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pain in neck/weakness in left arm
by Dawn O
I am a 46 year old female. I have had carpal tunnel syndrome for 27 years and have not had surgery or injections. I broke my left arm in 2003 and developed necrosis of the lunate bone and was casted for a total of five months which resulted in an ulnar nerve problem which left me unable to extend my pinkie and ring finger and later was diagnosed with RSD due to that injury. I have a fusion of C4 and C5 from birth. I was in a 4 wheeler accident approximately 6 months ago and was thrown on my back causing my head to slam backwards. My neck was a little stiff but nothing severe. Since then I have had pain in my neck which is worse when sitting in car or recliner and laying down. I also have weakness (more than the usual associated with RSD)and a tiredness in my left arm which radiates from my neck down the back of my shoulder and down my arm. Also, occasionally my left leg feels weak along with a left intestinal jittery feeling. I was also diagnosed with tennis elbow in both arms several years ago. My shoulders, arms and hands have hurt for several years and strangely the middle finger knuckles on both hands. I have been to orthopedic doctors who only want to do injections and surgery. I did go to the emergency walk in clinic after my accident just to make sure I didn't have a head injury but have not been to doctor about other newer symptoms because I don't have much faith in them as they only want to treat my symptoms by putting me on pain meds and anti infammatory drugs. I have a slightly elevated platelet count due to inflammation and have been tested for rhematoid arthritis which was negative. Do you think chiropractic intervention would help me? As the Garth Brooks song goes...."I'm much too young to feel this dang old!" Hello Dawn, Thank you for your interesting, and nicely written letter, more than I can say for many of your fellow countrymen! There is plenty of research now confirming that many of the conditions in the arms, like CTS and even tennis elbow have their origin in the lower neck and brachial plexus. It's no coincidence that you have "block" vertebrae (I presume) and all these arm problems. Made worse obviously by your injuries. Some chiropractors only address the spine, and there you may find that the treatment helps, but is limited. In my opinion, you need to find a chiropractor who works with extremities, who will mobilise your wrist and elbow, stretch out the median nerve and the Pronator teres muscle in the forearm, as well as give you exercises for the arms as well as adjust your neck. Do some homework. Talk to friends and family, your doctor perhaps, and see if you can find such a chiro in your neck of the woods. Take your X-rays with you. I'm sure your problems can be helped, though a cure I suspect unlikely. I hope this has contributed. Dr B |
