A reader asked me about Carpal Tunnel Syndrome that started after she had damage to and surgery on a shoulder. She wondered whether her CTS is related to the accidental injury to her shoulder since she didn’t have any symptoms prior to the injury.
I did some research and below is part of my response to her. I’m waiting to get more information from her on her exact symptoms. When I can actually see someone in person, and get my hands on them to do an assessment, it’s much easier. You know: A picture is worth a thousand words. Without being able to do that, I’m doing the best I can with what I have to work with. 🙂
The medical book I refer to most often for research is:
Travell & Simons’
Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction The Trigger Point Manual Volume 1. Upper Half of Body.
Travell & Simons are medical doctors (Travell is deceased) who have done a tremendous job of placing the blame for most pain squarely where it belongs: on our muscles and other soft tissues (that means not bony tissue.)
I’m feeling reasonably sure that, based on the pain you’re telling me you still have, your hand symptoms are related to the pain in your shoulder. But, as I often (have to) say: I’m not a doctor. I’m The Pain Relief Coach.
The Trigger Point Manual, Second Edition, Vol. 1, chapter 18, page 488, talks about “Problems of the Rotator Cuff.” It states that a muscle imbalance or trigger points in the rotator cuff muscles (there are 4) can mimic the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. This can also occur from the scalene muscles in your neck (which could possibly have been affected during the surgery between your “shoulder and neck.” You can find my featured scalene episode at www.carpaltunnelradio.com “Is It All In Your Head? Or In Your Neck?” The scalenes are in your neck.
Also, I think that the amount of pain and the limits in your range of motion can also
set up trigger points which would send carpal tunnel-like symptoms to your hand. Info about trigger points is here. Scroll through the categories to “Triggers and Trigger Points.”
There is a simple test to determine whether your scalenes are involved, but not seeing you in person, I don’t know whether you will be able to do it. (see below.)
So I have 3 more questions: (1) How is the range of motion in your arm? Can you lift your arm over your head if your elbow is bent? Or is the movement in your shoulder greatly reduced?
(2) Exactly where in your hand are your symptoms? Back of hand, palm side, which fingers, thumb?
(3) Is it possible that you could get a copy of The Trigger Point Manual? Perhaps a library would have it or be able to order it from another library. It may be a reference book. Or maybe a used copy at Amazon.com (the set of 2 books new costs about $100 or so at this time.)
Additionally, if it turns out that your scalene muscles are involved, and that other trigger points might also be causing your symptoms, you will probably find a lot of relief from “The Trigger Point Therapy Workbook” by Claire Davies.
My next article will be about the Scalene-relief Test. Scalene muscles are a commonly overlooked cause of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.