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CSM? Or something else?

I am 56-years old and about 10-years ago, after visiting my doctor with neck and lower back pain, I was diagnosed with arthritis of the spine - with degeneration and spurs both at the top of the cervical vertibrae and in the lumber region. I had a bit of physiotherapy and was prescribed painkillers and I have coped OK since.

A few months ago, I noticed that I was having minor problems typing, occasionally striking wrong keys on my computer keyboard and this has become worse since. I thought no more of it.

A couple of weeks ago, I noticed that, every morning, my fingers/hands were numb, especially in the morning after waking. This morning, I had bad neck ache and was unable to get comfortable in bed. My hands were both very numb - the right worse than the left, but both hands affected and there was significant tingling in my fingers. Throughout today, both my arms have been aching and the numbness has not gone away.

I am a bit worried because, when she was in her late 50s, my mother was diagnosed with cervical spondylotic myelopathy and this, in combination with severe arthritis, eventually made her virtually paraplegic, completely incontinent and unable to dress or even feed herself. She died three years ago, at the age of 86, extremely disabled and feeble. At no time was she offered surgery - her spinal column was said to be extremely narrow and that was congenital.

My wife says i should see my doctor but I really don't like bothering him unless it is something serious. Any information, suggestions or advice would be most welcome.

Thanks,

Bisones

I would ask for a new MRI to compare with the old results. Just in case something new or treatable has occurred.

If you do a desk or repetitive job be aware of your posture, is head /shoulders rolled or hunched forward of the body?

Some of your symptoms could be related to thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS for short).
But the MRI may clarify if it is the spinal issues causing most those arm/hand symptoms or not.

You may also want to post this on our Spinal forum -
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/forum22.html

Or visit our TOS forum if possible repetitive/desk job related -
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/forum24.html

Thanks, Jo*mar. I have reposted this on the Spinal forum, as you suggested.

Unfortunately, I can't ask for a new MRI to compare with the old results because my old results are in the UK and I have since emigrated to Sweden.

I am a university teacher, but I do spend a great deal of time on a PC, especially at the moment, because I am busy doing linguistic research and writing an academic paper. You have a good point about my posture- it's not good.

I will check out thoracic outlet syndrome (never heard of it!!) - my firstthought was CSM because my mother had that and I understand it can be hereditary.

Bisonex

Welcome Bisones,

Yes, this is definitely serious enough to see a doctor.

Quote:

Numbness in hands: When to see a doctor (Mayo Clinic)

Possible causes of numbness in one or both of your hands include:

Alcoholism
Amyloidosis (when substances called amyloid proteins build up in your organs)
Brachial plexus injury (an injury to the network of nerves that conducts signals from the spine to the shoulder, arm and hand)
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Cervical spondylosis (age-related wear and tear affecting the disks in your neck)
Ganglion cysts (noncancerous fluid-filled lumps that most commonly develop along the tendons or joints of your wrists or hands)
Guillain-Barre syndrome (an uncommon disorder in which your body's immune system attacks your nerves)
HIV/AIDS
Lyme disease (a tick-borne illness)
Multiple sclerosis
Paraneoplastic syndromes of the nervous system (a group of rare disorders that develop in some people with cancer)
Peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage that often causes numbness and pain in your hands and feet)
Raynaud's disease (a condition that causes some areas of your body to feel numb and cool in response to cold temperatures or stress)
Side effects of chemotherapy drugs
Sjogren's syndrome (an autoimmune disease that causes dry eyes and dry mouth)
Spinal cord injury
Stroke
Syphilis
Syringomyelia (the development of a fluid-filled cyst, or syrinx, within your spinal cord)
Type 2 diabetes
Ulnar nerve compression
Vasculitis (an inflammation of your blood vessels)
Vitamin B-12 deficiency

See also: Numbness and tingling (University of Maryland Medical Center)

Doc

Welcome to Neuro Talk. I do have some experience with back pain. I have had two cervical fusions. I know about symptoms. Once you present with neurological symptoms, you really do need to get an evaluation by a neurologist. Your PCP can make the referral. Nerve damage once done, isn't repaired. I waited a long time as you want to do. I risked being paralized, and was in surgery the first time in 5 days. Shocks, numbing, tingling, loss of strength in any limbs should be evaluated. If you get the OK, then you can have piece of mind. That in itself is worth the trouble to go in and get checked. don't wait like I did. I had no health insurance, and believe me I didn't want to go in to address my own situation any more than you do. You are NOT a bother to your doctor. Take care of yourself, and prevent trouble down the line. I do care, and don't want this to progress to something worse. Maybe some NON surgical care can be recommended. You have a history of spine problems in your family, another sound reason. Go in and take the worry out of your life. I will be here to talk to any time. I am sure others will also. I do care, and don't want you to go through what I did. ginnie:hug:

Doc & Ginnie

Many thanks for the info/advice - and your kindness. :)

I think a visit to the doc is called for.

Bisonex