Question
A couple of weeks ago I woke up and my wrist hurt. Later I noticed muscle aches in my forearm to my elbow. As time goes by the pain radiates up my entire arm to my collar bone. Note: left arm. I went to a massage therapist and chiropractor a few times thinking it is a pinched nerve. Past few days now my left side of my neck and shoulder blade area is driving me crazy the pain. I'm nervous because well I'm kind of a hypochondriac and hoping it has nothing to do with the heart. Any ides, also I do work on a computer for work, but my wrists are always straight.

Answer
Dear Hypochondriac (Lisa)

Rest assured it is OK to be weary of left arm pain. However it is unlikely a heart problem. Get your BP checked and only true way to rule out heart trouble is to have an EKG.

I would continue care with your chiropractor for pinched nerves that can be present in one or more of the following areas your neck/upper back, your elbow and/or your wrist. I think this senario is more likely. Set some goals with your chiropractor to determine when he/she thinks you should notice a decrease of pain. Explain your fears of heart issues and ask to have your blood pressure taken on each visit or every other visit.

Almost everyone is at work at a computer. The positon you sit in is called an ergonomic position. Talk to your chiropractor about your ergonomic position he/she may have some very crucial points of contention. Also many employers have ergonomic checkups. See if your HR director has this resource.

Tell the massage therapist to check for trigger points in the neck musculature, the traps and especially the Rhomboid muscle. Also have the MT check your entire affected arm especially the forearm.

Good luck!!
Dr John Quackenbush
www.drqdc.com
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