Fibro or Cervical radiculopathy?

Posted , 2 users are following.

Hi All. Just wanted to ask a question about Cervical, Disc herniation. I have RA and Fibromyalgia and as anyone who has Fibro knows it can mimic other conditions.

So I have been to my Gp and am being referred to a specialist. I have a history of pins and needles in my hand anyway but my physio thought that it was coming from my shoulder/neck, she suggested an MRI. Unfortunately at that time I had a fall and needed a knee op so couldn't have the MRI she had suggested. I've had a pain over the back of my arm, running down to my elbow for the past two months and nothing relieved it. Last week i statrted getting a headache and the pins and needles in my hand was really bad. Within an hour I had to go to bed because i could barely open my eyes, the pain in my head was really awful and i have never experienced a pain like it, along with that my arm felt numb and very tingly and the pain got worse. i couldn't lie down and had to sleep propped up.Since then i have had a slight headache every day, the pain is in my shoulder and upper arm is almost like a line of pain, a mixture of burning and aching it's better in the morning though I do get woken if I move my arm in a certain way, as the morning goes on it gets worse with use. Driving seems to really aggravate the pain and today as i had to hold a phone in the affected hand when i put the phone down, my middle finger was deviating to the right.

Do any of these symptoms seem to fit with antone with Fibro. I know pins and needles are common. I'm hoping that someone with fibro has also had this. had a strength test at the GP and had a job holding paper between any of my fingers and i am finding my hand aches a lot if I hold things of any weight. Thanks for your help.

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4 Replies

  • Posted

    Evening HSLEW83;   I really feel that your issues with arm, hand and the pins/needles, along with your finger, would have more to do with your displaced Cervical disc; and yes, I agree with your physio....that MRI seems very urgent, and you should be having it ASAP.....also along with your headaches, there is definately something not right.    Also, as to it being related to Fibro, no, I don't think so in this case.....I really feel 1/more nerves are being pinched from the slipped/bulging disc....this would be causing your problems, and the headaches are a worry too....maybe the muscles in your neck are causing these, but the MRI will certainly tell us the answers.   You should also be seeking the advice of a really good Orthopaedic Surgeon/Back Specialist/Surgeon, as you cannot go on like this for too long......sorry for being so blunt, but am worried re your situation.    Hopefully, this can be sorted for you soon.   Best of wishes,   Bron

    • Posted

      Thank you for this. I've been doing a lot of reading about this and have come to the same conclusion. It feels totally different  to the pain of Fibro or RA. Whilst my headaches have improved , the pain is still there and getting me down to be honest and I'm having to be really careful about what I do. I have been referred by my GP and she has said she can speed things up if things get worse or I'm not coping etc. I'll see how I go over the weekend and go from there. I'm being really careful and won't leave things too long. Thanks for your input.

    • Posted

      That is good news...and so good that your GP is helping you, so do get her to "speed things up"...............let us know how you get on and the results of MRI as am very interested in the answer/s...................Bron

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