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Forum Name: Neurology Topics

Question: Cubital Tunnel or Compression in Neck

lellis - Thu Jan 25, 2007 3:52 am

Was referred to orthopedic for my complaint of pain just below elbow (my family doctor suspected ulnar nerve entrapment) and also tingling and numbness of ring and pinky fingers. I am also having pain up the under side of my upper arm, and under my shoulder blade on that same side. Orthopedic Dr. wanted to do a neck xray also due to whiplashes I had some years ago. Neck xray showed disk compression at the lowest vertebrae (T1? I should have asked) and a bone spur and what he said was very little room for nerve to pass through. He also didn't rule out cubital tunnel and put me on prednisone (lg doses of Ibuprofen did not help). So all that hurts but with the most pain being in the elbow, could that be caused by the compression in the neck? Could the pain UP the arm and behind my shoulder blade be caused by cubital tunnel? Thanks for any info you can provide. Ortho said to call him a few weeks after predisone is complete or when pain/numbness returns, whichever comes first. Next step would be referral for nerve test.

Theresa Jones, RN - Thu Jan 25, 2007 11:18 am

Hi lellis, A nerve conduction study and a MRI may assist in diagnosis regarding the location of the nerve entrapment. Your description of numbness in the ring and pinky finger is a common symptom of compression of the ulnar nerve. However, considering your other symptoms, you may very well be experiencing entrapment in more than one area. I would encourage you to inquire about the additional diagnostics. Best wishes. Sincerely, Theresa Jones, RN

lellis - Fri Jan 26, 2007 5:59 pm

Yes, the nerve test and I had forgotten but now remembered he mentioned MRI of neck/spine were probable next steps after prednisone therapy. Thanks for your reply Theresa.

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