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What Does My MRI Scan Report Indicate?
Question: I seem to have all the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome but my PCP ordered an MRI and had me set up an appointment with the CORE institute. They can't see me until Oct 5th . The MRI seems to show severe foraminal stenosis right and left in disc C5-C6.
I am having excessive pain in my hands mostly the left hand and mostly at night . I am left handed.
I am having excessive sleep interuption and would like to know if my trouble is Carpal tunnel syndrome and not necessarily spinal nerve impingement. I live in a rural town approx 100 miles from XXXXXXX AZ where the Core Inst is located. We have a orthopedic doctor here in my town of Payson who treats patients for Carpal TS and I would like to know if I should see him here and now before waiting a month to see and travel to the Core Inst .
I am having excessive pain in my hands mostly the left hand and mostly at night . I am left handed.
I am having excessive sleep interuption and would like to know if my trouble is Carpal tunnel syndrome and not necessarily spinal nerve impingement. I live in a rural town approx 100 miles from XXXXXXX AZ where the Core Inst is located. We have a orthopedic doctor here in my town of Payson who treats patients for Carpal TS and I would like to know if I should see him here and now before waiting a month to see and travel to the Core Inst .
Brief Answer:
Most possible to be spinal nerve impingement.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for using Healthcaremagic to post your health query.
I read carefully your question and I understand your concern.
I think it is more complicated that just carpal tunnel syndrome.
- For carpal tunnel syndrome it is not very common to be present in both hands. It is caused by overuse of the hands and as a result thickness of the muscles that surrounds the nerve, by compressing the nerve. So, it is very very rare that a person has that in both sides.
- Carpal tunnel syndrome is not that severe, it gets better by taking medicines or a splint which keep the nerve relaxed. I notice that you are not getting better, despite of all the things you are using.
So both these reasons, make it very possible that the nerve is pinched in the spine or in levels of the nerve before it gets split in the two nerves that go in the two arms.
I would say that if the local doctor that you are mentioning, does offer physical therapy, then consider seeing him because you may benefit from it.
Be active as much as you can, but not overdoing it. Walking if possible. Bed rest is not recommended.
Also, continue to use both Ibuprofen and Tramadol as prescribed by your doctor.
Hope this is helpful.
Let me know if you need more clarifications.
Regards,
Dr. Papaqako
Most possible to be spinal nerve impingement.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for using Healthcaremagic to post your health query.
I read carefully your question and I understand your concern.
I think it is more complicated that just carpal tunnel syndrome.
- For carpal tunnel syndrome it is not very common to be present in both hands. It is caused by overuse of the hands and as a result thickness of the muscles that surrounds the nerve, by compressing the nerve. So, it is very very rare that a person has that in both sides.
- Carpal tunnel syndrome is not that severe, it gets better by taking medicines or a splint which keep the nerve relaxed. I notice that you are not getting better, despite of all the things you are using.
So both these reasons, make it very possible that the nerve is pinched in the spine or in levels of the nerve before it gets split in the two nerves that go in the two arms.
I would say that if the local doctor that you are mentioning, does offer physical therapy, then consider seeing him because you may benefit from it.
Be active as much as you can, but not overdoing it. Walking if possible. Bed rest is not recommended.
Also, continue to use both Ibuprofen and Tramadol as prescribed by your doctor.
Hope this is helpful.
Let me know if you need more clarifications.
Regards,
Dr. Papaqako
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Kampana
Answered by
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