[Guest]

Three weeks ago I visited with my doctor because I was having pain in my wrist(outside left wrist), he decided to do a back adjustment because he thought I might just have some tension causing the muscles to pull things out of place. That was on a Wednesday, by Friday I had developed a buldge on the outside of my left wrist and pain had become severe. Movement is limited and painful 24/7. I have been back to the doctor twice..on one occasion he recommended a steroid shot to alleviate some of the swelling form what he thought was inflamation. The shot did not eliminate the pain or the swelling and caused several minor stomach problems over several days.An x-ray done in Dr's. office seems to have shown a crushed disc, a later MRI shows a slight buldging in the lumbar disc region (5), I have had back, neck and shoulder pain for several years following a car accident, all follow-ups of that did not indicate any serious problems, now I have this painful situation going on and I'm not sure of the most recent advice.
It is now going into the fourth week and my doctor has recommended a spinal epidural of steroids. this might or might not help with the back pain may even make it worse, but he feels the wrist problem is a result of the buldging disc. This is now involviing my whole left arm and shoulder and my neck. I am having trouble with headaches and a drawing in my neck and back muscles. It feels as if I have a rock in the muscles in my left neck and it is hard to sleep because I have to keep moving to find a comfortable position. I am worried about this epidural procedure and do not think it is what is needed. What other possible causes would there be for this painful wrist and limited use of my hand?
I can move my wrist but there is a loud cracking somewhere in the wrist. I have been having a numbness in the three outside toes of my left foot, pain radiating down my left leg, cramps or spasms in my left buttocks and a catching pain in my back on rising from a sitting position, walking full stride or lying flat on the floor to exercise. I know this is long but I thought an overall picture of things might help.
I am 49 and a parent of 5, grandma to 1 and active in community and work. This is definitely changing my life and limiting the joy. Any answers, suggestions or miracles?

[Guest]

I would consider seeing an orthodpedist for evaluation of the problem in your wrist. Wrist swelling/ cracking and severe pain would not be likely to be due to a disc problem in your neck. Burning, tingling or neuropathic pain in the arm or hand can occur from nerve root irritation in the neck. You should let your doctor know you are reluctant to undergo epidural treatemnt. Physical therapy and medications might help wiht the pain as well.
[quote] Three weeks ago I visited with my doctor because I was having pain in my wrist(outside left wrist), he decided to do a back adjustment because he thought I might just have some tension causing the muscles to pull things out of place. That was on a Wednesday, by Friday I had developed a buldge on the outside of my left wrist and pain had become severe... [/quote]