Discussions

Have a friend who has developed what appears to be Carpal Tunnel issues. Pain started in the neck then radiated down through the forearm and wrist causing thumb numbness. Pain has intensified to the point of tears. Tried ice and heat as well as Ibuprofen but nothing seems to really help. Tiger balm helped a bit at first but not now. Going to walk in as soon as it opens today. Been about two weeks now. Anyone have any tips?

This sounds more complicated than carpal tunnel, given that it is going all the way down from neck to wrist. Could be a pinched nerve or something like that. Nonetheless, medical attention should be sought to confirm. I got great relief for a pinched nerve from a combination of physio and massage therapy. (And some T3's from the doctor,) Otherwise a bit of heat and gentle stretching helped me, but, honestly don't do anything until you have a proper diagnosis.

The best tip is to for sure see a primary care provider.  
What you are describing does not sound like Carpal Tunnel, so getting a diagnosis first is the best idea!

See a physiotherapist. They probably use an ultrasonic treatment, and give some homework. Narrow it down what caused it.

Ugh, I didn't mean to quote anyone, but that's what I did.  
 
I agree. That doesn't sound like carpal tunnel. The neck is not involved in that.  
 
I would suspect a pinched nerve as well or something else entirely. It is certainly worth getting it checked out first, then determine the course of action after a diagnosis.  
 
Edited by Flutterby, 2021-02-14 13:59:14

Call Massahe massage. They offer laser treatment on it. I was able to avoid surgery.

Well after a walk in clinic visit carpal tunnel pretty much ruled out. X-rays next and possibly MRI’s after that. . Pain in forearm and wrist is relentless most medications do nothing to tame it down. Just have to play out the usual medical routine and see what happens I guess.

I do agree, follow the physician's advice but unless advised otherwise I would also book a physio apt. I have had fantastic luck with physio diagnosing and treating many issues over the years. Massage also can be very helpful.

As far as physio goes there are a lot of choices . Are they pretty much all the same with services offfered? Need one that honours Sun Life in this case.

All physiotherapists as far as I know accept insurance. I've gone to different ones over the year and never had an issue. Some direct bill, some do not. You would have to phone around to ask.

i had carpel tunnel in both wrists different years from repetive work  
30 years ago only had tingling feeling in wrist and elbow not neck  
but surgery fixed wrist pain  
now elbow gets sore from txting or using computer mouse to much  
that why hardly go on phone or computer anymore

Nerve pain meds from dr for two months weren’t helping to do anything except ease pain. X-ray showed neck was out but not enough to warrant MRI. Went to chiropractor and boy what a help that was. (Dr didn’t like that). Pain gone but still get numbness so going to go back to chiropractor to keep neck aligned. I’m not a person who can keep taking pills. So chiropractor is my go to. I don’t go often. Just when needed. Don’t believe they should align Me so often. Gotta let those bones come out of shock. But will use Advil or tyelenol when needed in between visits

I was in so much pain. Dr sent me for MRI and I had pinched nerve due to vertebrae issues in my neck. He sent me for physio and deep tissue massage. I swear by the massage as it got the blood moving and flowing in the affected area. Physio helped strengthen my neck as well but massage gave me relief. The only pain killers that helped somewhat was Aleve. T3s didn’t do anything to relieve the pain. Two years later and I still have numbness in fingers so not sure if there is cure for that. But as I stated, in my case the best thing was finding a massage therapist that gives deep tissue massage, not the feathery relaxing kind. They have to really work out that area!!( yes it is painful but I felt better already a few days after my first massage) I live in country so cannot recommend anyone in Brandon

You get recommended by your Dr. Of course that being said, it is only with the physiotherapist that works for hospital. Not sure about in Brandon but at our local country hospital they send the recommendation in through MB health. I do not have private insurance and could not afford $65-85 per visit so was glad that could get for free!!