Pain and tingling in shoulder blade, upper arm, and fingers.

by E
(NY)

Hello, I am a 26 year-old male who has been experiencing pain and tingling in the area where my neck and shoulder meet, along with in the wrist, hand, and fingers. This has been going on for over a year now.

I did data entry at my job for 5 years and that is where I first started experiencing discomfort in my hands, though most of my issues are on the right side. I have had 2 EMGs 8 months apart, 2 MRIs (one of the neck and one of the brain), an x-ray of the neck, and cortisone injections in my wrists. The tests have all come back fine and I have seen many different doctors who can't seem to pinpoint an issue or come up with a diagnosis.

The symptoms used to be only in my hands and wrist so they thought it was CTS, but over time my symptoms have changed and worsened. I have experienced tingling in all of my fingers. My arms feel easily fatigued. I feel it is difficult to sit up straight, I can't sleep on my side anymore because my arm (from my armpit all around) and neck feel pain and tingling sensation, where it feels like I need to move to relieve it but no matter what way I move the arm it doesn't feel right. I'm only able to sleep on my back, though sometimes when I do (and I am unsure if this is related) from the top of my rear down to my toes I feel an uncomfortable numbness, but it doesn't happen all the time.

I have been unable to work or enjoy my hobbies such as playing guitar, because any bit of work or activity I do seems to make them worse. Particularly the spot on my wrist (which is circled in the photo I borrowed from you) and the area in my neck. Up until these problems I lead an active healthy life-style and exercised every other day by doing pull-ups, push-ups and lifting 10-30lbs. dumbbells, so I have always had good body strength. However, I have been unable to do this workout routine.

I still try to stretch a little to keep limber, but I don't know if I am hurting anything by doing so. Any help or advice you can offer would be appreciated.

Dear E,
Don't feel all alone. I'm getting dozens of letters from folk with similar symptoms, and of course they are every-day complaints at the Chiropractic Coalface.

For some valuable tips from the Chiropractic Coalface pay a visit to Chiropractic-Help.com.

There are several significant factors here. The first is that you do have neck pain. That is certainly the origin of your complaints. Do a little test: place your hand on your head. Does it relieve or aggravate the pain and tingling in your arm? "Shoulder abduction Relief" sign.

The second is that your symptoms cover more than one dermatome. That immediately tells me this is not the usual pinched nerve root problem. Hence all your scans were negative. Your insurance should be mad - these were largely unnecessary.

However, considering that you are feeling stuff in your lower limbs too, that MRI has the benefit of ruling out what we call "long tract signs". Something like a tumour in the spinal canal canal pressing on the spinal cord.

I think it's time for a thorough Chiropractic examination. Be sure to ask him/her to do Adson's test, and to test for a first rib fixation. A Thoracic Outlet Syndrome is a definite possibility.

Start talking to friends and family, even your doctor and find a conscientious Chiropractor in your neck of the woods. Take your X-rays and scans with you.

I hope this has contributed.