I'm not crazy. Just in back, neck and shoulder pain.

[annie042]

I'm a 42 year old physically fit female. 5'5" 125 lbs. About 5 years ago every morning when I'd wake up my arms would be numb.  Sleeping position didn't seem to matter. Stomach, side or back. Even when I was not laying on them. as this wore on I also noticed increased stiffness in my neck and middle back to the point of pain upon waking. This has progressively gotten worse over the years. Last October I felt a burning sensation on top of my left shoulder, and a stabbing pain  my left shoulder blade. Severe arm fatigue, pain where my deltoid meets by bicep. Urgent care doctor proscribed Tramadol. I used for 3 days and could not sleep.  I was told this would help me sleep as my shoulder pain was waking me up at night.  After 3 days of insomnia I quit taking.GP proscribed Cymbalta. I tried taking it for 2 weeks and had to quit due to unrelenting headaches at the base of my skull. Then I was sent to ortho. MRI of shoulder was clear of tears.I noticed while laying flat on my back in the mri tube.... it felt as though my whole upper body was balancing on my shoulder blades and head.   I did notice the deltoid/bicep area was bright white on the scan. (I don't know if that means anything or not).  sub-acromial cortisone injection and another to backside of shoulder by underarm did nothing but exasperate the problem.  Needle EMG and CNS showed no damage to brachial plexus. I am now performing Physical therapy twice a week and I am scheduled for another MRI. This time for the cervical Spine. I have a prescription for Flexeril.  Its for 5 mg 3 times a day. lol  this makes me laugh.  I am now taking 10mg 3 times a day. (sigh)  It does not even phase my symptoms and it doesn't "knock me out" like they said it would either. I am at my wits end.  My left arm tires so easily. Simple things such as showering, doing my hair, cooking or doing dishes produces burning ache in my left arm, shoulder and is now in my neck. I cannot enjoy my life anymore.  My work is physical and I have been off for a month and it's not getting better. I use to work out, ride my horse and be fit. I feel I'm losing all of this to due to my constant pain. I've tried attempting to work though it only to find if I overdue it one day the next morning I will wake up with the most intense headache at the base of my skull that radiates up to my left temple. Any advice, Any help and suggestions would be GREATLY appreciated.  

[annie042]

Thank you so much!

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hi!
I am sorry to hear about your medical problems. The symptoms could be due to pinched nerve in the cervical spine region. A MRI of the cervical spine and EMG/NCV test may help nail the diagnosis.
Treatment is usually conservative and involves physiotherapy, pain killers, traction and spinal manipulation, chiropractic treatments, acupressure, dry needling, etc.  Please discuss with your doctor. Take care!

The medical advice given should not be considered a substitute for medical care provided by a doctor who can examine you. The advice may not be completely correct for you as the doctor cannot examine you and does not know your complete medical history. Hence this reply to your post should only be considered as a guiding line and you must consult your doctor at the earliest for your medical problem.