Arm/Hand numbness and shoulder pain

Question

I am 27 years old and 2 weeks ago I woke up with slight right upper & lower arm numbness or "cold feeling." I thought I had just slept wrong, but the next morning it was a stronger sensation and radiating down through all my fingers. I stopped sleeping on that shoulder but it has continued to worsen. Now, I have a HUGE numb/pain feeling in R upper arm (breast level), some shoulder & forearm pain, and much pain in my palm and wrist. I have NO neck or back pain. Co-workers have suggested a chiropractor or neurologist but I couldn't get an appt w/ a neurologist for 2 months. Any ideas for possible diagnosis? Any other recommendations than just waiting for appt?

alley cat · Answer

I have similar symptoms and went to a very good sports doctor who works with major league baseball teams. He diagnosed me with a partial tear of a ligament that connects to the rotator cuff after looking at an MRI of my shoulder. He  recommended physical therapy which did not work and I am now looking at a micro surgery proceedure which the doc says is the next step to alleviate the pain. I honestly feel that the medical field is much like the auto repair field and involves a lot of guess work to repair a problem. i.e., if this doesn't work, lets try something else, all at the expense of the insurance companies, or worse yet, out of the individules pocket.

Gorango · Answer

I had similar symptoms 2 months back, plus SEVERE right shoulder pain and weakness in the triceps.  I thought I have rotator cuff problems because I was flinging a stick hard for my lab to fetch.  Self diagnosis is bad.  But I did it and went to (1) massage therapist (2) chiropractor (3) "pain management" doctor.  I really think these people are scams.  In the 3rd week I had and MRI done and found 3 bulging disks and 1 (C6-C7) badly herniated.  

I saw 1 neurologist who treated me with traction, cervical brace and Lyrica. Had minimal relief. The I saw 3 neurosurgeons and they advised ACDF.

I had ACDF 2 weeks back and have almost total symptomatic relief.  The concern now is how to ensure total fusion. 

If you get weakness and continued numbness - it is a sign of nerve damage.  ACDF with a good surgeon should work well.  It is very important to choose the right one and have a good rapport with the surgeon.

Good luck mate.

bev62 · Answer

I had the same symptoms.  I never had any neck pain, it was all in my shoulder and arm. After having a MRI of my neck my neuroligist told me I had  herniated disks at C5-C7.  I had a cervical fusion in Nov 2006, which was a big mistake.  I am in more pain now than I was before I had surgery six months ago.  Be sure to get a second and even a third opinion before you let them do any surgery.  Good luck.

Arm/Hand numbness and shoulder pain

You are reading content posted in the Neurology Community