Neuropathy

[noodles886]

For the last few weeks I have been experiencing a burning sensation throughout my upper body. When this started, I had an ache in my left arm when I raised it above my head. I thought I had pulled a muscle but then I would get a burning feeling which extended to my upper chest/shoulder. My next thought was a pinched nerve. I went to my doctor and because it was my left arm and affected my chest, he did an EKG which was normal. I asked if it could be neuropathy (I'm diabetic but my blood sugar is under control) but he said that starts in the feet and I have no pain/abnormal sensations there. It seems to be getting worse now. When I get an attack, I feel the burning in both my arms, back of neck, and chest. Seems to bother me more when I'm sitting or laying down. If I get up and move around, the pain subsides a bit. Sometimes 2-3 days can go by and I'm pain free and then it comes back with a vengence. My husband says I make it worse by getting very anxious.....says my anxiety is adding to the pain. I can deal with the burning sensation in my arms but when my chest gets affected, I get scared. Anybody have a clue what's going on with me?

[myodoc]

Diabetes can affect several different parts of the body either gradually or suddenly. Possibilities in your case include cervical spine involvement of the nerves or a slipped disk. It would be reasonable to have an MRI scan of the cervical spine and EMG (Electromyography) of the upper extremities. This latter study looks at the nerves and muscles. Other considerations include myofascial pain syndrome which can get worse with anxiety and is a last resort diagnosis. For now, I would recommend neurologic consultation to first obtain a more complete history and examination and then consider the above two tests. Even those who have perfectly controlled diabetes can still have nerve involvement.
We can always treat the symptoms but a diagnosis is in order.

Hope this is helpful.