Migraines & Pain in my arm

[Mallory_M1280]

I am 22, and I suddenly started getting Migraines about a year ago.  I have tried all types of meds...beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, muscle relaxers, etc., and nothing seems to really work.  My neck and upper back hurt ALL the time.  Recently, I have noticed that I get these sharp pains down my arm (but they are the most intense in my shoulder and upper arm)...and occasionally my leg. I'll get the pain in my arm, and it will last all day...sometimes I can't fall asleep because my arm hurts so bad (that's why I am online right now :)  ).  There is NOTHING I can do to relieve the pain.  Have any ideas what I should do about this?  Is this normal with Migraines, or should I check it out?  

[noops01]

Hi,

These symptoms can occur with migraine but i would suggest you to consult a neurologist to rule out nerve compression and neuropathy as a cause for your symptoms. Please do so at earliest.

[DrBhumikaMD]

Hi,
You need to consult an orthopedician to rule out cervical spondylitis. X rays of the cervical might need to be done. Also consult a physiotherapist and see if physiotherapy helps. Try some OTC painkillers, warm compressus and local applicaton of diclofenac gel till then.

[LifesAHeadache]

Hi Doctor,

I was wondering, do you practice in the USA?  What is a physiotherapist or an orthopedician?  I'm not a doctor, so I may just not be familiar.  Or you could be talking about physical therapy maybe?You reply a lot to try OTC medicines and alprazolam and if that doesn't work then go to the doctor.  Here, alprazolam (Xanax) is by prescription only so you would have to go to the doctor first to get it.  The closest thing OTC would just be Benedryl which acts somewhat like a benzodiazapine.  They are pretty strict here.  I saw one lady post about taking codiene a lot and it looked like she was taking it OTC.  We could never do that here.  Thanks and let me know if you can.

[DrBhumikaMD]

Hi,

Well your concern sounds genuine. When i mean alprazolam, it is only after a physician's consultation and on prescription. But you would still have to be aware that you can ask or suggest your physician about it.
Next, physiotherapy is in fact therapy that uses physical agents: exercise and massage and other modalities; it is the same as physical therapy.
Orthopedician is a specialist in the branch of 'Orthopedics' - The branch of medical science concerned with disorders or deformities of the spine and joints.
Read some of your posts - keep up the good work! It is nice to know that you being a non medico still take avid interest in replying to posts here and have an appreciable knowledge in certain aspects.

Regards
Dr Bhumika

[kedillee]

I have been a migraine (cluster) sufferer for 35 years and understand your frustration.  During and after an episode of a migraine, I have twitching on one side.  I know that is not like the pain you must be suffering (as if a migraine is not enough), but it shows that many symptoms are unique to the individual.  

Dont give up and keep trying to find the right combination of meds that will work for you!  I am sure you have had this advise already, but keep a journal!  

[car1955]

For migraines Topamax is a great med.But if you have numbness in your hands and arms it may be cervical disc problems.I suffered from migraines for 17 years.Take topamax 2and 1/2 years its great stuff!Also had two discs replaced in my neck three months ago.Its all connected.Also watch  what you eat,chocolate,cheese,colecuts,msg,wine,hotdogs trigger migraines.See a great neurologist and spine and brain surgeon.Get all the tests and X-rays and even then it's no walk in the park.I have been out of work three months and going to physical therapy.Its alot better.Taking 75mg topamax less migraines.5mg Klonopin at bedtime.and physical therapy 3 times a week.Trying to stay off the drugs before the surgery I was on Kadian (morphine)MADE ME WACKY!