After dealing with carpal tunnel for several years, I decided it was too bad and went to see if surgery was an option. They tested my nerve conduction and the test came back normal. Because I have fibromyalgia and my pain reception is off, I didn't think much of it. I know that there is a failure rate on that test that is fairly high. My sister also had carpal tunnel pop up around the same time, and the doctor figured it was a genetic issue of some sort. Just prior to surgery, the pain got excruciating. I couldn't get any work done.

The first surgery was my right hand and it did show carpal tunnel and a bruised and compressed nerve. The second was six weeks later on the left hand. Again, it showed signs of carpal tunnel. After feeling the numbness coming back, I asked for PT. I kept up with it 2x a week for 8 weeks. After I got no relief, I went to my old chiropractor. She told me I was having very bad neck and back spasms and treated me for the spasms first. The idea was that the spasms could be causing issues with the nerves. Nothing we were trying loosened up the muscles. In fact, the chiro said she just plain hadn't seen anyone get stuck into a neck/back spasm for months on end with no relief. After two months of treatment, she got frustrated with my neurologist for not sending me for an MRI and ordered one for herself. So, I had a cervical MRI.

The test came back showing some bulging at c5/c6 and c6/c7, which corresponds with my symptoms. Because I'm young and on film the bulging doesn't look severe, the chiro said that she wants me to see a neuro but didn't think surgery would be an option. I've been looking at doctors and finally called for an appointment to a new neuro.

I need to find some solution, because I can't work. I'm fighting an appeal for SSI because of the fibromyalgia and the severe carpal tunnel like symptoms. I have tried infrared heat, deep tissue and swedish massage, PT, chiro adjustments, stretching, increasing my blood flow to muscles through medication and supplements with my OD. I'm also using b12 injections 2x a week, magnesium injections 1-2 times a week, and oxytocin injections 2-3 times a week. (oxytocin not oxycontin. I use it to loosen up the muscles, it gives some pain relief, gives you the warm fuzzies.)

With moderate bulging combined with fibromyalgia causing severe muscle spasms, what options might I look into? I'd like to go into the appointment with the new doctor with some knowledge of the options so that we can get down to business and find a treatment plan. I'd appreciate any suggestions!