Could this be related?

[backtomyselfoneday]

Hey all. I have posted on here numerous times before, regarding lumbar pain, and sciatica down both legs. My PMP suggested a lumbar facet injection since he didn't believe it was disk related? I went thru with it, and I don't really seem to have any relief yet. Apparently, my L5-S1 and a few other lumbar disks are bulging, which I believe is the cause of my sciatica and pain.
However, on my last MRI, it showed that my T12 disk was herniated. Out of the blue, a few nights ago, my arm/hands have been very painful, especially my fingers. They go so numb, that I could literally cut them off and wouldn't feel it. I made sure this early morning that I rested my arms straight on a pillow, so I knew I wasn't sleeping with my arms in a strange position. The underside of my forearm was killing me along with my fingers. Then they go tingly and numb. I know sometimes, people with cervical disk problems can get arm symptoms, but T12 isn't really up that far. Does anyone think its possible that my T12 disk could be pushing on some nerve that could give me those symptoms? I know the sciatica in my legs and feet are most likely from my lower back, but I'm very confused by this new arm/hand thing.
Any takers? Any one with a T12 herniation experience this?
As always, thanks guys!

[Kalvin]

I could be wrong, but it sounds more like CTS than a Cervical Spine problem. CTS can present bilaterally, and if that is the problem it's a lot easier fix. Also, you might want to try a splint, they help and you can pick them up anywhere.

I assume your seeing a specialist for your back pain, have mentioned to them the problems you're having with your arms and hands? It be interesting to hear what they think. I going to post a list of CTS symptoms below, Take Care

Symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome

Numbness or tingling in your hand and fingers, especially the thumb, index and middle fingers.
Pain in your wrist, palm or forearm.
More numbness or pain at night than during the day. The pain may be so bad it wakes you up. You may shake or rub your hand to get relief.
Pain that increases when you use your hand or wrist more.
Trouble gripping objects, such as a doorknob or the steering wheel of a car.
Weakness in your thumb.

[backtomyselfoneday]

No, no real pain in my shoulder, chest, or neck area. The pain I experience is in my lumbar/mid back area. I do have leg, butt, and foot pain with numbness and weakness. The arm thing literally just came on all of a sudden one night. That I found strange because I really haven't been using my arms much for anything.
The pain in my arms is under my forearm, and goes into my wrist and hands. Worse on my right side. It really seems to affect all of my fingers, but the first 4 are the worst/numbest.

[Kalvin]

Personally, I doubt very seriously if your arm and hand symptoms are coming from your problem at T12, it’s just too low. Disc herniations in the upper thoracic spine can cause symptoms in arms, while problems in the middle tend to radiate into the chest and abdomen. The level you’re referring to can have symptoms similar to the mid-thoracic but generally causes pain in the groin or lower limbs and no motor deficit is usually noted.

I think your problems are more than likely related to CTS if your lucky or your lower cervical spine, I have a lot of problems in that area myself.

You have no neck or shoulder pain correct? Is this one arm or both, which specific fingers are you having problems with?

[Singingloonie]

Your arms/hand symptoms could absolutely be starting from T12, even if it's referent pain. Have you tried aqua therapy? The warm water is relaxing and the pressure is off your spine and discs. Aqua therapy is very often available at a physical therapist's office. Your doctor should know where to get it. Good luck and many blessings!