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Neurology Community
This forum is for questions and support regarding neurology issues such as: Alzheimer's Disease, ALS, Autism, Brain Cancer, Cerebral Palsy, Chronic Pain, Epilepsy, Fibromyalgia, Headaches, MS, Neuralgia, Neuropathy, Parkinson's Disease, RSD, Sleep Disorders, Stroke, Traumatic Brain Injury
Neck and Arm Pain
by Dee2178, May 24, 2007 12:00AM
I am a 29 year old female who has been suffering from neck and arm pain for over 5 years. I had a suprascapular nerve decompression done in 2003 that helped my shoulder pain for a little while. About 4 months ago I started having increased burning in my left shoulder blade and pain in my left arm. I went to an orthopaedic doctor who sent me for PT which did not help at all. He ordered an MRI of my left shoulder which didn't show anything. I went for an EMG which showed nerve damage in each of the muscles tested in my left arm and shoulder. It was then suggested I see a neurologist. The neurologist ordered a cervical MRI and started me on Gabapentin. The MRI results stated: "Abnormal MRI scan of the cervical spine demonstrating the following: Broad-based protrusions are noted at the C4-5 and C5-6 disc space levels. Mild foraminal stenosis on the right at C5-6 is seen." The doctor wants me to increase the gabapentin and stay on it for 6-12 months. It helps with the burning in my shoulder blade, but not the pain in my arm and shoulder. I do not care for the way the medication makes me feel and I am not sure if I should seek another opinion. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Member Comments (3)
by rainsummer, May 24, 2007 12:00AM
Ask him to send you to a "neurosurgeon" for another opinion.
by Linda68, May 09, 2008 07:40PM
Help, I have been suffering with neck pain and back of shoulder blade burning pain for 4 years now. I have been chronic for 2 years. Now pain is going down my left arm. All the pain is on my left side. I had mri done. Md said i had slight pinched nerve and sent me to get steroid shots in my neck. After 4 shots still no relief. I tried gabapentin, pain meds that didnt work. Now he sent me to get EMG, they said everything was fine. I have been out of work for 4 months now. My job as a pharmacy technician required alot of repetition of pushing and twisting medicine bottles as I was bending my neck forward or to the left holding the phone. No breaks all day. Can someone please help!!!!!
by scpearl, May 09, 2008 09:39PM
To: Linda68
Linda, nip it. I had the same trouble about ten years ago. I now have a plate on disc 4, 5 and 6. I am not a Doctor, but shots and meds will only last for so long. Go see a neurosurgeon, or an orthopedic surgeon, and just nip it in the bud. I did and felt better. I even started the gym six months later.
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