Pain with BRP?

[dana1960]

Does anyone have shoulder, elbow,neck and wrist pain with their brachial radial pruritus? I've had BRP for years, but this fall/winter, I have had a lot of pain, especially on my left side where the BRP is.Doctor ruled out Lupus, Lyme's disease and rheumatoid arthritis. Help!

[Tammy531]

I've just been diagnosed with BRP and have heard that there's success in seeing a 'upper cervical specialist'.  I'm wondering if there's anybody in this forum who's tried this approach?

[dana1960]

Thanks for the help. This is very frustrating because every doctor I have gone to knows nothing about BRP and doesn't seem to care to research it. One more question:

If spinal steenosis is causing my pain and BRP, what can be done to fix it? What kind of doctor do I go to?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
It is spinal stenosis which causes narrowing of the spinal cord. In this, the spinal canal narrows and can squeeze and compress the nerve roots where they leave the spinal cord. Your doctor may need to do a MRI spine and nerve conduction velocity tests to confirm whether spinal stenosis is causing such symptoms.

I hope it helps. Take care and regards.

[dana1960]

I had an xray and all it showed was narrowing of the spine. Is this a sign of cervical disease? I have an appointment with a rheumatalogist in 2 weeks. What tests should I ask for?
Thanks

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

The main cause of BRP is not known but there is evidence to suggest that BRP may arise in the nervous system. BRP may be attributed to a neuropathy, such as chronic cervical radiculopathy. So in your case apart from Lyme’s disease and arthritis it is important to rule out cervical spine disease and neuropathy or neuralgia as well which can cause nerve pain.

I suggest you to discuss these two possibilities with your treating doctor.


I sincerely hope it helps. Take care and please do keep us posted on how you are doing. Warm regards.