EMG results, CTS and TOS possible? i'm confused!
 

Hi all, just finished the EMG with the Physiatrist who originally suspected TOS. She said she found definite carpal tunnel, but no damage up my arm, and suggested splint & P/T. Does that explain the shoulder pain and arm burning--or do I still have TOS also? I realize I should have asked more questions but now I feel confused.

Yes, CTS explains your symptoms. TOS is not likely.

You could potentially still have TOS as well (double crush), but the EMG wouldn't show that. Did they perform the Elevated Arm Stress Test or any other manual test on you to check for TOS?

If I were you, I would wear the splint and do the PT and hope it all clears up.

The people I used to work with usually mainly got direct pain & sx in the wrist area with carpal tunnel. They wore the splint and recovered for the most part.

I never got CTS , but did have some wrist & joint pain due to the strained muscles up my arm and into my neck & shoulders causing a tension & pulling effect all down my arm. My dx back then was bi lateral chronic wrist strain,and some shoulder strains per GP & a physiatrist.:rolleyes:

But I did not majorly recover until my upper body tightness was resolved.
The sx were mostly showing in my hands & arms but it was farther up the chain that needed the treatment for approx 85 % recovery. I'd say I'm now at a mild but chronic stage mostly myofascial sx now & mild vascular if arms are held up for more than 2 minutes or so.

But yes double crush & even triple crush as they are called can happen.
That would be TOS plus CTS and or Ulnar/cubital tunnel.

Have you tried any self care & posture, relaxation things or have a friend help with looking for trigger points -
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/thread125577.html

thank you all-i forgot to subscribe so just seeing your replies. Yes, she said "double crush" to me every time I said--but my shoulder, neck..., NOW I understand what she meant--thank you!
I'm working on the relaxing--I've def. been doing less around the house--just so much pain at times--it just flares. By the end of the day there is always the burning behind both arms, neck and the right shoulder. I will start P/T next week--praying that helps.

Anyone have neck pain that is actually like throat area--in the front? Also the pectoralis minor--on my opposite side (the left--but not worried about heart) just feels like chest pain--all TOS?

THANKS!

[neck pain that is actually like throat area--in the front]
[the left--but not worried about heart) just feels like chest pain--all TOS?]


Oh yes !! I had that during the severe spasms - it was what pulled my collar bones up and felt like a tight turtle neck was on all the time plus a semi choking feeling.

chest pain sx -- severe inter coastal spasms - I had that also...:(

Ask PT to check for spasms, trigger points & a raised top ribs when you go.

you really are such a blessing--you've been SO helpful in this "journey"--thank you!

LOL I just thought of more stuff

Do you feel all locked up in your upperbody? that's how my severe spasms felt. Muscles will feel rock hard.

Do you get delayed pain - like an hour or more after activity/use the pain/sx increases - that is another TOS thing.
Something to be aware of with PT, hopefully they will do a full assessment and have flexible treatment plan - and adjust it as tolerated (with no sx or pain increase for you)

I also hope they address sx & pain relief first with passive modalities like heat, massage, ultrasound, manual TrP work, IF stim, LLLT - before adding any physical activities for you right away.

If this was dr rx'd PT and you aren't seeing improvements or feel they are totally not working or listening to you , contact dr and ask for a more advanced PT place.
I've been to good ones and a few bad ones - good one is fantastic plus you can learn so much by talking with them.

But please don't stay at one place or one PT if you are not getting relief.
Some in the past had very poor PT and got much worse by trying to do the standard cookie cutter PT protocol.

the muscles around the back of my neck/shoulder area--like rocks. The pain is def. delayed like you said--no strength loss, anywhere. Most pain happen while sitting at computer, either side will burn, not even CPS so much anymore, but right now the left back of arm is on fire, right shoulder starting to burn--and this left chest pain--about 5" in from shoulder, 2" below clavical.
I am wkg on my posture, but in some ways it's causing more low back pain (not nervey, just strain).
A warm bath always feels good, heat pads. Cannot lie on back, my neck is tender to touch.

Will keep all you said for ref. at P/T