Boy Where Do I Start? Diagnosis Carpal Tunnel?

[Pati-LeVesque]

    
      Re: Boy Where Do I Start? Diagnosis Carpal Tunnel?
    


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Posted by CCF MD on December 08, 1997 at 16:47:51:

In Reply to: Boy Where Do I Start? Diagnosis Carpal Tunnel? posted by Patti LeVesque on December 03, 1997 at 13:21:12:

: 12/13/96 I injured myself at work...1/97 I was diagnosed w/Lateral & Medial Epicondylitis, rgt Shoulder Strain rgt Infraspinatous Strain, then rgt carpal tunnel syndrome. occupational therapy & temp. returning to light duty at work caused further pain up my arm and into my neck. I now am experiencing major spasms throughout my body and into both arms, numbness in hands, particularly the right. X-rays show narrowing of disc spaces at multiple levels C5-6 & 6-7. with small cervical rib rem. seen at the C-7 level. Impress. was Deg Disc Dis at C4-5,5-6,6-7, rib rem @6-7 and reversal of the normal cervical lordosis,"most likely caused by muscle spasms. MRI of cervical spine shows..the above, and C2-3, 2mm broad-based bulge,C4-5 same, mild hypertrophy of the uncovertebral joints,with mild narrowing of the neural foramina.C5-6,3mm disc bulge, C6-7, 2mm disc bulge. No cord deformity observed. AP diameter of the spinal cord at 5-6 is 11mm. As you can see I am trying to be as succinct as possible, so please bear with me. I also have a L5-6 mild disc bulge, on the right. The industrial doctor insists I have carpal tunnel only, the chiropractor who treats me feels I have cervical involvement which may be creating some of the carpal tunnel symptoms. A new Ortho (I sought a 6th opinion) says I have hyper-reflexes in my lower & upper extrem. after all this time and he feels there is more damage then org. thought. At this point I am beyond frustration,Worker'sComp won't pay for anything except relating to Carpal Tunnel...because over 10 yrs. ago I had an injury to my LEFT side of my neck, which they are saying is the cause of these problems. I am so confused! I am getting NO treatment now. Don't want to go thru unneccessary surgery (i.e Carp, Tun) if that's not the problem, any great answers or miracles for me?????????? Thanks for reading my novel! BTW I am only 43! I don't want to end up in a wheel chair-I love to dance!Patti
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Dear Patti - sounds like a frustrating problem. These types of accidents can always be
difficult to sort out. It is always difficult to match MRI changes with patient
complaints and we treat the patient not the MRI scan. It sounds to me like you need
a neurologic evaluation and also an EMG to help sort out carpal tunnel problems from
a radiculopathy. An EMG or electromyogram is a two part test that looks at nerve
and muscle function. I agree that you do not want to go through an unneccessary surgery.
Many individuals do EMG and we happen to think that our lab is one of the top facilities in
the country and could do a good job at sorting out your problems. If you would like a referral
to CCF call 216 444 5559.
This information is provided for general medical education purposes only. Please
consult your physician for diagnostic and treatment options of your specific
medical condition.