cervical radiculopathy

[Guest guest]

I would appreciate any input on this case.

52 year old woman, otherwise good health, sustained injury to the

spinal nerve roots at C5, C6 and C7 due to a fall. She had subsequent

spinal fusion surgery of the 3 affected vertebrae (she had pre-existing

cervical spondylosis). She was left with constant radiculopathy of the

arms (pain, numbness, " constrictive " and " balloon " feelings), given an

rx for Neurontin, and sent on her way. She is one year post-surgery.

TCM wise, I see cold-damp obstruction of the channels with SP Qi and

blood def. She is thin but not toned, very fatigued, pain is worse in

cold and damp weather, hands are always cold to the touch. She has def

constipation. Tongue is thin, pale, with a white, wet coat, pulse is

thin and tight. The pain follows the LI channel: LI14, LI11-10 and LI4

are very reactive.

I've been treating her weekly for a year now, with good results. I used

to alternate channel tx (arms) with neck and back tx (area of injury)

but the arm tx gives better results. Needles usually include LI15, 14,

11 or 10, and 4 (with moxa), SI3, UB62 and SP/KD tonifying pts. ST

channel is very tight (go figure) so ST36 and ST37 and ashi on ST

channel are added. Pain relief is immediate and lasts about 5 days,

but is never fully resolved. She is taking Neurontin, OTC NSAIDs, and I

have her on Plum Flower Jing Zhui Kan ( " Neck Formula " ) which dispels

wind-cold-damp, invigorates blood, dredges meridians, tonifies Qi and

blood, and alleviates pain.

Although I'm getting good results, I guess I'm looking for that elusive

breakthrough tx, or at least an alternate tx to throw in...I think it's

time to step back and get a fresh perspective.

Thanks for any input!

Heidi Irwin, L.Ac.