is your RA could possibly be causing some destruction of the synovial joints. If the joints are destroyed, the connection between each vertebra becomes unstable, causing the upper vertebra to slide forward on top of the one below. This slippage is called spondylolisthesis and I have it in my lumbar spine. This sliding can lead to pressure on the nerve roots and the spinal cord and according to what I have read it is most dramatic between the C1 and C2 vertebrae in the cervical spine. I would wait to see what the x-rays show and then go from there.
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Originally Posted by Starburst
I'm stuck between a rock and a hard place. Please help.
I started getting pins and needles in my hands in 2014 which has progressed to numbness alongside the tingling. The symptoms start when I'm lying down; night or day. Occasionally (if I've been sitting in the same positiom with relatively little movements) the tingling will start. I have noticed that both my little fingers get numb and cold. I describe it as them feeling disconnected and not part of my body.
As I have rheumatoid arthritis, it was assumed to be carpal tunnel but nerve conduction tests were normal. Just for info; I also have autonomic neuropathy, affecting my GI tract and blood pressure. Not long after the onset, I started getting excruciating neck pain so we turned our focus to that. I had an MRI and the report said I have bulging discs, wear and tear and some nerve impingement. So, I assumed we had the answer and was lucky enough to get an appt with a top neurogsurgeon very quickly. He reviewed the scan, said there is no nerve impingement  but suggested X-Rays to see if I have an instability at c1/c2. I am awaiting these results. He was convinced I have an entrapment neuropathy but the tests (nerve conduction and EMG) are normal. The neuro dr (not sure his title!) who did the tests said my symptoms are classically neck symptoms and to push for repeated imaging.
Obviously I need to see the neurosurgeon again but I'm feeling despondent. Where do I go from here? I'm in the UK but lucky enough to have private health insurance, so I can get another opinion if needed. However, this man is one of the best so I'm inclined to trust him. That said, I cannot cope with the lack of sleep resulting from my nerve symptoms.
Thanks in advance. |