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Suggest Treatment For Severe Nerve Pain In The Arms And Shoulders

Posted on Wed, 27 Jul 2016

Question: I have constant/severe head, neck, and both arms. Arms are very fatigued all the time. I only feel better when they are all supported, though still in pain. It would mean the world to me for your thoughts...i have had 2 neck fusions, therapy(which makes its worse, and elevates the pain off the chart) a dozen shots in the neck and head and even nerve burning in the head. Please help me...have had 3 and half years. At wits end. You have the chance to save my life and marriage and family. It's like someone left the knifes in my shoulders and I always get hot rushing feeling in my arms. Can't use my arms with out extreme pain.The severe and constant pain makes it impossible to work or concentrate. In bed between 15 & 20 hours a day. Take 1800 mg of gabapentin and 60 mg of Percocet and 8 mg of zanaflex a day. Should i be working? Does taking all these medicines make me a safety risk? Should I be driving? Can't walk for more than 10 minutes before I have to sit should I apply for handicap tags? Any other suggestions? Could I get it in writing? I would be willing to pay

Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (51 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Consider TENS, fentanyl patches.

Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for using HCM.

I have read your question and understand your concerns.

Drugs you use could result in decreased attention, excessive sleepiness as possible side effects, so, there is actually an amount of risk to drive or work that require a good attention.

In my opinion, TENS ( transcutaneous electrical nerves stimulation ) should be considered as one of the possible ways to control your pain.

Also, drugs with continuous release in form of patches ( fentanyl patch for example ) could be used for this purpose.

You should discuss with your treating Doctor about these possible treatment ways.

Hope you found the answer helpful and that soon you will find the desired relief from pain.

Let me know if I can assist you further.

Greetings.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Veerisetty Shyamkumar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (4 hours later)

I use that electric continuos stimulation which provides a little relief, my pain ranges between 6 & 10 never goes below 6. By being in bed it gives the support to my head,neck,and arms which typically keeps the level of pain around 6. Even if I get out of bed and go about my day,as the day goes on my pain increases gradually. If I use my head or neck it increases almost immediately to 10. My arms are super fatigued and feel like their just hanging their I occasionally drop things and always get that flushed feeling /hot. Possible diagnosis?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (18 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Spondylolysthesis.

Detailed Answer:
Welcome back.

Since the pain and discomfort increases with upright position and is felt easier when lying down, spondylolysthesis (instability, slipped vertebrae ) is the most probable diagnosis.

Dynamic x-rays of the cervical spine (neutral, flexed and extended position) are necessary to confirm or exclude it.

In mean time, consider use of fentanyl patch as a possible treatment about your symptoms.

Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng