Is It Just a Hand Issue? Back Pain and Nerve Symptoms

Is it really just a hand issue?

Doctor: Hello! I started experiencing back pain last year, with pain along the spine that becomes more pronounced when bending over.
After an X-ray, the doctor diagnosed me with myofascial pain syndrome.
Recently, I've noticed that I feel numbness in my hands while sleeping or upon waking, sometimes in one hand and sometimes in both.
When I bend over with my legs straight, I feel a sharp pain in my right heel.
The doctor mentioned that my hand and foot issues are unrelated to my back; the hand numbness is a common ligament injury (the medical term escapes me), and I should minimize mouse usage.
The foot pain is attributed to plantar fasciitis.
However, are these just isolated issues? Because: 1.
Is it due to computer use? But my left hand also goes numb.
2.
I recall that since I started riding a motorcycle a year ago, my arms have felt sore and numb, and my elbow was very painful for a while, but it improved after daily massages.
3.
If my sleeping position is incorrect, my hands go numb, but I also experience this while lying flat; however, I feel more comfortable when my lower back is elevated.
Lifting my legs at a ninety-degree angle while lying down also causes a sharp sensation in my heels.
Could this still be related to my spine? 4.
In the past, I would recover quickly from lower back pain with stretching exercises, but this time it has persisted for a long time.
Should I exercise to alleviate the back pain, or should I use a lumbar support to avoid movement? Thank you for addressing my concerns.

Xiao Hou, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2004/02/05

Dr. Sun Ruisheng reply Orthopedics

Hello! I started experiencing back pain at the end of last year, with pain along the spine that becomes more pronounced when bending over.
After an X-ray, the doctor diagnosed me with myofascial pain syndrome, indicating that there are no skeletal abnormalities visible on the X-ray.
I was advised to engage in more back care exercises along with appropriate medication and rehabilitation for recovery.
During the night or upon waking, I sometimes feel numbness in my hands, which can occur in one hand or both.
A year ago, I began to feel soreness and numbness in my arms while riding a motorcycle.
If I sleep in an incorrect position, my hands will also become numb.
These symptoms may be caused by compression of the median nerve, so it is advisable to seek further evaluation at a hospital for a more thorough assessment.

Reply Date: 2004/02/05

More Info

Hello! Thank you for sharing your concerns regarding your back pain and associated nerve symptoms. It sounds like you are experiencing a complex interplay of issues that may not be isolated to just one area of your body. Let’s break down your symptoms and explore the potential connections.

Firstly, your description of back pain, particularly when bending or pressing on the spine, suggests that you may indeed have a musculoskeletal issue, such as myofascial pain syndrome, which is what your doctor referred to as myofascitis. This condition can cause localized pain and discomfort in the muscles and fascia surrounding the spine. It’s important to note that muscle tension and inflammation can lead to referred pain, which might explain why you are experiencing symptoms in your arms and legs.

The numbness and tingling in your hands, especially when you mention it occurs during sleep or upon waking, could be indicative of nerve compression or irritation. Conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome or cervical radiculopathy (nerve root compression in the neck) could be contributing factors. The fact that you have experienced elbow pain in the past, which improved with massage, may suggest a history of repetitive strain or overuse injuries, particularly if you spend long hours at a computer.

Regarding your right heel experiencing sharp pain when your leg is straightened, this could be related to plantar fasciitis, which is inflammation of the tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot. However, it’s also possible that this pain is linked to your back issues, as nerve pathways can cause sensations in different areas of the body.

To address your specific questions:
1. Computer Use: Prolonged computer use can lead to repetitive strain injuries, particularly if your workstation is not ergonomically set up. It’s advisable to take regular breaks, adjust your chair and monitor height, and ensure your wrists are in a neutral position while typing.

2. Motorcycle Riding: Riding a motorcycle can put strain on your arms and back, especially if you are not using proper posture. This could contribute to the symptoms you are experiencing.

3. Sleeping Position: Your sleeping position can significantly affect your spinal alignment and nerve health. If you find that lying flat alleviates some discomfort, it may be worth experimenting with different pillows or sleeping positions to support your neck and back better.

4. Exercise vs. Rest: While gentle stretching and strengthening exercises can be beneficial for back pain, it’s crucial to listen to your body. If certain movements exacerbate your pain, it may be wise to avoid them temporarily. Using a lumbar support or brace can help stabilize your back during activities, but it’s also important to gradually reintroduce movement to prevent stiffness.

In conclusion, while your symptoms may seem like isolated issues, they could be interconnected. It’s essential to follow up with your healthcare provider, possibly seeking a referral to a physical therapist or a specialist in musculoskeletal disorders. They can provide a comprehensive assessment and develop a tailored rehabilitation program that addresses both your back pain and nerve symptoms. Remember, recovery takes time, and a multidisciplinary approach often yields the best results. Stay proactive about your health, and don’t hesitate to seek further evaluations if your symptoms persist or worsen. Wishing you a smooth recovery!

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