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Does Anyone Have "Cape-Like" Arm, Shoulder, and Back Pain?
I've had this before but now, it has been constant for the last few days. My arms, shoulders, and upper back feel like they are burning and freezing at the same time. My legs and feet feel the same except it's worse on the left side. Does anyone have suggestions on what's causing this or how to make it go away? None of my meds are touching it!
Thanks for your help!
Colin
Thanks for your help!
Colin
Hi Julie, My neuro said that "That's an excellent way to describe it." (meaning cape-like) and then said, "That's classic MS". This disease is so strange! It seems the pain and weird symptoms just move from one place to the next and then back again! I hope you get some answers and some relief from your symptoms. Let us know what you find out.
Colin
Colin
I have been having a "cape like" pain that runs between each shoulder, up to base of spine at head and down to mid-back. I went to my pain doctor today and mentioned this "cape like" pain and he suddenly got very concerned. I cannot remember what he said he thought it was, but immediately ordered me an MRI to T-2. Please update your status, as I am very curious to find out what happened with your issues.
Julie
Julie
sorry to hear, perhaps it isn't this. I'd seek another doctor's advice before I accept this diagnosis. If you take 2700mg of Gabapentin (neurontin) yu won't be able to drive to Knoxville, believe me! 600mg throws me into a drunk stage and I take 300mg 3 times a day anyway. Be careful. Below is something I obtained for you about Syringomyelia.
What is syringomyelia?
Syringomyelia (sear-IN-go-my-EEL-ya) is a disorder in which a cyst forms within the spinal cord. This cyst, called a syrinx, expands and elongates over time, destroying a portion of the spinal cord from its center and expanding outward. As a syrinx widens it compresses and injures nerve fibers that carry information from the brain to the extremities. Damage to the spinal cord often leads to progressive weakness in the arms and legs, stiffness in the back, shoulders, arms, or legs, and chronic, severe pain. Other symptoms may include headaches, a loss of the ability to feel extremes of hot or cold (especially in the hands), and loss of bladder and other functions. Each individual experiences a different combination of symptoms depending on where in the spinal cord the syrinx forms and how far it extends. Signs of the disorder tend to develop slowly, although sudden onset may occur with coughing or straining.
Many disorders share the early symptoms of syringomyelia, which also can occur in association with other conditions. Estimates of the number of Americans with syringomyelia vary widely, but a conservative estimate is that about 40,000 people in the United States are affected, with symptoms usually beginning in young adulthood. Some cases of syringomyelia occur in more than one family member, although this is rare.
What causes syringomyelia?
A watery, protective substance known as cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) normally flows around the spinal cord and brain, transporting nutrients and waste products. It also acts as a cushion to protect the brain and spinal cord. In early development, CSF also fills a small canal that runs through the center of the spinal cord—the central canal—which then collapses normally over time.
A number of medical conditions can cause an obstruction in the normal flow of CSF, redirecting excess fluid into the spinal cord and central canal. This redirected CSF accumulates within the tissue of the spinal cord and forms a fluid-filled syrinx. Pressure differences along the spine cause the fluid to move within the syrinx and outside the spinal cord. Physicians believe that this continual movement of fluid in and around the spinal cord results in cyst growth and further damage to the spinal cord tissue.
What is syringomyelia?
Syringomyelia (sear-IN-go-my-EEL-ya) is a disorder in which a cyst forms within the spinal cord. This cyst, called a syrinx, expands and elongates over time, destroying a portion of the spinal cord from its center and expanding outward. As a syrinx widens it compresses and injures nerve fibers that carry information from the brain to the extremities. Damage to the spinal cord often leads to progressive weakness in the arms and legs, stiffness in the back, shoulders, arms, or legs, and chronic, severe pain. Other symptoms may include headaches, a loss of the ability to feel extremes of hot or cold (especially in the hands), and loss of bladder and other functions. Each individual experiences a different combination of symptoms depending on where in the spinal cord the syrinx forms and how far it extends. Signs of the disorder tend to develop slowly, although sudden onset may occur with coughing or straining.
Many disorders share the early symptoms of syringomyelia, which also can occur in association with other conditions. Estimates of the number of Americans with syringomyelia vary widely, but a conservative estimate is that about 40,000 people in the United States are affected, with symptoms usually beginning in young adulthood. Some cases of syringomyelia occur in more than one family member, although this is rare.
What causes syringomyelia?
A watery, protective substance known as cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) normally flows around the spinal cord and brain, transporting nutrients and waste products. It also acts as a cushion to protect the brain and spinal cord. In early development, CSF also fills a small canal that runs through the center of the spinal cord—the central canal—which then collapses normally over time.
A number of medical conditions can cause an obstruction in the normal flow of CSF, redirecting excess fluid into the spinal cord and central canal. This redirected CSF accumulates within the tissue of the spinal cord and forms a fluid-filled syrinx. Pressure differences along the spine cause the fluid to move within the syrinx and outside the spinal cord. Physicians believe that this continual movement of fluid in and around the spinal cord results in cyst growth and further damage to the spinal cord tissue.
COMMUNITY LEADER
Hi Colin,
I personally, can't remember anyone mentioning a cape like feeling before, sorry I know that doesn't help any, maybe someone will see your post and respond but it is the weekend and we're always quieter then, so it may not be until the new week.
Cheers.......JJ
I personally, can't remember anyone mentioning a cape like feeling before, sorry I know that doesn't help any, maybe someone will see your post and respond but it is the weekend and we're always quieter then, so it may not be until the new week.
Cheers.......JJ
I'm guessing no one has this since there was no response.
I went to the ER and they did an EKG, chest x-ray, and a cat scan as well as taking blood and a urine sample. It showed nothing. The dr thinks that it is Syringomyelia. All of my symptoms are consistent with this. I have a neuro appt on the 4th of March. The dr suggested I ask for an MRI.
The bummer is that there is no medication used to treat this! She just told me to take 2700 mg of Gabapentin instead of 1800. Can this be from MS?
Please pray the pain stops! I have to drive to Knoxville, TN on Monday for a job interview.
Blessings,
Colin
I went to the ER and they did an EKG, chest x-ray, and a cat scan as well as taking blood and a urine sample. It showed nothing. The dr thinks that it is Syringomyelia. All of my symptoms are consistent with this. I have a neuro appt on the 4th of March. The dr suggested I ask for an MRI.
The bummer is that there is no medication used to treat this! She just told me to take 2700 mg of Gabapentin instead of 1800. Can this be from MS?
Please pray the pain stops! I have to drive to Knoxville, TN on Monday for a job interview.
Blessings,
Colin
2 Comments
Colin I have this symptom and no dr can find out whats wrong. I have had MRI, cat scans, EKG, holter monitor. Nothing is ever revealed but something is def causing it. it has been going on for over 5 years and are now more intense and leave my chest tight
Why are you associating this with MS if I may ask?
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