OpenHealth Q&A

Lingering Symptoms from Pinched Nerve Issue: A New Perspective

In early February, I (age 28, female) experienced sudden symptoms indicative of a pinched nerve, characterized by sharp pain radiating from my neck down through my left arm and hand, accompanied by muscle weakness, shaking, and spasms primarily affecting the left side of my body. My left arm felt so weak that it struggled to bear any weight. To address these issues, I began working with a physical therapist who found it challenging to pinpoint the exact location of the nerve compression, even though we suspected it was linked to the C7 nerve root. Over the course of a week, I noticed a gradual relief from the pain; however, the muscle weakness, particularly in my triceps, persisted. Since there was no identifiable injury and the diagnosis remained unclear, my physical therapist referred me to a neurologist for further evaluation via MRI. The resulting cervical MRI without contrast revealed the following observations: *"FINDINGS: There is a straightening of the cervical lordosis. The cervical vertebral bodies exhibit normal height and shape. No concerning abnormalities in marrow signal were noted. There are slight signs of disc dehydration at a few levels but no significant loss of height."* This essentially implied that there were no significant findings pointing specifically to a left C7 pinched nerve issue. I continued my physical therapy sessions, experiencing reductions in pain, stiffness, and spasms. Nevertheless, my triceps muscles remained weak. As a result, I underwent nerve conduction studies and electromyography on March 7, which yielded the following summary: *"SUMMARY OF FINDINGS: A thorough electrodiagnostic assessment of the left upper limb, accompanied by a study of the right upper limb, revealed normal sensory reactions in both median, ulnar, and radial nerves, as well as normal motor responses in the bilateral median and ulnar nerves. Needle electromyography of selected left upper extremity muscles showed the following results…"* *"CONCLUSION: This investigation indicates an abnormal study. There is electrodiagnostic evidence of a mild, acute on chronic left C7 motor radiculopathy with active denervation."* I have yet to receive follow-up communication from the neurologist despite my continued therapy, where my therapist proposes that the nerve may be compressed at the site where it branches off to the radial nerve, although I cannot recall the specifics of this insight. In general, I am noticing improvements, including some renewed strength in my triceps. However, a persistent tremor affecting my left side, especially my arm, remains concerning. Recently, while changing a showerhead, I experienced shaking and weakness in my left leg, resulting in a minor knee buckling, although it did not cause me to fall. I suspect that using a wrench excessively with my left arm, along with my posture on the ladder, may have contributed to this episode. It lasted the better part of a day. My left arm continues to exhibit shakiness despite my overall symptoms getting better. Could this ongoing tremor be associated with the pinched nerve, or is it plausible that another issue is at play? I am actively seeking guidance from the neurologist, but have yet to receive a response.

Answers (1)

3/24/2025, 6:10:46 PM

OpenHealth AI

It's understandable to feel concerned about ongoing symptoms like muscle weakness and tremors after experiencing a pinched nerve. Your situation is complex, and while improvements are encouraging, the persistent issues you're facing warrant close attention.

Key Points:

1. Current Symptoms: You are experiencing persistent weakness and shakiness in your left arm, tremors, and recent transient weakness in your leg.
2. Evaluation Findings: While your MRI showed no significant signs of nerve compression, the electrodiagnostic study indicates a mild left C7 motor radiculopathy, suggesting nerve involvement.
3. Next Steps: Focus on managing symptoms and ensuring timely follow-up with your neurologist for clarity on your diagnosis.

Explanation:

Nerve compression can lead to a range of symptoms, including muscle weakness and tremors. The absence of pronounced findings on your MRI does not rule out the possibility of nerve irritation or other neurological issues. Your ongoing symptoms may be related to:

• Persistent irritation of the C7 nerve root or related structures.
• Postural issues or overuse during activities (like using a wrench), which could exacerbate your symptoms.
• Other neurological conditions that might require further investigation.

Actionable Guidance:

1. Continue Physical Therapy: It's important to stay consistent with your therapy, as it can help improve mobility and strength. Communicate specifically about your tremor and shakiness during sessions for targeted exercises.
2. Rest and Modify Activities: Pay attention to your activity level and try to avoid over exerting your left arm, especially in positions that strain your posture. Rest when needed, particularly after activities that cause weakness or shakiness.
3. Heat and Stretch: Applying heat to affected muscles and engaging in gentle stretching may help relax the muscles and reduce tremor episodes. Also, focus on strengthening exercises for your triceps under guidance from your therapist.
4. Maintain a Symptom Diary: Keep track of your symptoms, noting when they occur, their duration, and any activities that seem to trigger them. This information can be invaluable for your healthcare provider.
5. Follow Up with the Neurologist: If you don't hear back soon, consider reaching out again. Provide your observations from the last few weeks, including the knee buckling incident, as these details are important for a comprehensive assessment.
6. Consider Stress Management: Sometimes, anxiety or stress can contribute to muscle tremors and weakness. Techniques like mindfulness, yoga, or deep breathing exercises might be beneficial.

It's positive that you’re noticing some improvement in strength; be patient with your recovery process, and ensure that you keep your healthcare team informed about your progress and concerns. If new or worsening symptoms appear, it may indicate the need for more immediate evaluation.