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Muscle Pain & Numbness (is it my spine?)

Posted , 7 users are following.

jbmartin23
jbmartin23

So, it all started (I believe) from sleeping wrong. A couple stiff necks led to the last 6 months of constant discomfort, throbbing and numbness in my right arm. Initially I got a massage, thinking it was just a matter of being locked up. When that didn't work I got a little concerned and may have read a few articles online that drove me right over to my doctors office in a panic (heart attack?!?!). From there I was directed to go to the hospital to get x-rays. Initially the man taking the x-rays asked me if I had ever been in a car accident (no) that would have resulted in whiplash. Apparently the curve to my neck was no longer there. I was then perscribed muscle relaxers and anti-inflamitories by my doctor and was sent on my way. Pills did nothing. I took it upon myself to go try accupuncture. That was a magical experiance. It took away the inflammation and the stiffness, but I was still left with pain. At this time I'd like to point out that my sleeping was in jeopardy for it was hard to find a comfortable position on any side. Sitting all day at work was brutal, I was constantly adjusting my chair's height, back support, screen position, keyboard position. I even went as far as to train my left hand to use the mouse. I couldn't swim or do yoga without discomfort. Onward to the chiropractor. After three months of bi-weekly visits, I find that minor fixes of locations of dicomfot in my back have improved. My posture, standing balance, and various other things have improved. But still after a lot of time and a lot of money, I am still left with "whatever" is going on in my arm. I am uncomfotable sitting on couches, movie theater recliners, hair saloon washing chairs, dentist office chairs.....basically anything on an angle, or limited back support. This past weekend I went on a yoga retreat and was the only one shifting every few minutes in my "comfortable seated position". My next step is to get an MRI. Just wondering if there is anyone out there with similar pain, discomfort, words of wisdom, advice, or direction. I can't keep spending time and money with no progress. Someone - HELP!

1 like, 10 replies

10 Replies

  • marie52818
    marie52818 jbmartin23

    Posted

    I started with pins and needles and pain down my right arm (across front of shoulder down arm under biceps and across lower arm into thumb index and middle finger. Definately made worse by certain postures. Tjen started getting throbbing meck pain to the point i was struggling to stay at work. X ray showed nothing apart from lack of lordosis (natural curve). MRI showed degenerative changes and impingement of a nerve. I had an ACDF 8 weeks ago and it's all gone
  • Dog_Lover
    Dog_Lover jbmartin23

    Posted

    Sounds like maybe either a bone spur or a pinched nerve.  "Pins & needle tingling" in your arm comes from your neck.  Down your leg means it's your back.  No one can correctly diagnose you without an MRI so get that done first. Also ask about getting a steroid injection (ESI) in that area.  My dr does them right in his office but others require you to go to a day surgery facility. These don't always work (if the doctor doesn't put the medicine in the exact right spot) so don't get discouraged if the first one doesn't work. You're allowed 3 per year but one done correctly should relieve your pain for 6 months to a year. 
  • scrannel
    scrannel jbmartin23

    Posted

    I would stay clear of "corrective" measures until you get your MIR. 
  • Terrirn
    Terrirn jbmartin23

    Posted

    You obviously have a nerve impinged. What you need to find out is what is going on and you can only find that out from an MRI.    What type of a doc are you seeing, Neurologist/ Neurosurgeon or Ortho?   You need a diagnosis and some options for treatment.   Let us know when you get some results from an MRI.
  • Macca57
    Macca57 jbmartin23

    Posted

    I had all of your symptoms JB, but mines was through a childhood fall of 45 feet from a chestnut tree, I pushed my thigh bone up through my pelvis and damaged the base of my spine. I had consistent back pain and couldn't sleep or drive my car. To cut a long story short I had a Medtronic Pulsator implanted with two wires going into my spine to block the pain signals reaching the brain.  I think that it is fantastic but like everything else my body got used to it, I then had the next model implanted same results great for a year or two them got used to it and I am now on the waiting list to have the Nevro one implanted I hope this was some help to you. +Best wishes Michael (Aka MAcca 

    Cartoonist)

     

  • hope4cure
    hope4cure jbmartin23

    Posted

    Best to stick with a diagnosis from xrays or MRI. You describing many issues as suggested above

    hope ur better soon. Keep us posted.

  • jbmartin23
    jbmartin23

    Posted

    I am seeing a general practitioner, who is in correspondence with my chiropractor. I have to go visit my primary on Saturday to build up my case for insurance purposes in order to recieve the MRI. Crossing fingers. Thank you to everyone for your comments. I want to avoid surgery if I have to. We shall see when I get the results from the MRI.
  • jbmartin23
    jbmartin23

    Posted

    So MRI results came back as a herniated disc between C5 & C6 with both central and bilateral compression. Suggested options were physical therapy, a 2 week prednisone (steroids) treatment, an epidural shot, or to go see a pain management specialist. I don't want to be on pain killers. I'd prefer the physical therapy, and any other type of natural repair. I know myself, and I don't feel that chemials will be the solution. Surgery is my last option. Any thoughts?
    • hope4cure
      hope4cure jbmartin23

      Posted

      Your starting with the conservative treatment first. That's where most of us start. I have had herniated discs same area and tried therapy first as well.I hope it works better for you. 

      In my case I could barely tie my shoes or walk let alone drive. By the time I arrived at therapy the bouncing in the car had my back in knots. therapy included tens, exercise, stretches, heavy heat packs, massage. After therapy my back felt so much better.

      However once I began moving as well as driving home, the pain in my back was right back where I stated. Also sciatica returned with a vengence. After 2 years of struggling with repairing the discs I finally had decided to go the surgery route.

      I finally had surgery in and out in one day and I never looked back. I wondered why It took me so long to just do it. I was better immediately. Finally had my life back & with 5 children everyone was along for the ride to wellness.

      Everyone is different and I do hope that your herniiared discs does well in treatment & heal. My discs were broke thru the outter circular wall with the gelly like tissue leaking out on the spinal nerves. I was hit by a drunk driver at a stop sign, not more than three blocks from home, causing the herniated discs as well as a plethora of other injuries.

      Take care & just for the record, your right pain meds are not the answer.

      Peace & Heeling.

      HOPE

       

  • Terrirn
    Terrirn jbmartin23

    Posted

    Wow, all that going on and they are treating you conservatively.   I had the same diagnosis and they were treating me conservatory also.   I found I had more and more problems walking, and then had problems with bladder control.   They finally did surgery.    I was left with some spinal cord damage.  Changed my life completely .    Be careful of Chiro therapy with cord impingement.     You may have to push them some, to do something.  Good luck

    terri

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