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What Causes Chronic Arm Pain When Diagnosed With Anxiety And Sleep Problems?
Question: I've been suffering from chronic arm pain for several days. Took aleve but doesn't help. Ice doesn't help. Also have anxiety symptoms and sleep problems. What could be causing my pain? I hate to think I've developed fibromyalgia.
Brief Answer:
It's not Fibromyalgia.
Detailed Answer:
HI
Greetings from Dr.Divakara.P
Only Arm pain doesn't fit for a diagnosis of Fibromyalgia.
Before going to the probable causes I need to know more information.
1. Is it a single arm ( if so which one ) or both arm ?
2. Was there any fall or trauma ?
3. Does the pain increases on movements of your neck or arms?
4. Is there any chest pain ?
Kindly revert back to me with these details for further discussion.
It's not Fibromyalgia.
Detailed Answer:
HI
Greetings from Dr.Divakara.P
Only Arm pain doesn't fit for a diagnosis of Fibromyalgia.
Before going to the probable causes I need to know more information.
1. Is it a single arm ( if so which one ) or both arm ?
2. Was there any fall or trauma ?
3. Does the pain increases on movements of your neck or arms?
4. Is there any chest pain ?
Kindly revert back to me with these details for further discussion.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
It is only my left arm. It can be anywhere - wrist, front or back of the arm.
I did not fall or injure the arm in any way.
No, the pain (more of a dull ache) comes and goes. It does not incease when I move my head or arm.
I do not have any chest pain.
Also, I have recently stopped a low dose of remeron and replaced it with trazadone.
I did not fall or injure the arm in any way.
No, the pain (more of a dull ache) comes and goes. It does not incease when I move my head or arm.
I do not have any chest pain.
Also, I have recently stopped a low dose of remeron and replaced it with trazadone.
Brief Answer:
It's due to neck nerve compression.
Detailed Answer:
HI
Thanks for the follow up.
After going through the details given by you I feel you are having a condition called Cervical Radiculopathy.
Cervical radiculopathy is a condition where a nerve near back of your neck gets compressed between the two neck bones ( Cervical Vertebrae ) This nerve supplies sensation to back of neck , arm , shoulder , hand , wrist, chest and back . Due to compression you will experience pain in the above mentioned areas which is exactly what is happening in your case.
I advise you to get MRI Cervical spine for the confirmation of diagnosis and to know the severity.
Till you get the scan done do slow rotational exercise of neck daily, avoid prolonged bending of neck and avoid carrying weight on neck .
You can also ask your doctor for a prescription for Pregabalin. This medication reduces the irritation of the nerve caused due to compression.
Hope this information was useful to you .
Any clarifications feel free to ask.
It's due to neck nerve compression.
Detailed Answer:
HI
Thanks for the follow up.
After going through the details given by you I feel you are having a condition called Cervical Radiculopathy.
Cervical radiculopathy is a condition where a nerve near back of your neck gets compressed between the two neck bones ( Cervical Vertebrae ) This nerve supplies sensation to back of neck , arm , shoulder , hand , wrist, chest and back . Due to compression you will experience pain in the above mentioned areas which is exactly what is happening in your case.
I advise you to get MRI Cervical spine for the confirmation of diagnosis and to know the severity.
Till you get the scan done do slow rotational exercise of neck daily, avoid prolonged bending of neck and avoid carrying weight on neck .
You can also ask your doctor for a prescription for Pregabalin. This medication reduces the irritation of the nerve caused due to compression.
Hope this information was useful to you .
Any clarifications feel free to ask.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
I am going to the dr tonight on this. Years ago I had neck problems and was diagnosed with spinal stenosis. I had physical therapy and home health care (traction over door and cervical collar). They may also order an MRI. Do you think this most likely can be helped conservatively?
PS It feels almost like the achy feeling one has when feverish.
PS It feels almost like the achy feeling one has when feverish.
Brief Answer:
Most likely it will be managed conservatively.
Detailed Answer:
HI
As per your complaints , I feel that your neck problem is not severe and hence it can be managed conservatively.
But I need to know the MRI report to tell you with surety that it will be managed conservatively.
Kindly let me know what does the MRI show .
Regards.
Most likely it will be managed conservatively.
Detailed Answer:
HI
As per your complaints , I feel that your neck problem is not severe and hence it can be managed conservatively.
But I need to know the MRI report to tell you with surety that it will be managed conservatively.
Kindly let me know what does the MRI show .
Regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
MRI probably won't be until next week. Xray showed some degeneration. What can I do in the meantime to lessen the pain? I tried tylenol and heating pad. I have had several health issues in the last 3 years and this is too much - urinary retention (need to cath), lumbar disk surgery, thyroid surgery, 3 prostate surgeries. Have had PT for bowel problems, PTNS for urinary. Please what steps can I take now?
Brief Answer:
Use pregabalin
Detailed Answer:
HI
As advised in previously ask for a prescription of Pregabalin. Get Physiotherapy done and do slow rotational exercise of neck and Shoulder.
Regards.
Use pregabalin
Detailed Answer:
HI
As advised in previously ask for a prescription of Pregabalin. Get Physiotherapy done and do slow rotational exercise of neck and Shoulder.
Regards.
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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