forte one daily for 4 weeks.
Get your b.p. , blood sugar, Haemoglobin, checked and share results.
Then I can help you further.
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Your symptoms could be due to cervical spondylosis/disc disorder.You consult either neurologist or orthopedist spine surgeon.Depending on the clinical examination findings,he may ask initially a cervical spine x-ray,if needed an MRI of the same
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The symptoms described such as pain at the base of the skull, numbness in hands, and restricted neck movements are consistent with conditions like cervical spondylosis, nerve compression (radiculopathy), or muscle strain.
You should consult with an orthopaedic spine doctor first and for numbness only if needed they will refer you to neurologist.
Next Steps
Imagining will be needed but you can take it only after clinical examination with the doctor
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firstly you can visit orthopaedician or neurophysician…based on your symptoms i came to an opinion that you r suffering from cervical spondylitis..get an Xray c-Spine done or if possible get an MRI done to rule out cervical spondylitis…
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The presentation is most consistent with a cervical spine pathology. Consultation with a spine specialist and obtaining an MRI cervical spine is reasonable, especially due to neck restriction and intermittent hand numbness.
Next Steps
would recommend seeing an Orthopedic Spine Surgeon or Spine Specialist (or a Neurosurgeon with spine expertise) first. A neurologist may be needed later if symptoms suggest a primary neurological disorder or if the diagnosis remains unclear.
Health Tips
Doctor’s Opinion (MD Medicine perspective):
The symptoms are most suggestive of a cervical spine disorder (cervical spondylosis, facet joint dysfunction, muscular strain, or cervical disc disease with intermittent nerve root irritation).
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