Nerve Enlargement and Weakness: Seeking Traditional Chinese Medicine Solutions

Could you please provide more details regarding the issue of right hand nerve enlargement and physical weakness?

Hello Dr.
Huang,
I have some questions regarding hand nerve issues and physical weakness that I would like your assistance with.
Recently, I was hospitalized at Tainan City Hospital due to an illness.
Last Monday evening, I experienced persistent pain in the upper half of my body (shoulders and back).
After undergoing two or three X-rays, no bone issues were detected.
Since that pain episode, I have also experienced numbness in my entire right hand and a sensation of dislocation in my right shoulder.

After being discharged on June 9, I visited a martial arts master on the 10th.
He examined my right hand and discovered that the pain in my upper body was primarily due to swelling of the nerves connecting the upper part of my right hand to my shoulder, which was causing pain throughout my upper body.
This has significantly impacted my daily life and mobility; I need to use my left hand to grip something solid just to get up.
Even during the process of standing up, I still experience pain.
Could you please explain why this pain occurs? Are there any medications that could help alleviate this issue? Thank you.
Secondly, the master also mentioned that my physical constitution is quite weak, which has resulted in severe weakness in my leg bones while walking, similar to that of an elderly person.
I would like to inform you that I have mild cerebral palsy and sciatica; the former was caused by excessive fever during childhood, while the latter has developed in the past two years.
My physique is slender, which contributes to my overall weakness.
I would like to ask if there are any traditional Chinese medicines that could help improve my constitution.
Could you please provide a list of such medications in your reply? I will follow your prescription to obtain the medicine from a Chinese herbal pharmacy.
I appreciate your assistance with these two questions.
Thank you.
Best wishes,
Patient Zhang Mingxian
June 12, 2007

Zhang, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2007/06/11

Dr. Huang Zhongzhun reply Traditional Chinese Medicine

Dear Mr.
Chang,
Regarding your concerns about numbness in your right palm and discomfort in your right shoulder, it is possible that these symptoms are caused by postural imbalances due to cerebral palsy, leading to minor skeletal misalignments.
This may result in localized soft tissue inflammation and edema, subsequently affecting nerve function.
Traditional Chinese Medicine views this as a blockage of qi and blood in the affected area.
A thorough examination is necessary for an accurate diagnosis, so I recommend seeking treatment at Tainan City Hospital or the Traditional Chinese Medicine Department at Chi Mei Medical Center.
Additionally, any underlying constitutional issues can also be addressed by the physician.
Wishing you a speedy recovery.
Dr.
Huang Zhongzhun
Director, Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Taoyuan Hospital

Reply Date: 2007/06/11

More Info

Hello Zhang Mingxian,
Thank you for reaching out with your concerns regarding nerve enlargement, weakness, and your overall health condition. It sounds like you are experiencing significant discomfort and challenges due to your symptoms, and I appreciate your openness in sharing your medical history.

From what you’ve described, it appears that you are dealing with nerve-related issues, particularly in your right shoulder and arm, which may be causing pain and numbness. The enlargement of the nerves, as noted by your practitioner, could be contributing to the discomfort you are experiencing. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), this condition may be viewed through the lens of Qi (energy) stagnation or deficiency, which can lead to pain and weakness in the affected areas.

In TCM, the approach to treating nerve issues often involves a combination of herbal medicine, acupuncture, and dietary recommendations aimed at nourishing the body and promoting the flow of Qi and blood. For your specific situation, here are some herbal formulas that might be beneficial:
1. Sheng Mai San (生脈散): This formula is traditionally used to tonify Qi and nourish the heart and lungs. It may help improve your overall energy levels and support nerve health.

2. Ba Zhen Tang (八珍湯): This is a well-known formula that nourishes both Qi and blood. It can be particularly helpful for individuals who feel weak or fatigued, as it addresses both aspects of deficiency.

3. Ren Shen Yang Rong Tang (人參養榮湯): This formula is designed to tonify Qi and nourish the blood, which may help improve your overall vitality and strength.

4. Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang (血府逐瘀湯): If there is any stagnation or blockage in the flow of Qi and blood, this formula may help to invigorate circulation and alleviate pain.

In addition to herbal remedies, acupuncture can also be a valuable treatment option. Acupuncture points can be selected to help alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, and promote healing in the affected areas. It is essential to consult with a licensed acupuncturist who can tailor the treatment to your specific needs.

Regarding your concerns about your overall constitution and weakness, it is crucial to focus on nourishing your body. Incorporating foods that are rich in nutrients, such as lean proteins, whole grains, and plenty of fruits and vegetables, can support your recovery. Additionally, practices such as Tai Chi or gentle yoga can help improve strength and flexibility without overexerting yourself.

It is important to note that while TCM can provide supportive care, it should not replace conventional medical treatment, especially considering your history of cerebral palsy and sciatica. Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment regimen, including herbal medicine, to ensure it is safe and appropriate for your condition.

In summary, TCM offers various approaches to address nerve enlargement and weakness, focusing on restoring balance and promoting overall health. I encourage you to seek out a qualified TCM practitioner who can provide a personalized treatment plan based on your unique situation.

Wishing you strength and a smooth recovery. Please take care of yourself, and do not hesitate to reach out if you have further questions.

Best regards,
Dr. Huang

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