Right arm pain, numbness and tingling

[jody1202]

Good afternoon,

I have been experiencing pain in my right scapula area for 2 years now and for the past 4 months I have been experiencing numbness and tingling in my right upper arm along with weakness. Also pain in my right arm to my hand. I have been to my pcp, 3 different orthopedic surg, brain surg, neuroligist, rheumatologist all of which have ordered MRI of spine, brain and shoulder. I have not had an MRI with contrast yet. I also have not had a diagnosis  and I am at my witts end. I have been told  to change my profession (which I have done) and change the way I stand and the way I sit at my desk. I have had PT for about a year but couldn't afford the co-pay anymore. So I have been doing the exercises at home. All of this has not helped at all. The last ortho surg I went to gave me a cortozone injection in my ACL joint but that hasn't helped. I don't know what to do anymore. Should I go to another ortho surg and ask for an MRI with contrast? Should I just give up and live with the pain? I don't think I can do that. The pain is effecting my quality of life. Please, any advice would be great. THank you

[tornligament]

HI
How did you heart scapula???

I have upper back pain but its ligament and am trying platelet rich plasma.   Ilive in CT but heard it works in areas other that the spine better.

I am going through the same hell you are. 10 yrs. thus trying PRP injections.  they numb the area first.  but now I have to try a different place for neck.

[jody1202]

Thank you so much for the advice. I will look into it. I have gone to see yet another ortho surgeon 2 weeks ago. He looked at my MRI of the shoulder and he didn't see anything wrong. So he gave me an other cortizone shot and he said that he knows where to put them and that he feels it should work great and my pain should be almost gone in a few days. Well it has been 2 weeks and the pain has gotten worse. I will be looking for an interventional pain doctor. Thanks again. I will update when I can.

[philnoir]

Since you've already had multiple MRIs, I would not seek more -- they're very expensive.

You are having weakness in the arm -- this is a neurological sign that indicates nerve involvement.

You don't say so, but can I assume that these MRIs are not conclusive as to your diagnosis?

There are two or three possibilities. Cervical spine disease can cause these symptoms. But since this started as pain beneath the scapula, there could be a cyst or other dysplasia causing referred pain. Only a skilled physician, who can make a physical exam, will be able make a differential diagnosis.

I am amazed that three orthopods and a neurosurgeon could not understand the problem. If I were you, I would consult with an interventional pain doctor, which is a subspecialty of anesthesiolgy. These doctors are specialists in the treatment of pain with injections and other techniques that involve the spine. They're skilled at nerve blocks that can diagnose and perhaps treat the problem. They trained in the use of pain relieving drugs. Most medical schools spend about 2 days training their docs to use analgesics. Your average veterinarian receives more training in pain relief.

To find proper treatment, you first need a diagnosis. Gather your MRIs and find a board-certified interventional pain doctor in your area.

Best wishes.