Nerve pain in arms

I've have a history of peripheral nerve pain.  I was told my ulnar nerves were too short and rolling over the bone causing pain.  An ulnar nerve transpo was done on both arms.  I've also had a carpal release on both arms.  Surgeries were done between 2001 & 2004.  The surgeries helped significantly.  I was able to type again with only occasional problems when I typed too long but I was able to continue working.  I've since developed a low back problem w/nerve compression.  The arms got worse about 6 mo after the back.  I can't type very long w/out burning in forearms & hands.  I get burning pain on the sides of my neck, just below collar bone & front of shoulders.  I can't tolerate sustaned pressure on my arms, like a watch band, carry a bag on my shoulder, lay on my side to sleep putting a little pressure on my arm, etc.  And more recently, I'm getting pain on the inside bend of my left elbow (where the ulnar nerve was moved to) if I bend it too much.  Is it possible that after 3 yrs, the ulnar nerve or something could have moved?  Or do you think it's possible that the nervous system is just over sensitive/excited due to the nerve compression in the low back?  I had an mri of the neck about a yr ago.  There are degenerative changes but they didn't see anything that might explain the continued pain in my arms.

[Abhijeet Deshmukh, MD]

Hi.

You should get a fresh MRI done. It may not be due to any movement of the Ulnar nerve. A detailed investigation into the degenerative process has to be carried out. You should fond out the cause of the degeneration.

Regards

DrAbhijeetMD

[jennifer736]

Ask your doctor about HNPP (hereditary neuropathy with liability to pressure palsy) I have it with similar symptoms to yourself - have a look at this document

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK1392/

if necessary print this out and take it to your doctor

It is a genetic condition which can be definitively diagnosed by a blood test and genetic testing.  it is very underdiagnosed and very few of the medical profession know about it. I only got people to listen to me as my brother had foot drop and was genetically tested.

Nerve damage can be avoided in this condition with the correct knowledge.