A 55-year-old female is admitted to the hospital with chief complaint (CC) of neck pain for one month. The pain is at the back of the neck, described as excruciating in character, 10/10 on a 0-10 scale, temporarily relieved by pain medications, exacerbated by movement, and radiating down the left arm. The pain is associated with left arm numbness which is not confirmed by physical exam. She has never had similar symptoms before. The patient has no fever, chills or photophobia.
The patient had been a victim of an assault few years ago. Past medical history (PMH) End-stage renal disease on hemodialysis (ESRD on HD), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), hepatitis C (HCV), hepatitis B (HBV). Past surgical history (PSH) Left lower extremity gunshot wound (LLE GSW), chest stabbing. Physical examination No neurological deficits. Limited range of motion (ROM) in the neck but no true…
