Unexplained Nerve Discomfort
(30 years old, 180 pounds) For three years now, I have been dealing with a perplexing nerve condition affecting the upper right portion of my back. This issue arose suddenly, without any prior injuries or causes. It affects an area that stretches from the base of my trapezius muscle through my shoulder blade, involving both of my rhomboids, and extending towards the upper latissimus dorsi muscle. Despite this discomfort, I retain full strength and mobility in the affected area. The symptoms are not consistently triggered but tend to flare up during various daily activities. I experience feelings of numbness alongside a tingling sensation, similar to pins and needles. After approximately 2 to 4 minutes of engaging in activities that irritate the nerves, I feel both pain and a burning sensation. Any action that requires me to look downward, even briefly, activates the discomfort. Even light lifting with my right hand, bending forward while sitting to interact with my child, or performing basic household tasks like laundry or washing dishes can provoke these feelings. The discomfort persists as long as I am engaged in the triggering activity and gradually diminishes once I stop. In November 2024, I underwent surgery for Quadrilateral Space Syndrome, aiming to widen the nerve pathways leading down my arm, as earlier symptoms were radiating down into my arm as well. I have consulted nearly twenty different neurologists and orthopedic specialists about this matter. My diagnostic journey has included X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans of my full spine, shoulder, neck, head, brachial plexus, and chest. Additionally, I have undergone nerve studies and extensive blood tests; all results have shown no abnormalities. I completed four separate physical therapy programs, amassing nearly two years of treatment without any improvement. Other interventions, including chiropractic adjustments, osteopathic manipulative treatment, dry needling, injections, and massages, have also proven ineffective. Medications like Gabapentin and Duloxetine have not yielded any relief. I have been advised to visit the Cleveland Clinic, as their department might provide some answers. I’m reaching out to see if anyone else has had similar experiences or knows of someone who has. Thank you.
Answers (1)
7/4/2025, 5:40:45 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you've been through an incredibly challenging journey with your nerve discomfort, and it's understandable to feel frustrated given the extensive efforts you've already taken to find relief. Your symptoms suggest a complex issue, and while I cannot diagnose you, I can offer some insights on how to manage your discomfort and potential next steps.
Key Points:
- Nerve Irritation or Entrapment: Your symptoms, including tingling, numbness, and burning sensations, point to potential nerve irritation or entrapment, which might persist despite normal imaging results.
- Chronic Pain Management: Strategies for managing chronic discomfort often require a multi-faceted approach, especially since typical treatments haven’t provided relief.
- Exploration of Other Causes: Given the lack of improvement with various treatments, exploring alternative diagnoses or therapies may be important.
Explanation:
Chronic nerve discomfort without a clear underlying condition can be baffling, especially when traditional methods haven’t helped. Your history of Quadrilateral Space Syndrome may also suggest previous nerve involvement that could lead to lingering symptoms. Since you’ve consulted numerous specialists, it’s critical to consider that symptoms may not always correlate directly with findings on imaging or clinical tests.
Actionable Next Steps:
-
Maintain a Daily Symptom Diary: Start tracking your symptoms in more detail, noting any new triggers, the intensity of discomfort, and how long it lasts. This information could help your healthcare providers pinpoint patterns or new approaches.
-
Consider Pain Management Clinics: Look into specialized pain management clinics where the focus is on techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), biofeedback, or multidisciplinary approaches. Staff in these clinics often work collaboratively to tackle chronic pain from various angles.
-
Explore Alternative Therapies: Since traditional physical therapy has not yielded results, consider exploring therapeutic options like acupuncture, mindfulness meditation, or yoga tailored for chronic pain relief. These methods can sometimes help reduce the perception of pain.
-
Engage in Gentle Movement: Since your symptoms flare during certain activities, incorporating gentle range-of-motion and stretching exercises into your daily routine may help build overall resilience without exacerbating discomfort. Modifications and regular practice are key.
-
Keep an Open Dialogue with Specialists: If you do visit the Cleveland Clinic, prepare to discuss all treatments tried and their outcomes. This could guide them in suggesting new directions for management that you may not have previously considered.
Remember, you’re not alone in this. Many people experience similar chronic nerve issues, and connecting with support groups or communities may provide additional comfort and insights from others in a similar situation.
Related Questions
Experiencing Vertigo?
Today, I (51F) encountered a rather alarming episode. As I was turning over in bed this morning, I was abruptly awakened by a strange moaning sound I didn't recognize as my own. It felt as though some instinct in my mind sensed an issue before the actual symptoms manifested—quite dramatic, I admit. In an instant, my head began to move uncontrollably, swaying rapidly from side to side. I quickly sat up and gripped the bed, fearing I might topple over. Sweat instantly drenched me. It was clear that my head and neck were physically oscillating rather than just experiencing the typical sensation of spinning; I could feel my hair brushing against my back with each movement. My bedroom appeared to sway in front of my eyes, and waves of nausea crashed over me, accompanied by sheer panic. Thoughts raced through my head: "Am I having a seizure? Is this what a stroke feels like?" This intense experience lasted what seemed like an eternity but likely lasted only around 20 seconds. Several hours have passed since that frightening moment, and while the nausea persists, it has lessened in intensity. I still feel generally unsteady, though I can walk without issue—just a bit wobbly! A slight headache has also developed. Naturally, I've done some research and suspect it might be BPPV. This is my first encounter with such a condition, and I’m not looking forward to a repeat experience. Should I wait to see a GP until it happens again, understanding the timelines here in the UK can be unpredictable? Or is it wise to seek medical advice immediately? How long can I expect the nausea and dizziness to linger? Are there remedies or treatments I can pursue to alleviate my symptoms? I’ve got a busy day ahead and need to maintain my focus, yet I feel nauseous and a bit anxious, wondering if it could be something more serious than simple vertigo. Any insights or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I also apologize if my writing is a bit disjointed—my head isn't quite right!
Navigating Persistent Chest Discomfort and Anxiety: Seeking Insight and Guidance
As a 20-year-old male, standing at 5'8" and weighing 145 pounds, my health concerns have been troubling me for the past two years, with increasing intensity since February. I am currently using Flonase and vitamin D but do not take any other medications. I have a history of asthma, which has been stable for years, but I also exhibit symptoms consistent with generalized anxiety disorder and possibly depressive disorder, based on evaluations by healthcare professionals. Since mid-February, my health anxiety has surged, particularly after a recent illness that triggered significant anxiety and agoraphobia. In light of this, I feel the necessity to seek medical attention again and establish care with a new primary care physician, especially since I have not had a check-up in a while. However, I find myself torn between seeking reassurance and worsening my anxiety, which has contributed to my procrastination regarding medical appointments. Although I am receiving therapy and making some progress, I feel that my physical health has not seen much improvement. In 2023, I began experiencing unusual sensations around my heart, concerns about irregular heart rhythms, and episodes of transient lightheadedness that I now believe were related to anxiety. In response, I consulted a cardiologist, underwent an EKG, and wore a Holter monitor for 14 days, all of which yielded normal results. However, cardiovascular worries lingered in the back of my mind, intensifying recently alongside my symptoms. In late March, during a telehealth consultation, I expressed my worries and had blood tests done. I believe these tests did not include vital cardiac markers like troponin or D-dimer, but the results were mostly within normal ranges. The only area of note was a mild increase in red blood cell values, also observed during a prior blood test two years ago, prior to my visit to the cardiologist. My nurse practitioner did provide a referral for hematology as a precaution but remained unconcerned. She mentioned that I could opt for further testing like another EKG or blood pressure checks, suggesting that there was nothing urgent at the moment. Despite my hesitation (perhaps unwise) to follow through with additional tests due to personal circumstances and the transition to a new PCP (since my previous doctor has closed their practice), I acknowledge that my symptoms have worsened since February. I have been living with a moderate level of cardiphobia since early 2023, and I previously exhibited these symptoms to a lesser degree. The symptoms I experience have become more frequent and disruptive since February, including: - **Near-daily mild chest discomfort:** Usually on the left side, but can occur in the center or right. The sensations range from pressure to slight soreness, occasionally deep, though never crippling. Movement or breathing sometimes affects the discomfort, which varies in duration — it may last from an hour to several throughout the day. - **Dizziness and lightheadedness:** While I hesitate to label it as true lightheadedness since I rarely feel faint, I often feel weak and unsteady. It’s as if my body is almost disconnected, resembling profound fatigue or physical brain fog. - **Constant fatigue:** I notice an increase in heart rate upon standing after being seated for a while, sometimes elevating by 40 to 50 beats per minute. Occasionally, this is accompanied by chest discomfort or fleeting dizziness. - **Shortness of breath:** This may occur during exertion or at random times, though I don’t experience an overwhelming urge for air. At times, I feel tightness in my throat or sinuses, which feels different from what I would classify as anxiety-induced air hunger. - **Miscellaneous symptoms:** I occasionally notice rhythmic sensations in my heart, bilaterally random abdominal spasms, head pressure, and light sensitivity, alongside transient discomforts in my legs. Initially, I experienced significant ectopic beats, which seem to have diminished since May. Certain movements still provoke unusual heart rhythm responses, such as feeling like my heart has slowed when it should quicken. Due to the anxiety resulting from my symptoms, I have become rather sedentary and have lost physical conditioning. Recently, I attempted a ten-minute strength training session designed for seniors, which led to my heart rate spiking to around 170 and peaking at approximately 190. Previously, I attempted something similar with a more manageable average heart rate of around 140. Historically, I was moderately active, participating in competitive swimming until high school, and could engage in physical activities without significant issues until this surge in anxiety began. Given all these mild symptoms, the combination of duration and intensity has left me feeling disconnected from my former self—functionally limited, perpetually on edge, and struggling to distinguish between physiological and psychological factors. The fear of an unforeseen cardiovascular event while alone is daunting, especially with a move approaching in less than three weeks, which I believe will necessitate substantial exertion. At this point, my aim is not to receive a diagnosis online, but rather to grasp what is plausible versus what may be exaggerated. This understanding will assist me in formulating questions for my upcoming PCP appointment, ideally providing me with some reassurance. I appreciate any insights you might share. Thank you for taking the time to read my concerns.
Elevated IgA and Widespread Enthesitis: Is It Reactive Arthritis?
Hello! I am a 32-year-old woman who maintains a healthy lifestyle and diet. While my family has a history of health issues, including diabetes and colon cancer in my parents and psoriasis in my brother, I am fortunate to be free from any chronic illnesses myself. For the past 10 months, I have been experiencing enthesitis. Initially, it began affecting tendons in my fingers and knees, but it has since spread to impact multiple areas, including my neck, pelvis, ribs, shoulders, spine, jaw joints, and even the areas surrounding my eyes. It seems like nearly every attachment point for my bones has experienced inflammation at some point. I have consulted with around 4 to 5 rheumatologists during this time. Notably, my blood tests and antibody levels have consistently returned normal results. I am HLA-B27 negative, and there is no evidence of joint damage. Recently, one doctor noted that my IgA levels are significantly elevated at 470, while the typical level for someone of my age should be below 200. He suspects I may have a gut immune system that is overly reactive, potentially stimulated by a vaccine or an infection, leading to a diagnosis of "reactive arthritis." I have been on sulfasalazine (SSZ) for three months and have been attempting to reduce my gluten intake. However, my recent blood tests still indicate that my IgA has risen further to 485. I find myself perplexed. My joints appear healthy, and there was no pointed infection that preceded these symptoms, aside from an HPV vaccination I received three weeks prior. Why then is it termed reactive arthritis? Is there a possibility that this condition could resolve independently in the future, or does it hold the potential to develop into a chronic autoimmune disorder?
Possible Syndrome Underlying My Health Issues
A 26-year-old male, standing at 177 cm and weighing 74 kg, seeks insight into a perplexing health situation. He has been diagnosed with moderate to severe mental health conditions, including depression and anxiety, for which he is currently prescribed milnacipran and bupropion. Cardiac evaluations via echocardiogram have indicated the presence of mitral valve prolapse (MVP) without significant regurgitation, alongside some irregular heartbeats, characterized as extrasystoles. For an extended period, I've experienced a troubling pattern: whenever I rise from a seated position, my mental health symptoms tend to intensify. This leads to debilitating fatigue and a noticeable pallor to my complexion, despite maintaining a hemoglobin level of 13.6 g/dl. My anxiety prompts me to move around restlessly; I find that walking alleviates feelings of exhaustion and irritability, while standing still exacerbates my weariness. Upon examining the lower conjunctival fornix of my eyes, they appear unusually pale, and my sclera have been observed to have a bluish tint at times. In contrast, when I recline, I notice a significant improvement in my overall well-being, making life feel manageable. The prospect of spending all my time in bed becomes appealing due to the comfort it provides. I long to experience the same vigor and vitality while standing or walking as I do when lying down. What could be the root of these issues? Additionally, I've observed that the right platysma muscle is consistently taut, pulling down the right side of my face, leading to visible asymmetry. My knee and elbow joints also display signs of hyperextension, and I find that my vision deteriorates, becoming blurrier the longer I remain upright. Could these symptoms indicate the presence of a syndrome?
Concerned About Potential Colon Cancer
As a 28-year-old male, I've been facing persistent digestive problems since I contracted E. coli last March, and I'm contemplating whether it's time to consult a healthcare professional. The symptoms I've been experiencing include a loud stomach following meals, significant bloating, belching, excessive flatulence, abdominal discomfort, and a noticeable throbbing sensation in my stomach. I've also detected a small amount of blood in my stool recently, which has varied in color. Additionally, I've dealt with mouth ulcers for as long as I can remember, and I often notice that my stools tend to stick to the bowl and are consistently floating. This ongoing situation has left me anxious about the possibility of having colon cancer.