What Could Be Causing My Hand Issues?
I am a 27-year-old woman dealing with persistent issues in my hands and wrists, including numbness, tingling sensations, pain, and weakness. This troubling condition has plagued me for several years. Initially, my primary care physician and I thought it might be carpal tunnel syndrome. However, my symptoms began after I suffered a serious concussion and neck injury in 2016. Unfortunately, due to this condition, I have had to give up on my beloved crafts and even struggle with writing. As the situation worsened over time, I sought the expertise of an orthopedic specialist. After conducting a thorough evaluation, he expressed doubts that carpal tunnel syndrome was the culprit, even though he arranged for a nerve conduction study just to be certain. Additionally, he performed X-rays during my consultation, and those results came back normal. The nerve test confirmed that it wasn't carpal tunnel; however, it did indicate that I have cervical radiculopathy related to my C7 vertebra. When I returned to the orthopedic doctor with these findings, he admitted he was uncertain about the underlying cause of my problems. Consequently, he ordered an MRI for further investigation. I received the MRI results today, which showed everything to be normal, except for a noted loss of cervical lordosis. While I am relieved that nothing alarming was found, I feel increasingly lost and confused about how to proceed. After some research, I stumbled upon thoracic outlet syndrome as a possible explanation for my symptoms. To add to my worries, I've also been experiencing chronic headaches since my injury in 2016. I am at a standstill and would appreciate any insights on what my next steps should be.
Answers (1)
7/31/2025, 7:20:48 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel lost and confused after receiving mixed medical opinions, especially when dealing with long-standing symptoms that affect your daily life. Your symptoms of numbness, tingling, pain, and weakness in your hands and wrists—combined with a history of concussion and cervical radiculopathy—leave room for various potential conditions, including thoracic outlet syndrome and others.
Main Points:
- Cervical Radiculopathy is likely affecting your arm and hand symptoms.
- Your findings of normal imaging are reassuring but do not explain your symptoms.
- Consider further assessment of possible thoracic outlet syndrome or other related issues.
Explanation:
Cervical radiculopathy occurs when the nerve roots that exit the cervical spine become compressed, often causing symptoms in the arms and hands. You mentioned that your MRI showed cervical lordosis loss, which can suggest neck muscle or ligament issues. Although your MRI results did not highlight serious concerns, they don't account for the persistent discomfort and can mean muscle and nerve dynamics might be affected.
Chronic headaches can also relate to cervical spine issues or muscle tension stemming from maintaining unusual postures or guarding due to pain. Thoracic outlet syndrome, which you've researched, involves compression of nerves or blood vessels in the thoracic outlet (the space between your collarbone and first rib) and may relate to your neck injury.
Next Steps:
-
Physical Therapy: Consult a physical therapist who specializes in neck and upper limb conditions. Focus on exercises to strengthen neck muscles, improve posture, and increase the range of motion without exacerbating pain.
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Posture Assessment: Evaluate your daily habits, including how you sit and use your hands. Ergonomic adjustments at your workstation or while crafting might help reduce symptoms.
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Pain Management Techniques: Explore non-invasive pain management strategies, such as heat/cold therapy, stretching, and relaxation techniques, to help alleviate discomfort.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep a symptom diary to track your pain, numbness, and headaches, noting what activities trigger or relieve symptoms. This might help identify patterns or additional issues to discuss with your healthcare providers.
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Follow-up with Specialists: If symptoms persist or worsen, consider consulting a neurologist who may provide insights into persisting nerve issues or other related disorders. An evaluation by a pain specialist could also be beneficial.
Feeling reassured is vital as you navigate this complex situation. You're taking the right steps by seeking understanding and solutions. Keep prioritizing self-care and monitoring your symptoms, as ongoing communication with your healthcare team will be essential to finding clarity and relief.
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