nerve pain

[pat86]

I have had upper left side,shoulder pain.  Had surgery done for a torn rotary cuff 11/07, laproscopic surgery.  motion now good but 3 1/2 weeks ago started with muscle pain in that part of my back.  now pain is severe and goes down arm affects elbow, hand, and numbness in left index finger. been to 2 doctors  My family physician who prescribed vicodin, which helps me to go to sleep, but pain is worse when I wake up.  Had cervical spine mri this afternoon,the pain just laying there was extreme.  no word yet from neuro. Diagnosed with ms in1999.  gait, balance,fatigue, falling, left hand tremor worsening, starting in right hand. (right handed)  poor dexterity, cordination, affecting speech,slurring.  I cannot bear this pain any longer.  wont see doc who performed surgery until 9/3/08. cant get an earlier appt. Does this sound like a pinched nerve?  and if so what should I do?thank you

[pat86]

Thank you so much for your advise.  It really means so much to know someone hears me!  The pain has lasted too long.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        My MRI was read, MRI of my neck.    Last taken in 2006.  The nueroligists' assistance called me and told me the MRI is actually better than the MRI of 2006.  I moved more with this new MRI because I was in such pain trying to lie still!  I asked the technologist if this interferred with the reading and she said "no".  It was given with the dye injection too.

Received another call later, addressing my pain.  Neuro suggestng a Pain Mgmt Dr.  I see this Dr on 9/4/08.  See my surgeon for a follow up exam on 9/3/08.  Would you suggest a Cordisone injection if given the option?  The elbow, the hand and back of left shoulder still very painfull.  some relief from the icing and heat.  still taking Ibuprofen, and an hour later with  a 500 mg of vicodin and another hour later after the Vicodin, a 600 mg of Neurontin. Im actually medicating myself based on what I know and feel.  My Neurlogist, based on the MRI, doesn't feel the pain is MS related.  Im not convinced.. Thank you so much.  

[DrNoopurMD]

Hi,

How are you?
There is a possibility that your symptoms are due to nerve compression in the cervical region or at the level of shoulder or elbow joint. Pinched nerve can cause pain in the muscles and numbness.
Since you suffer from MS, this possibility cannot be ruled out as a cause of your current symptoms. MS is known to cause muscle aches and pains and paresthesias like tingling numbness, throbbing and stabbing pain.
Please discuss both these possibilities with your treating doctor. Cervical spine MRI will help in diagnosing nerve compression. In the meantime you can do some neck exercises, alternate heat and ice therapy and take vitamin B12 supplements.
Take care!