Nerve Damage, now what ?

[MAJOR METAL]

All my hopes Don.

 

[Baer]

I’ve been a lurker here for a few months but feel compelled to chime in on this one.

Go to a doctor or neurologist and have it checked out.

I also had ulnar nerve entrapment problems in my left arm and waited about a year before I had it checked. Symptoms were loss of hand strength, finger cramps, some twitching of the fingers, and visible muscle loss between the thumb and index finger. My doctor did a quick strength test by comparing my ability to keep my fingers fanned out on each hand. Clearly my left hand was weaker. He gave me phone numbers for six neurologists and wouldn’t let me leave the office until I had an appointment with one of them that week. Surgery to remove the scar tissue build-up and move the ulnar nerve was a month later.

That was one year ago. I’ve seen some definite improvement, but the odds of full recover seem slim. I periodically kick myself for not acting sooner. Re-read the second line. (While cost may be a consideration, you need to ask yourself – how much is the use of your hand worth?)

 

[Barkless Dog]

Cost for one. If a person does not have health insurance, visiting a family doctor to get a referral and then go to a specialist is going to be $$$$. If the specialist wants to order a NCS or similar, add some more $'s.

-Mike

OK What they had me do to relieve the cramping was hold your arm out straight and with your elbow locked, bend your hand at the wrist to a 90 degree angle with the other hand, - up then then down. Hold it for a little. It loosens the forearm muscles. It took away my cramps pretty quick. Start slow as to not over bend. If it hurts dont do it. Belive it or not the pain & problems if not corrected can work their way into your shoulders.

Wear wrist & elbow braces at night (Walgreens sells them).

Check your computer posture limit time on computer. No bass for a while or if you do play do the stretches.

I bought a Wacom tablet & mouse and use in my lap to avoid elbow pressure.

When sitting anywhere do not rest your elbows on hard surfaces, keep them in your lap. Same with driving, do not use arm rests.

Do not do repetitive elbow bending.

If you can rest things it will get better.



The above things can't hurt and cost little. Try the braces at night & stretches. I noticed an improvement with in about two weeks.

wear braces for any computer work till things get better


Again all my advice I paid a specialist for.

If you damaged your carpel tunnel nerves they can surgically repair them with an out patient procedure with a good success rate (Ulnar not sure - they have to relocate the nerve)

 

[machine gewehr]

Hey buzzbass sorry to hear that.

I have numbness on my left hand for a while now,went to see the doc. on saturday and apperantly its a nerve issue.I got my EMG test tomorrow to see whats going on.

Its pressure on the nerve the doc. said and told me if its not a major issue "vitamins" will fix this.

I suggest you go and see a doc. if you haven't alredy,apperantly vitamins can fix nerves,who would guess?

Luck to you...

 

[MJ5150]

(Ulnar not sure - they have to relocate the nerve)

With the ulnar nerve transposition, moving of the ulnar nerve, nothing is "fixed". The nerve is moved to prevent further damage. I have not regained any of my grip strength, I am just assured it will not get worse to the point of my hand becoming unusable.

-Mike

 

[Phil Smith]

I wouldn't start risking posting medical information which isn't fully substanciated. Not that I'm saying it isn't true, I don't know much about that field. Just it's better to have validated sources (highly regarded, peer reviewed journals etc). Certainly interesting though.

How this for a validated source.

The FDA

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According to the FDA there should be a warning label on all statins sold in the US that reads:

HMG CoA reductase inhibitors block the endogenous biosynthesis of an essential cofactor,
coenzyme Qlo, required for energy production. A deficiency of coenzyme
Q 10 is associated with impairment of myocardial function, with liver dysfunction
and with myopathies (including cardiomyopathy and congestive heart failure). All
patients taking HMG CoA reductase inhibitors should therefore be advised to take
100 to 200 mg per day of supplemental coenzyme Q10.

 

[i_got_a_mohawk]

Now you didn't list that did you

Not 100% there IMO, but a heck of a lot closer than the other links. I'm going to have a scout for some papers on the subject.

 

[Ericman197]

The CoQ theory is decent. I doubt it will reverse the OP's problem, if for no other reason than because if it were a deficiency, it should have resolved by now (assuming he's been off the statins for a while).

In I_got_a_mohawk's defense, regardless of what the FDA link says, the CoQ10 supplement idea is not something that I know of to be widely embraced. However I will ask a few doctors if they have heard of this, and send an email to the biochemistry department to see if this can be investigated, and perhaps added to future lectures.

The idea of massive pathology due to CoQ10 deficiency may not entirely be accurate. A severe lack of CoQ10 is found in some (incredibly rare) mitochondrial disorders, which present with ragged red muscle fibers, etc. But these are people who are producing MUCH less CoQ10 than people on lipitor or crestor.

But, as the paper says, it's a pretty harmless supplement so I see no reason for someone not to take it.

 

[i_got_a_mohawk]

Only reason I was still questioning the Q10 thing, even with regards to the FDA labelling, one of the other links stated there had been no in depth study.

Seen quite a few cases where "guidelines" by the FDA, MHRA and EMEA (british and european equivilants to the FDA, respectively) which have been pretty unsubstanciated. (Not to mention they can often differ on guidelines, even though they are fulfilling the same goals)

 

[buzzbass]

Those are also symptoms of carpel tunnel, ulnar. When I went to a Dr, one of the tests for carpel tunnel was grip strength. Not everyone has every symptom.

Really a wrist / hand specialist is in order. Why not go to one?

Arm chair diagnosis is not a great idea if you damage things further, what ever the cause.

I'm waiting on a referral to a hand specialist from my Dr. I'm going to give it a try and see what happens. Even doing my crude stuff, for the last few days, has shown some improvement. Thanks for the input guys.

 

[buzzbass]

All my hopes Don.

Thanks Kev, I'm not letting slow me down.

 

[coreyfyfe]

Only reason I was still questioning the Q10 thing, even with regards to the FDA labelling, one of the other links stated there had been no in depth study.

Seen quite a few cases where "guidelines" by the FDA, MHRA and EMEA (british and european equivilants to the FDA, respectively) which have been pretty unsubstanciated. (Not to mention they can often differ on guidelines, even though they are fulfilling the same goals)

It's substantiated, not highly published because it's something they're trying to keep underwraps for the sake of not creating public outcry over a very low occurance adverse event. Like I said in my earlier post, the drugs can cause mitochondrial toxicity which as those other linked pointed out is linked the the Q10 pathway. It's common with some antibiotics too, but you don't take antibiotics long term so its a bit of a moot point.

 

[i_got_a_mohawk]

I've had a bit of spare time and had a look. Theres quite a bit out there from valid sources.

My main point was to not go by posting medical information from websites, I'm not saying journals are always 100% correct, but they are certainly more valid that the vast majority of websites when it comes to these things.

 

[Phil Smith]

I've had a bit of spare time and had a look. Theres quite a bit out there from valid sources.

My main point was to not go by posting medical information from websites, I'm not saying journals are always 100% correct, but they are certainly more valid that the vast majority of websites when it comes to these things.

There's nothing wrong with posting information that freely available, it's still the responsibility of the reader to do their own research and consult and question whatever experts they trust.

Lastly, before you comment on whether information is valid or not your should at least do your homework first.

 

[i_got_a_mohawk]

I think if your going to post information you should make it valid, not have everyone else run after it

Would of, but have been burdened by a couple things as of late:

A) not much time
B) a pc which refuses to open pdfs (but i won't go into the computer problems )

 

[Barkless Dog]

I'm not letting slow me down.

Just rest & stretch, wear the braces. It really worked for me. Listen to your body if it hurts, dont do it.

 

[buzzbass]

Just rest & stretch, wear the braces. It really worked for me. Listen to your body if it hurts, dont do it.

other than braces, that's the plan. that and some mild grip strength exercises.

 

[Barkless Dog]

Just stay away from any REPETITIVE MOTION exercises.

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What are Repetitive Motion Disorders?
Repetitive motion disorders (RMDs) are a family of muscular conditions that result from repeated motions performed in the course of normal work or daily activities. RMDs include carpal tunnel syndrome, bursitis, tendonitis, epicondylitis, ganglion cyst, tenosynovitis, and trigger finger. RMDs are caused by too many uninterrupted repetitions of an activity or motion, unnatural or awkward motions such as twisting the arm or wrist, overexertion, incorrect posture, or muscle fatigue. RMDs occur most commonly in the hands, wrists, elbows, and shoulders, but can also happen in the neck, back, hips, knees, feet, legs, and ankles. The disorders are characterized by pain, tingling, numbness, visible swelling or redness of the affected area, and the loss of flexibility and strength. For some individuals, there may be no visible sign of injury, although they may find it hard to perform easy tasks Over time, RMDs can cause temporary or permanent damage to the soft tissues in the body -- such as the muscles, nerves, tendons, and ligaments - and compression of nerves or tissue. Generally, RMDs affect individuals who perform repetitive tasks such as assembly line work, meatpacking, sewing, playing musical instruments, and computer work. The disorders may also affect individuals who engage in activities such as carpentry, gardening, and tennis.

Is there any treatment?
Treatment for RMDs usually includes reducing or stopping the motions that cause symptoms. Options include taking breaks to give the affected area time to rest, and adopting stretching and relaxation exercises. Applying ice to the affected area and using medications such as pain relievers, cortisone, and anti-inflammatory drugs can reduce pain and swelling. Splints may be able to relieve pressure on the muscles and nerves. Physical therapy may relieve the soreness and pain in the muscles and joints. In rare cases, surgery may be required to relieve symptoms and prevent permanent damage. Some employers have developed ergonomic programs to help workers adjust their pace of work and arrange office equipment to minimize problems.

 

[Ericman197]

Just stay away from any REPETITIVE MOTION exercises.

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Hate to say it, but playing bass could be considered such an exercise

 

[i_got_a_mohawk]

The OP is into body building, better stop that too, that's all about the high reps