as Finz's hubby said about her, it wont keep me from offering my opinion as well. I was originally dx'ed by a (quoting my neurologist) "quacker jack eating orthopedist" as having carpal tunnel syndrom when I first started complaining about numbness and tingling in my hands, arms, shoulders, back and neck. This guy was ready and willing to have me undergo surgery on BOTH wrists.

Thank goodness we went to the neuro before agreeing to surgery. As hubby and I had suspected, carpal tunnel didnt even begin to explain such a sudden onset of wide range neurological problems as I was experianceing at the time. Although he did admit that there might be a slight degree of carpal tunnel, due to my time as a secretary, and playing the piano.

The way it was explained to us, was that carpal tunnel, that requires surgery, is a result of the compression of the medial nerve in the wrist. Refered pain can come from the neck, shoulder, arms etc. and mimic CTS. But it is the cause of the referred pain that needs to be treated to reduce symptoms and pain. CTS surgery wont correct it in and of itself. However, if a refered condition CAUSES irritation of the median nerve, ie Tendonitis in one arm causing the over use of the other hand, thereby causing carpal tunnel.

But that's just my opinion as I understood my neurologist. I had ACM surgery, and after the surgery, the numbness and tingling almost completely disappeared for awhile from my hands and lower arms. Neuro said that I might possibly have mild CTS, but that if I could deal with it, he wouldnt suggest the other surgery unless it got worse.

Hope you find the help you need, and God Bless ya!!!!

Dawn