My symptoms of pain - seeking advice .

[Bill Poster]

First I know that I should visit a doctor, but as the nearest city hospital doctor is a days journey away , before I make that trip , I thought I would ask here first to see if there's any thing I can possibly do  /  get an idea / relive my symptoms / any one had similar symptoms. I am 76 years old and in general good health .

 

Four days ago I went to sleep at nigh time feeling fine , the next day when I awoke in the morning and got out of bed and stood up , then I could feel what I can describe as a dull ache / mild pain  sensation ( not tingling ) that seemed to run in a line from the tip of my Left hand thumb and along under my left arm , up to the top of my left shoulder , then from the top of the left shoulder , up to just under the back of my Left ear.  Currently the dull ache feeling is mainly situated around my left shoulder area. 

 

Currently I'm taking ibuprofen / paracetamol , which seems not to be making much of a difference  I have not recently been physically active , so I think I can rule out an injury related cause . Other than the current symptoms , I'm feeling fine . I was wondering if my current symptoms could be due to a trapped nerve ( pinched nerve ) some where , that with time may subside and disappear on its own. 

 

So at this stage I'm wondering if there's any alternatives to ibuprofen / paracetamol , to reduce the constant dull pain that I'm experiencing , just to see if my symptoms slowly go away .

 

Any advice or suggestions .

 

Thanks 🙏

 

.

[Hummin]

you should go to hospital, can be a mini stroke

 

A transient ischaemic attack (TIA) or "mini stroke" is caused by a temporary disruption in the blood supply to part of the brain.

The disruption in blood supply results in a lack of oxygen to the brain.

This can cause sudden symptoms similar to a stroke, such as speech and visual disturbance, and numbness or weakness in the face, arms and legs.

But a TIA does not last as long as a stroke. The effects last a few minutes to a few hours and fully resolve within 24 hours.

 

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/transient-ischaemic-attack-tia/

[Bill Poster]

1 minute ago, Hummin said:

you should go to hospital, can be a mini stroke

 Thanks, thats frightening , Ive had the same dull pain for over Four days now  , so I was just thinking about the problem only being a trapped nerve . 

[novacova]

8 minutes ago, Bill Poster said:

So at this stage I'm wondering if there's any alternatives to ibuprofen / paracetamol

With those symptoms the first thing I would do is to take aspirin asap and get to a doctor. As mentioned, could be a minor stroke or heart attack 

[Yagoda]

Hospital Now!

[Hummin]

6 minutes ago, novacova said:

With those symptoms the first thing I would do is to take aspirin asap and get to a doctor. As mentioned, could be a minor stroke or heart attack 

 

Stroke is a medical emergency. If you experience stroke warning signs, call 9-1-1 immediately. Taking aspirin isn't advised during a stroke, because not all strokes are caused by blood clots. Some strokes are caused by ruptured blood vessels and taking aspirin

could make these bleeding strokes more severe

 

Read more 

https://www.stroke.org/en/life-after-stroke/preventing-another-stroke/aspirin-and-stroke

[degrub]

If you have never had pinched neck nerves, go to the hospital and get checked out by a neurologist. Also mention concern about possible stroke.

 

No tingling or shooting pain in fingers ? 
Does the sensation change as you slowly and gently rotate your neck ?

Tight or cramped muscles in shoulder ?

 

My only qualification is i have pinched nerves in neck and lower back. 
Gabapentin and Aleve ( sodium Naproxen)  are fairly common treatment along with posture exercises. Sometimes a muscle relaxant is also prescribed for acute case for limited duration.

[sandyf]

58 minutes ago, Bill Poster said:

 Thanks, thats frightening , Ive had the same dull pain for over Four days now  , so I was just thinking about the problem only being a trapped nerve . 

You could be right that it is nerve related but as has been said you should go to hospital as soon as possible.

 My ex wife had pain in left shoulder and eventually went to hospital, nurse was a bit concerned and put her on machine,  not long after she had a heart attack.

[degrub]

Yes, while you are at hospital, get a coronary stress test. Heart issues can manifest in unexpected parts of the upper body and surprising ways.
 

The first i knew i was having heart issues was on a treadmill for exercise. I started feeling dull pain up both of my arms and both sides of the neck. The month before i was going up and down six flights of stairs in a chemical plant with no apparent issues.  
 

Get checked asap, please.

[watchcat]

5 hours ago, Hummin said:

But a TIA does not last as long as a stroke. The effects last a few minutes to a few hours and fully resolve within 24 hours.

 

Mine has lasted for 1 year,go figure. So Ive been sitting at home as I cant walk and the ballance is terrible.

[Sheryl]

Pinched nerve,  probably at C6 in cervical spine, is certainly a possibility.

 

Pain alone, with no neurologic signs, make stroke or TIA unlikely.

 

Heart ischemia can cause shoulder and upper arm pain but would not usually cause pain all the way down to thumb. That said, since you are probably  going to need to see a doctor anyway, would be wise to get a cardiac check up anyhow unless you have recently had one. 

 

In terms of what else you can do yourself, could try applying heat around the shoulder, sleeping in different position/different pillow (with  or without a cervical collar to keep head ftom slumping forward),  gentle (emphasis on gentle) shoulder massage, use of cervical traction device like this  https://th.shp.ee/n6jQ7JR

If any if these measures help that will be useful diagnostic information. 

 

For sleep position, on your back is best. If you must sleep on your side, lie on the unaffected dide and elevate the affected atm on a pilliw. 

 

When you see doctor, I suggest an ortho preferrably one specializing in spine. What city are you nearest to?

[Bill Poster]

1 hour ago, Sheryl said:

Pinched nerve,  probably at C6 in cetvical spine, is certainly a possibility.

 

Pain alone, with no neurologic signs, make stroke or TIA unlikely.

 

Heart ischemia can cause shoulder and upper arm pain but would not usually cause pain all the way down to thumb. That said, since you are probably  going to need to see a doctor anyway, would be wise to get a cardiac check up anyhow unless you have recently had one. 

 

In terms of what else you can do yourself, could try applying heat around the shoulder, sleeping in different position/different pillow (with  or without a cervical collar to kerp head ftom slumping forward),  gentle (emphasis on gentle) shoulder massage, use of cervical traction device like this  https://th.shp.ee/n6jQ7JR

If any if these measures help that will be useful diagnostic information. 

 

For sleep pisition, on your back is best. If you must sleep on your side, lie on the unaffected dide and elevate the affected atm on a pilliw. 

 

When you see doctor, I suggest an ortho preferrably one specializing in spine. What city are you nearest to?

 

Hi and thanks, 

 

The only current symptoms I have are these...

 

I have a feeling of a dull aching pain starting from the tip of my Left thumb , then travailing only under my Left arm , up to under my arm pit , ( which feels a little soar to the touch , but no marks on the skin ) then the dull aching pain travels up to the top of my Left shoulder , then along the top of my collar bone area , to a small area just under the rear of my Left ear.

 

The above dull aching pain symptoms are continuous all the time . One thing I forgot to mention in my original post was , some years ago I badly cut my Left thumb ( where the current dull aching pain starts from )  and it needed stitches . After that Left thumb was stitched up , it always and still does feel a little numb to the touch . 

 

I am planning a trip to see a hospital doctor , I'm wondering after a doctor hears my symptoms , what sort of routine tests , may be involved. 

 

The nearest large city to where I live would be Nakhon Ratchasima .

 

Thanks

 

[Sheryl]

The pain distribution matches C6 nerve ennervation exactly.  

 

You will likely need an Xray of the cervical spine (neck) and an MRI. 

 

I'll be back with doctor revommendation. 

[SAFETY FIRST]

9 hours ago, Bill Poster said:

 over Four days now  , so I was just thinking about the problem only being a trapped nerve . 

Could be a nerve issue. 

 

I had a nerve issue for a couple of months, too much exercise. 

It's a horrible pain, discomfort, I had trouble riding my PCX keeping my arm raised. 

 

I Google health massage, found on Soi Bongkot, the masseuse was really good but I was in pain during consultations, I only went the once, took it easy on the weights, I'm good now. 

 

 

[Sheryl]

@Bill Poster  is it possible for yuou to go to Khon Kaen instead? As KKU Hospital (Srinagarind) would be best

[SiSePuede419]

Yikes.

Do you really think it's wise to take advice here.

ChatGPT might be a more reliable friend. 

[PJ71]

1 hour ago, SiSePuede419 said:

Yikes.

Do you really think it's wise to take advice here.

ChatGPT might be a more reliable friend. 

hahahahahaha

[Thingamabob]

Sounds like a heart problem, given that the pain is down your left side. See a doctor asap, however inconvenient. 

[jippytum]

2 hours ago, SiSePuede419 said:

Yikes.

Do you really think it's wise to take advice here.

ChatGPT might be a more reliable friend. 

I would trust the advice from Sheryl.  

[NedR69]

How much ibuprofen?

 200 mg, 400, 600, or 800?

 

How often do you take the ibuprofen?

 

I take 800s that are prescribed by three of my doctors.

 

NSAIDs are not like paracetamol, meaning they don't start working right away.  

 

I take 800 every 8 hours, at least 2 times a day and 3 times on the worst days of inflammation.  I feel the effects of the anti-inflammatory after taking the second 800.

 

You should see a doc at a private hospital. 

[newbee2022]

17 hours ago, Sheryl said:

Pinched nerve,  probably at C6 in cervical spine, is certainly a possibility.

 

Pain alone, with no neurologic signs, make stroke or TIA unlikely.

 

Heart ischemia can cause shoulder and upper arm pain but would not usually cause pain all the way down to thumb. That said, since you are probably  going to need to see a doctor anyway, would be wise to get a cardiac check up anyhow unless you have recently had one. 

 

In terms of what else you can do yourself, could try applying heat around the shoulder, sleeping in different position/different pillow (with  or without a cervical collar to keep head ftom slumping forward),  gentle (emphasis on gentle) shoulder massage, use of cervical traction device like this  https://th.shp.ee/n6jQ7JR

If any if these measures help that will be useful diagnostic information. 

 

For sleep position, on your back is best. If you must sleep on your side, lie on the unaffected dide and elevate the affected atm on a pilliw. 

 

When you see doctor, I suggest an ortho preferrably one specializing in spine. What city are you nearest to?

The only qualified advice is to see a doctor. Now. 

Explain your problems properly, maybe use "Google translate', if there are language problems. They will know where to send you: neurologist, orthopedic eg. 

 

[kingstonkid]

23 hours ago, Bill Poster said:

 Thanks, thats frightening , Ive had the same dull pain for over Four days now  , so I was just thinking about the problem only being a trapped nerve . 

Check your pillow.  Does the pain lessen as the day goes on.  It could be you pinched something in your sleep. 

 

Get your other half to massage your shoulder 

[phetphet]

Could be sign of a slipped disc, cervical area.

 

I awoke with similar symptoms, all different sorts of pain, numbness, tingling, throbbing, burning. all radiating from right hand index finger, up my arm to my shoulder. The doctor told me he could tell which disc by which finger the pain was starting from. 

 

Mine stopped at the neck. Didn't go up to the ear.

 

I was given painkillers and anti inflammatories, but what worked for me were several DRGB's (Dorsal Root Ganglion Blocks). Basically injections of painkiller and steroids right to the site of the ruptured disc.

Best see a doctor. Even if a trip involved, because if it is a disc and gets worse, it can be extremely painful.

[SAFETY FIRST]

4 hours ago, SiSePuede419 said:

Yikes.

Do you really think it's wise to take advice here.

ChatGPT might be a more reliable friend. 

No, this medical forum is very good, the audience are a very good source of knowledge and Cheryl is promptly replying with great advice. 

 

[Moonlover]

How's your posture @Bill Poster? I had exactly the same symptoms as you a while back. At first I thought it was the result of a fall I'd a while ago, which could have caused a whiplash injury (I landed heavily on my right shoulder). But that was sometime ago so I decided to explore other possibilities.

 

Have you heard of text neck? It's all too common nowadays with so many of us spending too much time on our phones and computers. A simple test is to lie down on a hard surface and see whether the back of your head touches the floor.

 

Mine didn't and when I looked up possible symptoms, lo and behold, tingling in the upper limbs just as you describe. (and the same as mine) This also ties in with the comment by @Sheryl regarding the C6 vertebrae.

 

I came across a simple exercise to address this problem which is described in the video below. I only needed to do this twice daily for one week and the symptoms were gone and I've continued to do it to prevent a recurrence. It's free and it's worth a try.

 

 

[wavodavo]

On 12/10/2024 at 11:36 AM, Hummin said:

you should go to hospital, can be a mini stroke

 

A transient ischaemic attack (TIA) or "mini stroke" is caused by a temporary disruption in the blood supply to part of the brain.

The disruption in blood supply results in a lack of oxygen to the brain.

This can cause sudden symptoms similar to a stroke, such as speech and visual disturbance, and numbness or weakness in the face, arms and legs.

But a TIA does not last as long as a stroke. The effects last a few minutes to a few hours and fully resolve within 24 hours.

 

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/transient-ischaemic-attack-tia/

Very good advice I  went through this in July and I rang the ambulance and got straight to Hospital.Drs. told me that I did the right thing an one must do that. 

[Bill Poster]

On 12/10/2024 at 8:13 PM, Sheryl said:

@Bill Poster  is it possible for yuou to go to Khon Kaen instead? As KKU Hospital (Srinagarind) would be best

HI Sheryl.

 

Ive only just read your recommendation , I decided to make a trip to Nakhon Ratchasima and seek medical attention fro St Mary's hospital , which I had used many years ago. Below is an outline of what happened . 

 

When we arrived at the St Mary's hospital in Korat , it was was around 8AM. I had a St Mary's membership card and I gave that to the receptionist . We had to wait until the Orthopaedic doctor arrived at the hospital at 9 AM. My blood pressure + height + weight was taken , then I had to outline to a nurse what my exact problem was.

 

We were taken to the Orthopaedic doctors waiting room , and again I had to outline to the  Orthopaedic doctor's medical nurse assistance , just what my symptoms were. 

 

The Orthopaedic doctor arrived at 9AM , and a few minuets later we were shown into the Orthopaedic doctor office. The male doctor must have been in his early 30s . and he spoke good English ( which was a bonus ) . I went over my symptoms with the doctor , next he had me do some physical movements with my hands and arms , while doctor held both my arms . The doctor said that he thought my problem was related to a trapped or damaged nerve , some where in my neck region .

 

So the doctor said that for him to diagnose my problem in more detail , I would need either an X-ray or a MRI Scan 

 

So off to the X-ray department .where a scan of both my front of chest + a scan of my neck area  ( with my head looking upwards ) were taken. 

 

Back to the Orthopaedic doctor's office waiting area . We sat there for about 15 minuets , then we were taken into the doctors office, the doctor then went to his large computer monitor screen and pulled up both of my recent X-rays .I was sitting close to the doctor's computer monitor, and the doctor turned the computer monitor so that I could better see my X-rays . When I saw the X-ray impinges of my neck area , I was shocked and lost for words ( which is unusual for me ) In my mind after seeing the graphic X-ray images , I instantly thought the Orthopaedic doctor is going to say some thing like , your going to be paralysed in a few months, or I'm going to need major surgery on my neck and spine , which could makes thing better or possibly  worse .

 

The Orthopaedic doctor went on to say the spinal neck area shown in the X-ray,  where it shows wear and tear , is quite common in people of my advance age. I then asked the doctor several questions about my apparent damaged neck vertebrae and what the future holds. 

 

He said that although my neck vertebrae appeared in worn condition , at this stage the best route would be to use a combination of drugs as shown below ( which he prescribed ) .

 

1. Gabapentin   ( Gabapentin is approved to treat nerve pain (neuralgia) that results from nerve damage )

2. Norgesic  ( Norgesic (orphenadrine citrate, aspirin and caffeine) is a combination of a muscle relaxant, a pain reliever, and caffeine which increases the pain relieving effects of the other drugs, used, along with rest and physical therapy, to treat injuries and other painful muscular conditions.)

3. Celebrex . ( Celebrex is a medication that treats mild to moderate pain and inflammation. It treats conditions like arthritis. 

4. Clonazepam . (  Clonazepam  is a benzodiazepine medication used to prevent and treat anxiety disorders, seizures, bipolar mania, agitation associated with psychosis, obsessive–compulsive disorder, and akathisia. It is a long-acting tranquillity of the benzodiazepine class. ( To help me sleep ).

After talking to the Orthopaedic doctor about my symptoms and him showing my X-ray images, the doctor then suggested that I now while in the hospital , to go to the medical rehabilitation  room.

 

 Where I could have some type of electronic pressure therapy ( description may be lost in Translation ) So off I went to the medical rehabilitation room. Once inside the medical rehabilitation room, I was asked to put on a surgical gown and lay on a bed . The nurse read the details from the Orthopaedic doctor and asked me to lay on my side. The nurse then said that she is going to run and press the handheld device over my skin ( the areas of pain ) and I will feel light pulses of electricity  and possibly a tingling sensation in the skin areas being being touched by the handheld device . I did feel an electric tingling sensation where ever the nurse was touching my skin with the handheld device .After around 10 minuets of that treatment , I was asked to lay on my back and a hot round pillow was placed under my neck area . I was told that I had to stay motionless for 20 minuets.

 

After the 20 mindsets were over , I got dressed and the nurse guided us ( my self and Thai Wife ) to the counter were payment and prescribed drugs are issued..

 

While under going an X-ray, I did ask to be given a copy of the X-rat taken, which I received .

 

 

So the bottom line seems to be that to control the substantial  pain I have to take the Orthopaedic doctor's drug prescription and see how it woks out and then return to see the doctor on December 27th. .so far over a few nights  I have taken all the prescribed drugs , and they have reduced the pain I was having by at least 90%. so now its a matter of wait and see how things progress. 

The side effects I'm now experiencing from taking  the prescribed drugs, are a feeling of being a little drunk , and a bit unsteady on my feet, so currently I spend a lot of time laying in bed. 

 

The cost involved in a consultation with the Orthopaedic doctor was...

 

Outpatient Medication - 960 Baht
Stranded diagnosis imaging - 850 Baht
Physical therapy (electric shock treatment ) 1,050 Baht
First outpatient care - 650  Baht
Other medical chargees  - 150 Baht

Total cost -  3,660 Baht

 

MRI Scan = 10,000.00 Baht  ( which I did not have )

 

I was told by the doctor not to get involved with any activity that may put a strain on my head or neck area.

 

I did not feel any benefits from having the'' electric '' rubbing  treatment 

 

Photographs included .

 

 

🙏      Comments welcome.     🙏

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Sheryl]

The sort of drunk feeling may be exacerbated  by the clonazepam which is also probably doing the least for your pain....and is habit-forming.    Sounds like it was prescribed only if needed for sleep; if so you might try skipping it. 

 

Otherwise since the meds seem to be helping I'd stick with it for now. 

 

Now that doctor has confirmed compressed nerve in the cervical pine, I'd also buy cervical traction device online as mentioned in my prior post and use 2-3 times a day.

[Bill Poster]

7 minutes ago, Sheryl said:

The sort of drunk feeling may be exacerbated  byb the clonazepam which is also probably doing the least for your pain....and is habit-forming.    Sounds like it was prescribed only if needed for sleep; if so you might try skipping it. 

 

Otherwise since the meds seem to be helping I'd stick with it for now. 

 

Now that doctor has confirmed compressed nerve in the cervical pine, I'd also buy cetvical traction device online as mentioned in my prior post and usr 2-3 times a day.

Thanks, The doctor only prescribed 4 Clonazepam tablets , only to be used as necessary , And like yourself I think those  Clonazepam tablets ( which I have been. taking ) may be the cause of me feeling a little drunk. I am now going to stop taking those Clonazepam tables , and see what the difference may be. The other thing I forgot to attach was the X-ray report which I have now included.( photograph X ) 

 

Thanks 

[Hummin]

On 12/10/2024 at 2:27 PM, Sheryl said:

Pinched nerve,  probably at C6 in cervical spine, is certainly a possibility.

 

Pain alone, with no neurologic signs, make stroke or TIA unlikely.

 

Heart ischemia can cause shoulder and upper arm pain but would not usually cause pain all the way down to thumb. That said, since you are probably  going to need to see a doctor anyway, would be wise to get a cardiac check up anyhow unless you have recently had one. 

 

In terms of what else you can do yourself, could try applying heat around the shoulder, sleeping in different position/different pillow (with  or without a cervical collar to keep head ftom slumping forward),  gentle (emphasis on gentle) shoulder massage, use of cervical traction device like this  https://th.shp.ee/n6jQ7JR

If any if these measures help that will be useful diagnostic information. 

 

For sleep position, on your back is best. If you must sleep on your side, lie on the unaffected dide and elevate the affected atm on a pilliw. 

 

When you see doctor, I suggest an ortho preferrably one specializing in spine. What city are you nearest to?

I truly hope they pay you for the time and contribution to this forum. 

 

I think I speak for everyone, when saying your contributions is highly valuable and appreciated.