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What Causes Pain In Back Radiating To Left Elbow And Little Fingers?
Question: Hello. I am suffering from a pain which starts in my back behind the "wing bone" on my left side. It is a stabbing pain which travels down the nerve to my left elbow, and continues down to the tip of my pinkie finger, where it causes swelling and numbness/tingling. I work in the printing industry, and have many operations in my job which are repetitious. This pain doesn't bother me as much through my work day as it does when I sit down and cannot find a comfortable position to put my arm, but worst of all, when I try to sleep. The best position to give me some relief is sitting almost upright with it resting on my head. I have had several consecutive nights of virtually no sleep. Please suggest what I should do. Thank you.
Brief Answer:
Possible nerve root compression or plexus neuropathy.
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I am sorry about the symptoms that you are experiencing.
Judging by your description the most probable diagnosis is compression of one of the nerves exiting your cervical spine, in that distribution of symptoms C8 nerve root. Other possible causes could be inflammation or compression of the lower part of the brachial plexus which could cause similar symptoms. Also compression of the nerves as they leave your thorax as in thoracic outlet syndrome could also be responsible (although raising arm above the head usually aggravates that).
To identify the cause between those alternatives, a neurological physical exam to assess for additional muscle weakness and atrophy or abnormal reflexes is recommended. According to the visit findings, tests like MRI for the cervical spine might be necessary, when in doubt nerve conduction studies/electromyography, plain x-ray may be needed as well.
As for the management of pain in the meanwhile, apart from what you are already taking, drugs for neuropathic pain are recommended like anticonvulsants (Gabapentin, Pregabalin) or antidepressants (Duloxetin, Venlafaxin). Physical therapy is also very helpful in many cases. According to the findings and the precise cause, later other options might be indicated if medical therapy is not enough, like local injections or surgery.
I remain at your disposal for further questions.
Possible nerve root compression or plexus neuropathy.
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I am sorry about the symptoms that you are experiencing.
Judging by your description the most probable diagnosis is compression of one of the nerves exiting your cervical spine, in that distribution of symptoms C8 nerve root. Other possible causes could be inflammation or compression of the lower part of the brachial plexus which could cause similar symptoms. Also compression of the nerves as they leave your thorax as in thoracic outlet syndrome could also be responsible (although raising arm above the head usually aggravates that).
To identify the cause between those alternatives, a neurological physical exam to assess for additional muscle weakness and atrophy or abnormal reflexes is recommended. According to the visit findings, tests like MRI for the cervical spine might be necessary, when in doubt nerve conduction studies/electromyography, plain x-ray may be needed as well.
As for the management of pain in the meanwhile, apart from what you are already taking, drugs for neuropathic pain are recommended like anticonvulsants (Gabapentin, Pregabalin) or antidepressants (Duloxetin, Venlafaxin). Physical therapy is also very helpful in many cases. According to the findings and the precise cause, later other options might be indicated if medical therapy is not enough, like local injections or surgery.
I remain at your disposal for further questions.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you. Is there a chance Acupuncture could be helpful for pain relief? I also am experiencing a sharp pain at waist level when I get up from a prone position or sitting for a while. Is this related?
Brief Answer:
Read below
Detailed Answer:
Regarding Acupuncture, yes it can help and it is recommended as additional treatment for back pain when other measures do not work. Regarding neck pain there is less data. By data I mean studies which have proven its efficacy, it may be helpful and you can try it but there is not strong proof of that.
As for the back pain it could be in the setting of the spinal issues I mentioned in the neck, as often degenerative spinal changes in the neck and waist go hand in hand, so it is not rare for people with neck issues to have back issues as well. They are due to degenerative changes created by the stress and strain put on the spine over the years. Of course of the 3 alternatives I mentioned before (nerve root compression in the neck, brachial plexus or thoracic outlet syndrome) this means that the first is confirmed as the likely cause. The other two possibilities would have symptoms only in the upper limbs.
Still a neurological exam is recommended sooner or later to confirm the diagnosis.
I hope to have been of help.
Read below
Detailed Answer:
Regarding Acupuncture, yes it can help and it is recommended as additional treatment for back pain when other measures do not work. Regarding neck pain there is less data. By data I mean studies which have proven its efficacy, it may be helpful and you can try it but there is not strong proof of that.
As for the back pain it could be in the setting of the spinal issues I mentioned in the neck, as often degenerative spinal changes in the neck and waist go hand in hand, so it is not rare for people with neck issues to have back issues as well. They are due to degenerative changes created by the stress and strain put on the spine over the years. Of course of the 3 alternatives I mentioned before (nerve root compression in the neck, brachial plexus or thoracic outlet syndrome) this means that the first is confirmed as the likely cause. The other two possibilities would have symptoms only in the upper limbs.
Still a neurological exam is recommended sooner or later to confirm the diagnosis.
I hope to have been of help.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you so much!
Brief Answer:
Thank you!
Detailed Answer:
I hope you'll feel better soon.
Thank you!
Detailed Answer:
I hope you'll feel better soon.
Note: For further queries related to kidney problems Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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