7 replies to this topic

[TimRS]

I'm a T12 complete. My L1 was never re-aligned properly so it is trapping my spinal cord (I think this causes a lot of pain, as when I arch my back, the cord stretches instead of sliding smoothly). The thing is, I have been getting pins and needles in the little finger on my left hand, and when I went to see my GP, she was really helpful, but assured me that it is just tennis elbow, caused by an RSI because I'm writing a book (more on that one day...).

Now, here's the thing... I have a vague recollection from my rehab days of another patient saying thatpins and needles in the fingers is a danger danger situation, as this could be the development of a syrrinx (spinal cyst), and I know that due to the compression on my cord I'm at greater risk of one developing. Should I try and pressure my consiultant for an appointment, or stop being so paranoid?

[russ1]

As someone with a much lower injury a syrinx would affect your chest/abdomen/back before your hands.

I had this and as a T2 and someone with a syrinx where this would have been an early indication of it getting worse some effort was taken in investigating it.

Compressed Ulnar nerve from leaning on my elbows too much was the eventual diagnosis (confirmed by neuro tests) and stopping leaning on my elbows cured it.

More info here http://www.handunive...asp?Topic_ID=41 but it could be that rather than RSI - you have the classic symptoms.

[nomis]

In addition to russ1's informed info, I'd also suggest that if it is worrying you why not pester your doctor to get it investigated? At the minimum it would put your worry at ease.

[oldwheelz]

I have the same thing in the same side for three years so I would say don't worry. When I sneeze sometimes it bothers my left side, Happened to mention this to a chiropractor and he grabbed my left hand and said the small finger feels like it is asleep. That would make mw think it is not strange. Said to sit in a hot shower on my back for about 10 min. hope this is of some help

[TimRS]

russ1, on Aug 27 2007, 08:43 PM, said:

As someone with a much lower injury a syrinx would affect your chest/abdomen/back before your hands.

I had this and as a T2 and someone with a syrinx where this would have been an early indication of it getting worse some effort was taken in investigating it.

Compressed Ulnar nerve from leaning on my elbows too much was the eventual diagnosis (confirmed by neuro tests) and stopping leaning on my elbows cured it.

More info here http://www.handunive...asp?Topic_ID=41 but it could be that rather than RSI - you have the classic symptoms.

D'oh! And there's me reading all these replies, my left elbow firmly down on the hard desk. Now I can get back to worrying about proper things like how come Donald Duck only wears a jacket when he's dressed, but if he has just got out of the bath, he only wears a towel around his waist?

Thanks for all the replies. For once I feel good for feeling stupid.

[PHD]

TimRS, on Aug 27 2007, 04:48 PM, said:

I'm a T12 complete. My L1 was never re-aligned properly so it is trapping my spinal cord (I think this causes a lot of pain, as when I arch my back, the cord stretches instead of sliding smoothly). The thing is, I have been getting pins and needles in the little finger on my left hand, and when I went to see my GP, she was really helpful, but assured me that it is just tennis elbow, caused by an RSI because I'm writing a book (more on that one day...).

Now, here's the thing... I have a vague recollection from my rehab days of another patient saying thatpins and needles in the fingers is a danger danger situation, as this could be the development of a syrrinx (spinal cyst), and I know that due to the compression on my cord I'm at greater risk of one developing. Should I try and pressure my consiultant for an appointment, or stop being so paranoid?

Hi,

So what was it in the end? You've got me all worried now as the chronic pins and needles in my left pinkie and ring finger could be caused by me leaning on that elbow working on the computer for long periods a few days hence, or, more worryingly, the results of me using the previous night. Please let me know!

[TimRS]

PHD, on Jan 15 2008, 12:22 PM, said:

TimRS, on Aug 27 2007, 04:48 PM, said:

I'm a T12 complete. My L1 was never re-aligned properly so it is trapping my spinal cord (I think this causes a lot of pain, as when I arch my back, the cord stretches instead of sliding smoothly). The thing is, I have been getting pins and needles in the little finger on my left hand, and when I went to see my GP, she was really helpful, but assured me that it is just tennis elbow, caused by an RSI because I'm writing a book (more on that one day...).

Now, here's the thing... I have a vague recollection from my rehab days of another patient saying thatpins and needles in the fingers is a danger danger situation, as this could be the development of a syrrinx (spinal cyst), and I know that due to the compression on my cord I'm at greater risk of one developing. Should I try and pressure my consiultant for an appointment, or stop being so paranoid?

Hi,

So what was it in the end? You've got me all worried now as the chronic pins and needles in my left pinkie and ring finger could be caused by me leaning on that elbow working on the computer for long periods a few days hence, or, more worryingly, the results of me using the previous night. Please let me know!

Sorry for the suspense, I forgot this was still out there. Yes, it was leaning on my elbow, coupled with a bit of RSI, having spent several months writing a book on my laptop!

If you do lean on your elbow (which it's best not doing!) then at least put a gel pad or a cushion under it. Alternatively, leave a bunch of drawing pins on the desk as a form of aversion therapy...

Next thread to be entitled, "How do I get drawing pins out of my elbows?"

[PHD]

TimRS, on Jan 15 2008, 07:13 PM, said:

Sorry for the suspense, I forgot this was still out there. Yes, it w leaning on my elbow, coupled with a bit of RSI, having spent several months writing a book on my laptop!

If you do lean on your elbow (which it's best not doing!) then at least put a gel pad or a cushion under it. Alternatively, leave a bunch of drawing pins on the desk as a form of aversion therapy...

Next thread to be entitled, "How do I get drawing pins out of my elbows?"

will look forward to your next missive as I too would prefer to to have a simple problem of drawing pins...how was it diagnosed and treated? I'm still afraid I'm not off the hook yet...am a bit worried about going to the doc as they won't have had much experience with the other thing as in this country one can be hanged for it. Well into day 3 without any change..