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Nothing But Confused! New Cervical Issues....

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Posted 12/6/2016 2:40 PM (GMT 0)
I am a 41 year old. I have been dealing with bone issues for years (since I was about 4 years old, due to a bone condition)- so its nothing new for me. Within the last year I have been dealing with New symptoms which have me confused though. I have been suffering from tingling, numbness, and sometimes pain in my fingers in both hands which procedes up the outside towards the elbow. (mostly on the left hand and arm) Sometimes it also is coupled with pain.
I have recently had a new MRI which showed a bulging disk at C5/C6 w/o stenosis but osteoarthritis in the cervical area. I do have DDD throughout my spine.
--A little background. I also have bulging and herniated disks in my thoracic area and a cage in my lumbar region.
My physician states that the numbness is most likely due to carpel tunnel (*clears throat)...I know a little bit about carpel tunnel and this does not cause the pain that I have in my neck!
I am going for a second opinion on the 15th of this month. I Love my Dr. for he is very aware of all my health conditions and looks to other options. But I think he might have become "too comfortable" with my case.

--Has anyone experienced a similar issue and if so what was the result of your case?
I am very frustrated as it is getting worse and I am getting no answers.

-Also my physician now wants me to go for one of those electrical stimulus tests. (for the carpel tunnel). I have decided to put it off until I go for the 2nd opinion and see what the other Dr. has to say.

Looking for opinions----->>>>

Post Edited (TiredOfIssues) : 12/6/2016 7:45:22 AM (GMT-7)

Posted 12/6/2016 4:04 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Tired & welcome to the forum. So sorry to read about what you have going on. Hopefully the 2nd opinion will be able to shed more light on what is causing what. You may well have two different issues going on so now is the time to get a dr to start ruling things out in order to come up with a proper diagnosis.

It is frustrating dealing with pain all of the time for sure. Pain mgt may also be an option for you, however, I would see what the 2nd opinion dr has to say. Is there a specific reason you do not believe you have carpal tunnel syndrome? Neck issues can cause hand & arm pain but so can carpal tunnel. I think its a good idea to investigate all areas. It sounds like the dr wants an EMG studies to check for carpal tunnel which is a typical test done to check for it.

Keep us posted.
Posted 12/6/2016 10:26 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you for replying...
From my knowledge carpel tunnel is more apt to be in patients who are using the computer, typing, their wrists, etc alot. Which isn't my case. Yes I use the computer but I'm not on it all the time. I also did some research into it myself. And they symptoms dont quite match up. Though I am not ruling it cometely out. --- i just seems strange that it started with nexk pain... then graduated to the other symptoms.
Posted 12/6/2016 11:20 PM (GMT 0)
Tired, it makes me wonder if you may have some nerve involvement going on with your neck. That can produce some of the other symptoms you have going on. There are lots of options available to treat nerve involvement without surgery. You mentioned seeing another dr for this situation. Is it an orthopedic or a neurosurgeon? Depending on how the appt goes you may want to consider looking for the best board certified neurosurgeon for a consult & have him/her review your MRI. Neurosurgeons have more experience dealing with nerve issues in spine & I have seen it countless times another set of eyes looking at MRI's pick up on things others overlooked, including the radiologist. Better to be safe than sorry.

Take care.
Posted 12/7/2016 2:38 AM (GMT 0)
Susie,
I was curious as to that exact thing. Actually the Dr I am going to see for the 2nd opinion is at a NeuroSpine Institute in my area and specializes in Neurosurgery and only complicated conditions related to the spine. (Which happens to be me..lol)
--Fortuntately I qualify and I lucked out that he was willing to take a look at my case.
[ I actually even got a quicker appointment due to the fact that someone cancelled and I asked to be put on a waiting list, so instead of waiting almost 3 1/2 months I get to see him in 5 weeks]

As for the nerve involvement. I have been doing a lot of research regarding this. As I have some of other things going on.. I have lost my hearing. I have been hard of hearing for years but never completely deaf. But I found an article in the US National Library of Medicine National Institute of Health which relates DDD and pinched nerves in the cervical spine to hearing loss and vertigo. [ I forwarded that to my ENT as well ].

Like I said I have many issues and I just wanted opinions. I thank you again for responding.
Posted 12/7/2016 4:34 AM (GMT 0)
TiredOfIssues Welcome to HealingWell Chronic Pain Forum, the symptoms you described of your arms and fingers, are very very similar if not the exact same thing I had experienced, and mine was caused by a herniated disc in my cervical spine The first time it was a herniated disc at C6/7 which I ended up having to have a discectomy and fusion done. Then 25 years later I started have the same type of symptoms, but affecting different fingers, in my hand, turned out the disc above my fusion went bad, and I had to have another ACDF Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion at C5/6. I think it would be a good idea to have the nerve conduction studies done, as these test are not only for diagnosing Carpel tunnel syndrome but they're also very helpful with diagnosing impingement of the nerve roots coming off the cervical spine. I think seeking a second opinion is an excellent thing to do! A good neurosurgeon and or neurologist would be a good place to start. Even if there is no stenosis of the spinal cord in the canal, that doesn't mean that the disc isn't necessarily causing nerve root impingement and that can be on either one side or the other or both.

I do wish you well and please keep us informed of your progress! And again I Welcome you to the forum! Oh yes one more thing, this stuff can affect anyone at any age, as I was only 34 when I had my first ACDF, and that was back in 1985 when I was in the military stationed in Alaska. I've had a total of three fusions in my cervical spine, and also had a foraminotomy at L2 thru L5. Unfortunately they would not do surgery on my herniated thoracic disc, which resulted in ending my second career early, and forcing me to go on disability! I'm just telling you this to let you know your not alone in this, and there are allot more folks here on this forum that have had far worse things, than this done on them! So just know that we all can really empathize with you on everything your going through and we're all here for you!

Good Luck to you!

White Beard
Posted 12/7/2016 6:03 AM (GMT 0)
Since you mention that you have had "bone issues" since early childhood, it would be a disservice at this point in your quest for answers to be overly narrowed in your field of inquiry (i.e cervical nerve root compression).

Soft tissue or ligamentous constriction, shortening, or contracture is a frequent root cause of numbness, tingling, and loss of upper extremity strength and fine motor dexterity. This is especially true of muscle and ligamentous shortening in the shoulder girdle and upper thorax. The brachial plexus nerve root can be effectively compressed by excessive muscle contraction. You need not have a noticeable postural alteration to have muscle or ligamentous tightening or contracture compressing spinal nerve roots or nerve bundles that innervate the remainder of the lower arm.

I would not discount too quickly having the EMG for carpel tunnel. Repetitive movement of varied background can give rise to chronic inflammation in the tight confines of the small carpal bones. One need not be a technology junkie or a cash register clerk to suffer carpal tunnel.

Getting a second option in your case is wise. Your initial appointment with your primary care MD has not been wasted. Rather, it has given you a platform by which to continue to refine and narrow the search for the root cause of your body's pain and discomforts.

You are using your intuitive sense to your advantage. Trust what your inner voice is telling you. Only you reside in your body space. You know your body better than anyone else. Continue to advocate for yourself.
- Karen -
Posted 12/7/2016 12:34 PM (GMT 0)
I thank you all for your feedback!!

It has been very informative. Just so yall know I have not dismissed the EMG test...for I have done my research...I just want a 2nd opinion first. I want to see what the other Dr. has to say. (Regarding my entire case)

White Beard-
I am sorry to hear about the ending of your career but I do thank you for your service! It's good to know that what I am feeling 'may be' related to my neck.. I am so frustrated right now. Though I am finding that I am not alone on this forum and it is very helpful.

Karen-
I have met with my primary care physician as he has to provide all my referrals to my specialists. I also go for bloodwork every 3 months. My PCP is also concerned with the amount of 'tenderness' and symptoms related to my cervical area and also suggested the 2nd opinion.

--
I must say I have an excellent Team of Dr.'s that I work with, which made me hesitant in the 1st place to even consider getting a second opinion. But after discussing everything with my PCP that's what convinced me that have someone take a look to get possibly a different view of things. In his words "a different set of eyes might see something your Dr. might have missed or might catch something New"

So this is where I am currently. Next Thursday is my appointment with the Dr for the 2nd opinion. I will discuss the EMG test with him as well to see what he feels about it.

I will keep you updated.

Again I thank you all for your feedback!

Shelly

Post Edited (TiredOfIssues) : 12/7/2016 5:37:58 AM (GMT-7)

Posted 12/7/2016 3:25 PM (GMT 0)
Hopefully, the E.M.G. will clarify if it is Carpal tunnel or Cubital tunnel. The fact that you say the tingling is on the outside of the arm makes me think Cubital rather than Carpal. Thoracic Outlet Syndrome can cause neck pain as well as arm pain. It may be worth checking out.
Posted 12/7/2016 6:57 PM (GMT 0)
I have given it much thought and have scheduled the Emg... I will be having the test next Friday so I will get some kind of answer between the second opinion on Thursday and the test on Friday I will keep you guys posted thanks again for all the feedback.
Posted 12/18/2016 11:31 PM (GMT 0)
Udate on everyting.
I went for the 2nd opinion. It was a waste of time unfortunately. He was simply looking to cut me open. The physical exam - well wasn't. I was in the office for 3 1/2 hours to see him for 8 min. He didnt even look over my records. Even when i tod him repeatedly i was looking to him as a second opinion on my issues and case .. it didnt seem to phase him. Actually I dont think he knew how to handle it. Oh well
As for the results of my EMG test .. i did get some answers with that!
I do have caroal tunnel in my left and a pinched nerve in my right wrist and the beginning of carpal tunnel in my right. No signs of pinched nerves in my neck. He wrote a prescription for a brace for my left wrist and gave me some exercises to do.
Next step is going to be go back to my Dr and give him my results and discuss them and see what the next step is.
Thank you again for all your advise.
Shelly
Posted 12/19/2016 1:16 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Shelly, wow so sorry to read how the appt went. I just don't get it how some of these drs treat a patient, or rather not treat. I try not to get down on the medical field because I know there are good drs out there, its a matter of finding them. Don't give up.

As far as the EMG studies goes at least you have some answers there. I urge you to get the brace. My daughter has carpal tunnel in both hands & its severe. Problem is she kept ignoring it for so long that the nerves are permanently damaged & most likely surgery would not help her. She has used her hands repetitively at work, counting money & running a 10 key. Once in a while she will get steroids shots. She was put in braces that she sleeps in at night & they do give her some relief. She works at the tax office & really suffers during their busy time of the year. It is now affecting both elbow & she sleeps with pillows so she can keep both arms straight. I was with her yesterday & noticed she kept having to take her hands off of the steering wheel & move her arms because of the elbow pain. If it comes down to having surgery, ask to referred to a hand specialist, you want the very best.

Let us know how your next drs visit goes. Take care.
Posted 12/21/2016 10:32 PM (GMT 0)
another update.....

So I went to my follow up appt to my spine Dr. to discuss my results of my EMG and also to discuss what we are going to do next.
He asked if I minded if he invited his associate - who happened to be the head of the practice, to join in on my visit - which of course I was thrilled. After going over my case in much detail, and the other doctor doing a full examination, we discussed a few things....
1) Trying a new nerve medication - which they would like to do some research along with my other physicians on due to my seizures (regarding interactions and my history of prior usage).
2) They feel my body might be, basically 'fighting' itself. In essence, when the pain kicks in from my spine/muscles my fibromyalgia flares up, which then in turn causes the other pain to increase, which then causes the fibro to flare up worse, and so on...in a vicious cycle.
3) They want to monitor everything (have me keep a daily journal over the next month and a half) to see how my symptoms are. If they remain the same, get worse, or ease up a bit.
....
It they vary at all. Then they feel it is definitely the fibro 'circle' as they put it. If they get worse, they feel its definitely something else. And want to look further into it.

--They are more concerned with my Thoracic area of my spine (lower part of my shoulder blades) than anything else. As the cervical is painful but manageable and Lumbar is something I have been dealing with since my 20's (where my cage is). The Thoracic is debilitating at times.

--Also they will also be considering ordering a new MRI for that area pending my journal. (last one was about a year ago.)

--I have yet to get the brace for my wrist - as it needs a referral from my primary, and I am waiting on them.


--So that is where I am at.

Will keep yall updated.

shelly
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