Doctors, will arms that fall asleep everynight, cause any long term damage?

Question

I have terrible carpol tunnel and ulnar tunnel syndrome (from what I have been told by one sport doctor and what I've read). Alot of typing or physical tasks will make the last three fingers of my hand fall asleep.

Also, if I'm on the phone or bend my elbows for over a minute or two, my whole arm falls asleep.

I've done the exercises that the sports doctor told me to do, with no help, and even wear braces..

I'm wondering, despite the discomfort of swollen arms and hands, the numbness in the morning, and the terrible weakness (not being able to hold onto a coffee mug without support from both hands *mainly in the morning*) - will it hurt my arms in the long run?

Answer 1

This could be a misdiagnosis (which is common). A condition called Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS) can cause these same problems. TOS is a variety of conditions that create impingement on the neurovascular bundle as it traverses through the neck, into the shoulder and into the arm/hand.

TOS is quite common, yet it is rarely diagnosed because most docs no longer have adequate physical examination skills to make this diagnosis (today, doctors rely too much on machines and not enough on themselves for making diagnoses).

TOS is the long-term consequence of neck injuries. A previous whiplash caused by a car accident, sports injury, fall, childhood 'horseplay', etc. can result in long-term changes in the cervical spine and related muscles resulting in chronic neurovascular compression (TOS).

What has your family Chiropractor told you and recommended for you? If you have not seen your family Chiropractor about your condition, now may be the time.

Best wishes and good luck.

Answer 2

Non surgical treatment is always tried first in treating Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.That includes physical therapy,wearing a wrist splint,while you work,and during the night while you sleep to prevent the wrist from bending and curling,and stressing the "tunnel". Taking breaks from the activities causing the symptoms,etc. Yes,there can be disabling conditions associated with this,then surgery is recommended,after several months of medications and therapy..There are some preexisting conditions that will exacerbate carpal tunnel,diabetes,hypothyroidism,arthritis,previous trauma to the wrist's,and the cervical spine,like fractures,and previous surgeries,and pregnancy,obesity & smoking. Some MD's recommend "cold pack's applied to the wrist several times a day,wearing the splint,and keeping the arm elevated on a pillow when sitting in a chair,or in bed. I suffered for 2 years,and finally begged for the surgery to relieve my condition,it worked wonders,and never had another twinge of pain,that was 2001.Take care. SW RNP