Thank you to those of you who recommended seeing a neurologist...

So, I went to the neurologist today for numbness in my hand and bad headaches. It turns out that I have carpel tunnel in my right hand, which I actually already knew, however, I learned that I now have limited muscle function in my right hand because of it. I'm very upset about this, as I am a professional flutist. The dr. recommended that I get the surgery to release the nerve. I'm going to think it over and talk with my husband about what to do. Also, I learned that what I thougth were migraines all these years were actually occipital neuralgia (sp?). Basically, there's a nerve in my neck that is being compressed by a tortocollis of the muscles surrounding it and it's causing my bad headaches and stabbing pains behind my right eye. My muscles are in a really bad state right now in my neck, and it's thanks to all of the flute playing I do. So, the plan of action is for me to get an MRI on my neck, some more testing on the nerves and for now a regimen of muscle relaxers during the day combined with my anxiety meds, which ironically, helps treat nerve pain, too. If that doesn't work, I will have to look into getting Botox injections in my neck to regain full range of motion.
Anyway, I just want to thank everyone who suggested seeing a neurologist because I hadn't thought to do so. I'm so glad to start getting to the bottom of my issues!

Re: Thank you to those of you who recommended seeing a neurologist...

Re: Thank you to those of you who recommended seeing a neurologist...

before you go through with surgery have you considered acupuncture?

Re: Thank you to those of you who recommended seeing a neurologist...

My surgeon said that after my surgery, as long as the nerve was sending some signals down to the hand, most people regain all their strength back. It just takes time. Since you said you had some numbness, you should have nerve signals still getting everywhere. Once the nerve issue gets resolved, you should be able to get your hand strength back.

I have something similar with my left hand. Damaged nerve in my elbow caused a lot of atrophy in my hand. Once the elbow was fixed, I can see improvement in my hand. I still have a long way to go, but it looks promising, and I don't think you have anywhere near the damage to your hand that I have.

Re: Thank you to those of you who recommended seeing a neurologist...

I believe my sil had gone to a neurologist not too long ago for the hand numbness and the first thing they mentioned was some sort of surgery. I'm not sure if she still has the numbness/pain.
I have alot of muscular/nerve pain in my neck and it travels up to my left temple and above my left eye. I started getting this about a year ago- went to a neurologist, said it was a type of neuralgia. I was getting alot of trigger point injections which only seemed to give me some short term relief. I was also on cymbalta(mainly for feeling blah) but was also told there was some type of pain med in it. I actually did get some relief being on that and only at 60mg. I had some PT also.
I weaned off the cymbalta, just don't want to be on it BUT as I type, my neck/temple area have been bothering me quite a bit more again .
Someone had just told me of a device called a Tens unit?? - some sort of nerve, muscle stimulator. He said it worked very well for him(got it through the chiropractor or phys. therapist.
Hope you get some relief soon! Curious to read any update and what will work for you!

Re: Thank you to those of you who recommended seeing a neurologist...

I have a very similar conditiion in my neck I go the chiropraticer and massage therapy it works wonders.

Re: Thank you to those of you who recommended seeing a neurologist...

I'm glad to hear that you went, and that you are getting to the bottom of everything.

My problem was different - herniated and bulging discs in my neck. But I was having numbness and tingling all the way down my arm and into my fingers.

What worked for me was oral steroids, which relieved the pressure on the nerve.

Re: Thank you to those of you who recommended seeing a neurologist...

I have a friend who is a professional violinist and she had to have surgery on her hand. Let me know if you would like the name of her surgeon, I know she was extremely happy with him.

Re: Thank you to those of you who recommended seeing a neurologist...

Re: Thank you to those of you who recommended seeing a neurologist...