OpenHealth Q&A

Chronic Muscle and Nerve Pain Without a Clear Diagnosis

Greetings Reddit Community, I am reaching out in the hopes of finding some guidance for my husband, who has been plagued by persistent nerve and muscle discomfort over the years. Despite consulting multiple specialists, including a neurologist, we have yet to find a solution, so I’m taking a shot in the dark here. Here’s a summary of the situation. Our primary aim is to pinpoint the source of his nerve and muscle pain while his test results remain largely within normal parameters. He is particularly concerned about the possibility of a serious underlying condition that might have been overlooked. **If you could suggest any questions I might ask his doctor, it would be immensely appreciated.** Please don’t hesitate to ask for more specifics. It’s truly difficult for me to watch him struggle with anxiety about his health, especially as we prepare for the arrival of our baby. Thank you for your support. # Summary: * **Main Concern:** Sustained **nerve/muscle pain** (predominantly in the neck), **tingling**, **pressure in the head**, and **persistent headaches** beginning in **March 2023**. * **Pain Attributes:** Intermittent, ranging from moderate to severe (5–8 on a 10-point scale), intensifying when lying down or exercising, but alleviated by warm showers and B12 intake. * **Neurological Signs:** Tingling sensations in fingers, lips, face, and tongue; visual disturbances (eye examinations have returned normal); difficulties with concentration. * **MRI Results:** Indicate **potential intracranial hypertension**; no masses or structural anomalies detected. * **Spinal X-ray:** Shows early signs of cervical degenerative changes and loss of cervical lordosis. * **Emergency Room Visits:** * *March 2023:* Experience of chest pain, dizziness, and dehydration. * *February 2024:* Intermittent abdominal pain and dark stool (referred to GI). * *June 2024:* Sustained a minor concussion. * **Current Therapies:** * Physical therapy focused on the neck. * New chiropractic appointments weekly. * Nutritional supplements: **B12, Magnesium, Folate**. * **Medical Background:** * **Frequent headaches**, **upper back pain**, **abdominal discomfort**, **chronic fatigue**, and **history of concussions**. * Childhood asthma, snapping hip syndrome, Osgood-Schlatter disease, and an undiagnosed itchy skin rash. * **Mental Health Background:** Past struggles with depression (improved) and heightened stress due to ongoing symptoms and impending parenthood. * **Family Medical History:** Conditions such as heart disease, thyroid issues, breast cancer, lupus, and fatty liver disease. # Detailed Breakdown: * **Gender:** Male * **Birthdate:** March 11, 1996 * **Profession:** Computer Systems Manager (desk-bound job) * **Activity Level:** Low physical engagement (rating: 4/10), approximately 7 hours of sleep each night. * **Stress Assessment:** Physical stress rating of 6/10, emotional stress at 8/10. * **Diet Quality:** 4/10 * **Hydration:** Around 1–2 glasses daily. * **Caffeine Consumption:** 1–2 cups of coffee daily. * **Alcohol Use:** 1–2 beverages weekly. * **Tobacco/Drug Use:** None. # Principal Complaint: * **Core Issue:** Ongoing, sporadic nerve/muscle discomfort primarily localized in the neck, alongside some neuropathic symptoms. * **Pain Description:** Tingling, sharp sensations, tightness, pressure, numbness, and general discomfort. * **Average Pain Duration:** 5/10; **Maximum Pain Level:** 8/10; * **Occurrence:** Experienced 51–75% of the time. * **Initial Symptoms Noted:** March 2023. * **Radiation of Pain:** No clear radiation detected. * **Factors Worsening Pain:** * Increased pressure in the head/face upon lying down. * Chest pain triggered by physical activity. * **Pain Alleviation Strategies:** * Warm showers. * Vitamin B12 supplementation. * **Sensitivity:** * Symptoms can worsen quickly but can also be relieved rapidly. # Neurological Indicators: * **Current Symptoms Include:** * Tingling/numbness in **fingers, lips, face, tongue**. * Persistent headaches on the **left side** behind the temple. * Visual disturbances while having a **normal eye exam**. * Challenges with attention span. * **History of Concussions:** * Multiple incidents throughout childhood and adulthood, most recently in June 2024. # ER Visits Recap: * **March 2023:** * Presented with chest pain, dizziness, and dehydration. * Diagnosis was non-specific chest pain with lightheadedness. * **February 2024:** * Patient indicated sporadic abdominal pain worsening recently; reported dark stools never previously experienced. * Overall assessment showed stable condition; discharged with GI referral if symptoms persisted. * **June 2024:** Attended ER due to a concussion followed by a consultation with the general practitioner. # Imaging Results Summary: **X-ray Findings:** * **Cervical Spine:** No significant abnormalities, but showed early degenerative changes. * **Thoracic Spine:** Appears normal without concern. * **MRI Outcome:** * Revealed soft signs suggesting intracranial hypertension without any masses identified. # Current Management Strategies: * **Supplements:** Regular intake of B12, Magnesium Glycinate, L-Methylfolate (noted improvement in headaches and neuropathy from B12). * **Physical Therapy:** Recently initiated to target neck pain. * **Vision Specialist Consultation:** No abnormalities reported. * **Chiropractic Care:** Recently started; emphasis on monitoring for stroke warning signs, with no alarming symptoms observed thus far. # Previous Diagnoses:** * **Neck Pain:** Limited movement and ongoing therapy. * **Upper Back Pain:** Between shoulder blade and spine. * **Headaches:** Chronic and intense on the left side. * **Abdominal Pain:** Cyclical, with noted location changes. * **Wrist Discomfort:** Occasional pain in the outer wrist. * **Arm Pain:** Persistent in the left bicep; cardio-related issues ruled out. * **Snapping Hip Syndrome:** Undiagnosed. * **Knee Issues:** Related to Osgood-Schlatter disease. * **Childhood Asthma:** Currently inactive. * **Cognitive Concerns:** Frequent fatigue and difficulty concentrating. * **Vision Issues:** Temporary flashes without structural concerns observed. * **Urinary Pain:** History of urethral scarring. * **Skin Issues:** Persistent undiagnosed rash. * Past history includes a tick bite. # Mental Health Profile: * **Depression:** Previously diagnosed; current condition shows improvement. * **Significant Stress Factors:** Ongoing unexplained health issues, anxiety about health status, and financial responsibility tied to imminent fatherhood. # Family Medical Background: * **Cardiovascular Issues:** Present in maternal grandparents. * **Thyroid Disorders:** Observed in mother and sibling. * **Cancer History:** Noted in an aunt with breast cancer. * **Autoimmune Concerns:** Lupus in an aunt. * **Liver Problems:** Fatty liver diagnosis in father.

Answers (1)

6/22/2025, 10:50:49 PM

OpenHealth AI

It sounds like your husband has been enduring a complex and challenging situation with his chronic nerve and muscle pain, and it’s completely understandable for both of you to seek further clarity and reassurance. The main points to focus on initially are:

1. Understanding Possible Causes: Given the ongoing symptoms and tests indicating only potential intracranial hypertension, it may be beneficial to explore broader possibilities, such as fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, or even autoimmune conditions—though it's understandable that any unknowns can lead to anxiety, especially with the upcoming arrival of your baby.

2. Key Questions for His Doctor: To maximize his upcoming consultations, consider asking additional questions that can help elucidate his condition and inform potential diagnoses or treatments.

Explanation:

The combination of symptoms your husband experiences, such as nerve/muscle discomfort, head pressure, headaches, and neurological signs, suggests a multifactorial issue. It is important to address not just the physical symptoms but also the mental health aspects, given the significant stress related to his health and impending parenthood.

Actionable Next Steps:

Here are some prioritized steps for both you and your husband:

1. Prepare Questions for His Doctor:

   • Can we explore other potential diagnoses, such as fibromyalgia or autoimmune conditions, considering the chronic nature of his symptoms?
   • What specific further testing might be useful to rule out or confirm these conditions?
   • Could the symptoms be related to previous concussions, and should we revisit any neurological evaluations?
   • How might lifestyle factors, like hydration and nutrition, be affecting his condition, and are there dietary changes that could help?
   • What are the most effective pain management strategies we could adopt in addition to physical therapy?

2. Track Symptoms and Triggers: Maintain a symptom diary to record daily pain levels, specific triggers (like certain activities or stress factors), and any alleviating behaviors. This can help the physician identify patterns and tailor interventions more effectively.

3. Focus on Self-Care:

   • Hydration: Gradually increase fluid intake to at least 2-3 liters a day; proper hydration can support overall health and may alleviate some symptoms.
   • Nutrition: Aim for a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Formulating meals with anti-inflammatory properties (like omega-3 fatty acids) can also be beneficial.
   • Stress Management: Encourage regular light to moderate exercise, which can help reduce stress and improve pain management. Consider relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation, or guided breathing exercises.

4. Involve Mental Health Support: Given the stress and anxiety associated with ongoing health issues, consider following up with mental health resources that can provide coping strategies, especially as you prepare for parenthood.

5. Stay Engaged with Current Therapies: Continue with physical therapy and chiropractic care while regularly assessing their effectiveness. Communicate any changes in symptoms to the therapists for adjustment of care plans.

These steps are intended to create a clearer understanding of his condition while providing holistic support. Remember, being proactive and prepared in discussions with healthcare providers can empower both of you in this journey. If you have any further questions or need more assistance, feel free to reach out.