Palm pain primary, with hand, forearm, shoulder and neck pain

[chris595]

Early February I woke up with pain in my left arm, which turned into extreme pain from my neck to finger tips.  Severity lasted about 2 weeks, then pain lessened.  However, one constant since onset has been hand pain, like electrical currents running through my left hand.  Intensified in palm and forefinger 24/7, with intermittant pain and numbness in other fingers, except little finger, and pain on top of hand.  I have a nodule at base of forefinger on palm side which feels like it's sitting on a nerve.  Wrist pain comes and goes.  Forearm throbs, elbow pain intermittant, but hurts when touched.  Entire arm goes numb when lifted to the side.  Shoulder hurts most of the time, and neck cramps.   Had EMG, which came out negative.  Xrays only showed slight DDD.  No MRI as of yet.  Doc not sure I need one but I think I do!   Upper Extremity Specialist says I have tendinitis of shoulder and elbow, and clincial CTS.  Gave me cortisone 2 weeks ago and no relief.  Actually my hand hurts more now.  Have been in PT for 7 weeks.  I get relief with PT, but only temporarily.  My hand is stinging severely right now!!  Next appt. with Specialist is not for 4 weeks.  I want to call him on Monday, but what should I tell him?  I don't know what my next step is.  I want to be diagnosed, and "fixed" soon.  I'm getting a little depressed over this whole thing, and have been a little over-reactive in my work/home environment.   I am 51, fairly good health, pretty much a workaholic.  I am in fiscal services and work with accounting and budgeting.  I use my hands ALL DAY.  Please advice.  Thanks!

[Leong S C]

As a naturopath, I suggest you see a reputable accupuncturist and a hoemopath, and try to get a better picture from them as regards your condition.Meanwhile, you may visit my website and read the article section on the causes of various health conditions. You must understand that the BEST PRESCRIPTION IS EDUCATION. Be safe, be sure, dont be sorry.

cheers,
Leong S C (ND)
Malaysia

[chris595]

Thanks for the advise.   Some of the things you mention I am already doing, like wearing a brace at night.  I bought a new chair last weekend, and adjusted my computer height as well.  I ice my neck and shoulder a couple times a day, and while at work, I keep a glass of ice on my desk, and put my hand around the glass when I'm not writing.  It helps get me going again.  The BEST thing has been wearing a soft rolled towel around my neck at night.  That was a PT suggestion and it keeps my neck from jerking and hurting during the night.   My neck pain had been keeping me from sleeping.  I still wake up, but not like I used to.    I hope to see my doctor tomorrow because I've had a very bad weekend.   I'm going to push for that MRI.    No one was more surprised than me that my EMG was negative, and after the results of that test, I feel like I'm not being taken completely serious by doc.    Not to disagree with you, but after 3 months of not getting any better, but worse, and cortisone not helping either, I'm thinking surgery might be the next step.  I really need to get better and put this behind me.   I'll research the subject more thought, and weigh the options before my final decision.   In the past 15 years, I've missed less than a handful of days due to illness, etc.  Over the past 3 months, I've missed 12 days due to pain, plus hours here and there for medical appointments.  I can't stand this! Thanks again!  Chris :-)

[chris595]

Thanks for your reply.  Isn't all CTS surgery the same procedure?   I haven't heard the terminology you refer to "flexor retinaculum".   Is this associated with the Palm?