Back Pain Forum - Scapular Pain Radiating Down Into the Arms

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Q: Scapular Pain Radiating Down Into the Arms

asked by: tym2chill on April 19th, 2006

New User

Hello everyone
ive been through an mri of the brain and cervical spine (both unremarkable) and ive had an evoked potentials test which I passed fine- the dr said we could do a spinal tap but he knew it would come back clear -he perscribed physical therepy for me -ive had 2 deep tissue massages and just sarted with the physical therapy- ive had burning sensation and pain and numbness sensation on left side of body. It all started in the scapular region with the pain and numbness/burning radiating down the left side. It caused my ring finger and pinky finger to stiffen up- as well as I have had a buzzing sensation down the left arm into the finger tips- and pain in the forearm, triceps and even the bicep- it now is starting on the right side scapula -and a slight pain under the triceps in the right arm with a slight burning sensation at the elbow on top of the skin- what the hell could it be ??? Its been going on for more than 2 months- I was an avid weight lifter- and treadmilled-ive been going to a chiropractor for over 2 months with no relief- is there something else ishould be looking for? My back pain is excruciating- my scalene muscles are terribly tight- hje tested me for arm strength today with me holding my hands out in front of myself- my left side was weaker than my right -also when he pushed down on them- anyone got any suggestions- please post if you have some info
thankyou
tym2chill

Replies(4)

reactiv8

replied on February 13th, 2009

New User

This sounds like Thoracic outlet syndrome which is commonly caused by forward head posture and rounded shoulders. It may be that the Brachial nerves are being trapped between the anterior and medial scalene muscles.
Addressing posture should help.

littleonefb

replied on February 13th, 2009

Extremely eHealthy (online)

Though thoracic outlet syndrome is a possibility, it sounds much more like nerve compression of the C8 and possibly the C7.

Have you seen a spine specialist for this?

Have you had an EMG of your arms?

I suggest you see a Spine specialist as soon as possible. If you are already seeing one, then get a second opinion.

If you are using your primary doctor for treatment now, he/she is not qualified to diagnose and treat the problems that you are having.

Symptoms of C7 and C8 nerve compression.

C7
Patients who present with a C7 radiculopathy will show have neck pain, lower arm and along the medial border of the scapula. They may experience numbness and tingling into the middle finger. The Doctor may notice an absent triceps reflex. Weakness may also be noticed in the ability to straighten the elbow, and weakness in the triceps muscle, wrist flexors and finger extensors.

C8
Patients who have a c8 radiculopathy may present with neck pain, scapula pain, pain along the inner side of the arm, ring and little fingers. They may also have numbness and tingling in the ring and little fingers. Weakness may be noted in the finger flexors.

Fran

IDWPP

replied on March 31st, 2009

New User

ME 2

I have that exact pain, but it goes and comes. I had it during Christmas and now. It is extremely uncomfortable!!Did you ever figure out what it was?

Sanaeo

replied on September 19th, 2009

New User

Left upper limb pain

I have the same problem. I've had it since 4 yrs ago. I cannot sleep on other than the effected side, which is the left.I believe the pain to be caused by C7 and or C8. I use to have pain in my left side of the body in total. This pain doesn't disappear with rest or movement. I do not carry heavy things. The pain and numbness of the lower limb (I was examined and found out it was caused by L4-L5 problems) and the upper limbs constant pain (which seem to be of similar causes [C7, C8]) only appear without special workload.

*The doctor says I most have received a hard kick on the affected vertebra, but I never had anyone to hit me, nor did I have an accident related to the area.

I wonder how it started..?

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