“How do you know you have a pinched nerve?”
I am 53 and healthy. I take no medications other than allergy and heartburn medicines preventatively. Recently I have experienced posture-related pain and numbness in my shoulder (backside) and all the way to my fingers. I am able to stop the numbness by adjusting my body's position. I had an appointment with my primary care physician today only to learn that they weren't in my insurance company's network anymore. I can optimistically get an appointment with an in-network primary care physician but it will be at least 2 weeks. I assume that the nerve in question is being damaged and other than navigating the insurance quagmire I would appreciate self-treatment to minimize the nerve damage until I can get in to see a physician.
Male | 53 years old
Complaint duration: 3 weeks for current symptoms
Medications: none
Conditions: back and neck and shoiulder pain and numbness
2 Answers
Although the presentation is rather unclear. If it is in supine position the most common es compression of the ulnar nerve . In this was the position the symptoms disappear in a few minutes
At this point being symptomatic, you need to see a doctor ASAP. Call your insurance company and tell them you need to see a doctor immediately, otherwise you will need to go to the Emergency room. Usually, they can have a patient representative call some of their plan providers and get you in within 24 to 72 hours. If that's not the case, then go to the emergency or urgent care center closest to you. If you have a pinched nerve (sounds like you do) and do not get it addressed rapidly, it could lead to permanent nerve damage.
Dr. F.
Dr. F.
