numb fingers and tinitus

[blondeladypoet]

About two weeks ago, I developed a pain in my left shoulder. It just basically felt like I pulled something. The next morning I awoke with the pointer and middle finger on my left hand sort of numb with a pins and needles kind of feeling. I've been seeing a chiropractor with no resolution. I now only feel the pain in my shoulder when I cough and my two fingers are still numb. In the last few days, I've also developed tinitus in my right ear. It's just a constant high pitched ringing. I feel strongly that these symptoms are related but have not yet been able to self diagnose with the information I've been finding on the internet. I have a doctors appointment scheduled for this Friday but I'm wondering if anyone else has ever experienced this and what is/was the result? I realize that it must be due to a pinched nerve but I'd love to hear more because this is very distracting and driving me nuts! Any help will be appreciated.

[blondeladypoet]

Thank you for your response. I failed to mention that other than these irritating symptoms, I have been in perfect health. I take vitamins daily. My cholesterol and blood pressure have always been low. If you don't mind, let me ask you this: If it is a pinched nerve due to some inflamed muscle, shouldn't it be healed by now? It's been over a month since the onset. There are also times that I feel sort of "foggy". Nothing drastic and it's really hard do describe but it's like I have to keep trying to rub to clear my eyes. I do feel strongly that it is some sort of neurological disorder. My worst fear is a tumor or MS. How do you think my doctor should proceed with determining the cause? Thanks.

[PaulMD]

Hi there.

Your consideration of an impinged nerve is valid as this would present with the same symptoms you are experiencing.  Other causes would include muscle tension and inflammation causing this type of pain.  This is usually related to stress, fatigue, and overuse of the involved extremity.  There could also be a problem in the blood supply of the arm caused by problems with blood pressure, sugar control and cholesterol.  The ringing on the ears may be a different problem, but may reflect some form of micronutrient deficiency (like the B vitamins).

Since there are a lot of possibilities, it is best to have this evaluated by your doctor.  For now, adequate rest is strongly recommended.

Regards and God bless.