[willgardner]

this burning pain in my hands, arms, but mainly my wrist appeared out of nowhere while I was mostly bedridden due to PCS. I thought it was carpal tunnel, but I can do the praying position(carpal tunnel test) without any issues. Plus, I was not using my hands for months. The pain gets worse if I use my hands/arms. Doctors think it has to do with my neck, perhaps a nerve is pinched? but no testing has been done. Does anyone know about these symptoms? What specialist/test should I see? treatments?

ps. I have this feeling that I might have posted a similar thread, but I could not find it. apologies to the moderators if I have brain injury sucks.

[anon1028]

I would wake up with numb hands for months and had an emg done and it was fine. I have neck issues due to the injury that might have caused it but I was lucky that it went away. wacky things have come and gone for me. someone who knows a lot more than me will be answering your question soon I'm sure. I get severe burning pain in my arms and legs when I wake u and am going to mention that to the doctor on Friday. I have no idea where the heck it is coming from

[Mark in Idaho]

This can be caused by a upper back injury or shoulder injury or combination of the two. It may be due to poor posture while you rested in bed. Too much pillow can put a strain on these vertebral joints causing inflammation . Chiros, physical therapists and such can help with this but you need to find the right one. Not all are created equally.

[Hockey]

Do you have difficulty holding your arms out from your body? Do they feel heavy and droop?

[willgardner]

Thank you for your posts, everyone.

Mark, I have found that any manipulation with my neck will make the head symptoms worse. I tried an RMT, but cannot even get a massage as just a little touch on my neck will make the head pain worse. So I just try to stretch and get a super-quick massage (10 seconds) from my wife.
I don't know if I can tolerate physio?

Hockey, no I do not think so, but I also have involuntary muscle contraction(not twitching) my muscles would flex really hard on their own or shake uncontrollably(not twitching from weakness).

[Mark in Idaho]

I suggest you have your wife do some gentle traction. Holding your head and pulling "gently" as if she is trying to stretch your neck will be worthwhile. Eventually, she should be able to gently massage your neck.

A good physical therapist should also be able to do this.

You need to find a way to get your neck in better shape. I believe it is the key to starting your recovery. You may need to put up with some head discomfort before things get better. A massage therapist would not be the best choice.

[willgardner]

Thank you, Mark!!! Seriously I learn more here than from doctors.

Also, MarkNeil, please share with us how the doc visit goes! and good luck!.

[anon1028]

I will let you guys know everything believe me!! even before my family because they don't really care anymore lol. they just want to know that if I can walk talk and stand why im not working. like I would take a 2/3 pay cut for disability to stay home. incredible. it is a lonely illness.

[Hockey]

Yes, I suspect soft tissue damage in your neck is the source of many of your woes. Have you tried wearing a cervical collar and seeing if your symptoms lessen? It's sort of a simple home test for instability.

Have you had the muscle contractions since your injury? If not, how long after did they start? What is your range of motion in your neck?

You need a PT/RMT who understands whiplash/soft tissue injury.

NOBODY should be touching your neck, unless you've had the diagnostic testing that can establish that you don't have a structural issue, like herniation, fracture or hairline fracture.

Chances are, the problem is spinal bruising, tissue damage and swelling. Some people have naturally smaller outlets for their spine. With less room to accommodate swelling, these folks tend to have more complications from whiplash.

[anon1028]

Originally Posted by Hockey

Yes, I suspect soft tissue damage in your neck is the source of many of your woes. Have you tried wearing a cervical collar and seeing if your symptoms lessen? It's sort of a simple home test for instability.

Have you had the muscle contractions since your injury? If not, how long after did they start? What is your range of motion in your neck?

You need a PT/RMT who understands whiplash/soft tissue injury.

NOBODY should be touching your neck, unless you've had the diagnostic testing that can establish that you don't have a structural issue, like herniation, fracture or hairline fracture.

Chances are, the problem is spinal bruising, tissue damage and swelling. Some people have naturally smaller outlets for their spine. With less room to accommodate swelling, these folks tend to have more complications from whiplash.

hockey and mark in Idaho should run a clinic. they know more than most doctors lol