Neurology and back injury

[kent1915]

Hello all-  I am in the process of having some neurological problems evaluated.  At the start of October I participated in a "ropes course" that included intense physical activity while stressed.  During the course I experienced a severe neck ache that went from base of skull to between my shoulderblades.  That lasted several days and was non responsive to ibupro.  The neck pain cleared up but was replaced by a numb biceps in my left arm.  That lasted several weeks so I went to my GP who suggested, prior to exam, possibly ALS, MS or a thyroid disorder.  His exam revealed normal neuro and labwork was normal.  This spiked my anxiety. Several weeks (2 weeks) later I experienced intense parasthsis in my left and right arms, back, neck and shoulder.  I got into a neuro who did eval.  Results were "normal" as well.  Put on celebrex.  Since then, parasthesis have cleared.  There is still dull pain in neck, shoulders and back (pain in left calf now as well).  neruo did diagnose probable sprained neck and possible sprained shoulder and arm.  Ordered MRI to rule out neuroforaminal impingement or disk herniation.  Get results in couple days.  However, I also have noticed after burst of pain in shoulder that there are fasciculations that are short in duration in shoulder and in left calf if posture has not changed.

Questions.  Given injury potential and normal neuro, does diagnosis make sense?  Second, if there has been soft tissue injury in shoulder could that explain fasciculations?  Finally, with calf pain and fasciculations, is that probably due to posture changes from injury?

[CCF-Neuro-M.D.-CS]

Given your history I think that the MRI is the most useful test. It is possible that you suffered a herniated disc which is explaining all of your symptoms. Fasciculations can happen for many reasons, and do not by themselves indicate something bad. A fasciculation is simply a spontatneos nerve impulse which causes part of a muscle to twitch. These could be explained by a spine disorder. Therefore, I would follow-up on the MRI and take things from there. Good luck.

[kent1915]

I need to add the following.  There have been no loss of strength, no loss of muscle tone, etc.  There is also frequent popping in neck, back and shoulders; no visual disturbances, etc.  Strength in upper body has been consistantly 5/5 when seen by 2 GPs, neurologist and urgent care docs.  Reflexes in upper body have been +2 but bilateral several times and +1 bilateral when in neuro but chalked up to extreme anxiety.  Thanks again.

[jerseygirl3460]

Kent, I feel for you. Finding the source of the pain and then dealing with it can be frustrating. Your arm going numb is not a good sign and hopefully your MRI will tell you what's really wrong. Have you tried physical therapy? It used to be great help for me in the first decade. My nerve damage is so severe now I don't think I will ever be pain free or have body parts not go numb on me. Question your doctors, get second and third opinions if necessary. If your insurance permits you may need to find a spine center. Get copies of your MRI report and learn the terminology associated with the radiology report. I have had numerous MRIs with various findings. Don't ignore the pain, I have and am now regretting the big denial. Good luck to you and be a partner in your care not silent.