Menopause Matters Forum
Menopause Discussion => Other Health Discussion => Topic started by: Dede on May 01, 2017, 05:12:43 PM
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Hello all
I've just been prescribed 30mg of codeine and paracetemol for an inflamation in my shoulder. ( Had x ray and all ok ) Got to see physiotherapist.
Im a bit wary about taking the codeine ( I was given then at A@E) even though I know it's what I need and wondered if anyone has any advice etc on how to limit the side effects etc. I should have asked while I was I was at A@E really but I was so relieved to be
be given some pain relief that I didn't think about the negative effects.
Any advice much appreciated. Deedee
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Codeine can become addictive. Some of the strong pain relief makes me vomit. Pharacetamol must be used with caution.
Maybe ring a Pharmacist in the morning for advice? Does either an ice-pack or a warm bottle ease symptoms. Do you have restriction of movement?
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What about volteral or ibuleve - both anti inflammatories that you simply rub into the area - can be very effective and safer to use. DG x
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>wave DG<
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Was given co-codamol 30/500 last year when I had pleurisy. 8 tablets a day for weeks. The doctor told me that if I was taking them for real pain I would not become addicted. But they were the only pain killer that worked. I did use to take them a long time ago for migraines - still do, but only 2 or at the most 4 for a day. Stopped them no bother but I did decreased the dosage every day before I stopped.
Only side effect was constipation.
Like most things, as long as you are sensible, they will cause no problems.
Bramble
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I was on a cocktail of them when I slipped a disc and I'm sure it was them that gave me awful constipation so make sure you're seeing to that end too
I can't tolerate them now, they make me feel so spaced out x
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I can't take them at all. They make me feel seriously weird.
I was also given them for shoulder pain but the thing that helped the most was hot and cold compresses (a flannel). The doc advised this but I did not think it would work. It worked a treat.
As for pain killers try paracetamol and nurophen together.
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Thank you all for your replies.
I don't have any limited movement, I do Taichi and I'm fairly supple really although
my joints tend to creak. I used to take cod liver oil capsules for my joints but
it upset my stomach so had to stop.
The dr at the hospital said I had a chronic muscle and nerve problem and prescribed
the codeine, I'm just concerned about the affects it can have particularly on my
stomach.I've got carpal tunnel as well which makes my hand throb.
I've had a lot of problems with my stomach in the past, mostly stress related, I'm really
anxious about the codeine creating more problems
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I can't take them either. They make me feel very strange and upset my stomach.
I know this will be frowned on but a short term course of three paracetamol every four hours really does work. You really do have to take a larger dose and be strict enough to take them when you should.
This was told to me by my GP when I had a wrist inflammation. I know it's more than the recommended dose so it's best to check with a pharmacist or GP before hand.
Also the Voltarol 12 hour gel is excellent. So much better than any other anti inflammatory gels. Again please check with a pharmacist.
Also a combination of hot bags and then cold packs can help. Cold packs are best for inflammation.
Get your pillows sorted before bed to make sure you are properly supported and comfortable.
Mrs Brown
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Its reassuring to know that I'm not alone in being reluctant to take the codeine.
Part of me feels that I should be taking the drs advice after going to A@E in the first
place though. I think I'll try and get to see my own Dr tomorrow .
Dede
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I have the opposite problem and opoid painkillers just don't work for me at all plus over a certain dosage they make me feel as if I can't breathe!! Trust me.
They do though cause really bad constipation as they slow the gut down alot. Even at 60mg dose they would really affect my bowel and I am never constipated normally. Above 40mg and they really make me feel as I am struggling to breathe.
I would say take as little as possible to get some pain relief and try eveyrthing else like ice or heat. Be careful with anti inflammatories as they irritate even someone with a cast iron stomach, I have hiatus hernia so can't go near them or have severe acid reflux. Most Dr prescribe a proton pump inhibitor stomach tablet at same time if they give prescription strength anti inflams.
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Make sure that you take the correct medication for the correct symptoms. I take large doses of Nurofen when necessary but haven't come to any harm, I have to keep the pain levels absent otherwise ....... :-\
Speak to a Pharmacist :-\ ..........
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Its reassuring to know that I'm not alone in being reluctant to take the codeine.
Part of me feels that I should be taking the drs advice after going to A@E in the first
place though. I think I'll try and get to see my own Dr tomorrow .
Dede
I have only ever taken codeine once. It made me so sick and dizzy that I have refused to touch it since.
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How R U this morning?
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I've only taken codeine once, never again. Felt completely out of it.
A bit of a long shot, but how's your vitamin D levels? I had really bad muscle pain and spent a fortune on physio and oesteopathy - became far more manageable once I got my vitamin D levels up which may or may not be a coincidence.
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I've only taken codeine once, never again. Felt completely out of it.
A bit of a long shot, but how's your vitamin D levels? I had really bad muscle pain and spent a fortune on physio and oesteopathy - became far more manageable once I got my vitamin D levels up which may or may not be a coincidence.
I tried taking extra Vit D last year but it made no apparent difference at all.
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I've only taken codeine once, never again. Felt completely out of it.
A bit of a long shot, but how's your vitamin D levels? I had really bad muscle pain and spent a fortune on physio and oesteopathy - became far more manageable once I got my vitamin D levels up which may or may not be a coincidence.
I tried taking extra Vit D last year but it made no apparent difference at all.
It has taken me 18 months to get my levels up to the point where the Vitamin D Council thinks they might reduce inflammation (75–100 nmol/L). Hard to know if it makes a difference when everything's so up and down though
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I take codiene regularly for endometriosis pain and shoulder pain. I have no problems at all and couldn't function without them! They can constipate you but as I have IBS this is a good thing for me!
Feel better soon x
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Hello All,
Been back to drs, got paracetemol ointment to be massage in neck and shoulder and diazapan to help me relax !!! I had a major panic attack in the drs surgery which really frightened me, my dr is lovely, very understanding. I've got to make appointment to see
Physiotherapist.
I had a really good day yesterday but been awful today, back of head is throbing and
ear feels heavy as well ! Sorry for moaning, any support would be much appreciated.
Dede
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Is the diazepam as necessary or 2/3 times a day? Maybe take one half an hour B4 bed? Make sure that your pillows are comfy too.
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I've just taken one diazepan so hopefully the pain might ease off.
I'met feeling really despondent today after having such a good day yesterday x
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It is used as a relaxant for pain relief as well as a pre-med ;-).
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I slept really well last night but the pain seems to have intensified as
the days gone on. I've just taken paracetemol , the whole of one side of my
head and neck is throbing, feeling sorry for my self at the moment.
Makes me realise how awful it must be for people who live in constant
pain
Deedee
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My brains so fuddled I've even spelt much name wrong !!!!!
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Paracetamol alone won't help muscular or nerve pain, you could try a lower dose of codeine such as co codomol 8/500 which is 8mg of codeine and 500mg of Paracetamol, you could also alternate with some ibroprofen or Naproxen though this is prescription only and needs a PPi as well such as Omeprazole to be be taken along side it. Hopefully some of the above will bring you relief, as will alternating hot and cold compresses .
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I've got diazepan 2mg to help me relax and ease neck and shoulder pain and I take amytriptylin 10mg/20m regularly. I'm totally confused now and don't know to
take to ease the pain.....any help ,much appreciated :-\
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Hi Dede. I had a frozen shoulder a few years ago with constant pain and limitations to my movements. It was HELL so jyst want to sympathise with you. I used anti-inflammatory pills like nurofen and painkillers like paracetamol. I also rubbed Voltaren gel on my shoulder joint. Cold packs also helped and at times a hot water bag. Many days nothing helped!! After about 30 physio sessions and 4 months of little improvement, I got a cortisone injection in the joint which sorted it within 2 weeks.
Diazepam is a muscle relaxant and is mainly used for anxiety. The real problem with Diazepam is that it is highly addictive, so please take care to that regard. All the best! Big hug!
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I've got diazepan 2mg to help me relax and ease neck and shoulder pain and I take amytriptylin 10mg/20m regularly. I'm totally confused now and don't know to
take to ease the pain.....any help ,much appreciated :-\
Those won't help the pain by themselves, they are intended to relax the muscle. You definitely need antiimflammatories such as Ibroprofen or Naproxen alternating with your pain killers, such as Paracetamol or Co Codomol. Wont happen overnight but you should feel some relief after a few days of taking them. The hot and cold should also be used alongside. Don't use Voltorol spray as well as the antiimflamatories ! One or the other .
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Many thanks once again for your replies.
Pleased to say I've had a slightly better day today, pain been more
manageable.
I 'm my own worst enemy to be honest. My health anxiety means I jump from
A to Z in one fell swoop and imagine all sorts of things are wrong with me.
All the tension and worry etc just makes the pain worse.
Going to see physiotherapist tomorrow so hopefully things will get back to normal
in the next few weeks or so.
Dede
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Had my neck clicked this morning by qualified physio ( dr recomended )
MY head is still throbing and I feel really miserable, any suggestions what
I can do to ease the pain would be much appreciated . I've only taken paracetemol
so far , had loads of problems with my stomach in the past because of
medication.
Many thanks Dede.
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Why didn't you ask the physio and when you say 'clicked' what exactly did you mean? Manipulation without GA can be dangerous! and did the physio. have access to recent X-rays? :-\
Do speak with a Pharmacist tomorrow, certain over-the-counter medications are designed for certain issues and at this time of night, I can't remember which is for what :( :-[. I find that Nurofen eases sciatic pain and headaches for me and paracetamol does Zilch ::)
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Thank you for getting back to me CLKD. I told the physio that I''d had x rays
done and were all ok.
My dr suggested I see her so presumed all was ok.
I was lying on my front which was quite uncomfortable and could feel
every little knot etc in my shoulder. She litteraly took me by surprise by
manipulating my neck on both sides. She just did the first one automatically but
asked if she could do the other one. I assumed because my dr suggested I see
her that it would be ok. It was painful and made me cry.
Chemist recomended Iboprophen and cold packs for shoulder. The pain is
slightly better this morning but my neck and shoulder is still throbing.
I've got carpal tunnel as well which makes it worse.
I've got appointment to see my own Dr on Thursday.
Dede
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Neck manipulation is horrible, isn't it? Even worse when you know what's coming. I always found it took a few days to feel an improvement.
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Also extremely dangerous without sedation or full GA! as the patient may resist which can cause the carotid ?nerve? whatever it is in the neck to constrict and cause paralysis .......... under sedation or GA the patient is completely relaxed so there is no resistance. Did the physio. see your X-rays? I wouldn't let anyone twist any part of me unless that particular area had been discussed with the medic.
Many years ago my boss at the time sent a young girl of 18 to X-ray as she was complaining of pain, I can't remember which level but the X-ray showed a problem which had she gone to the osteopath prior to the Orthopaedic Clinic, would have possibly left her in a wheelchair. I think the level of pain was 'fused' ........ with gentle exercises and swimming she was able to control her pain, without the X-ray she would have been none the wiser. JMO.
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I trust my osteopath - I think it is an exaggeration to say that it is extremely dangerous CLKD. Taking the contraceptive pill is supposed to be more likely to cause a stroke than having neck manipulation, so good to keep things in context.
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Dede, when you see your Gp again I would ask him to prescribe Naproxen, these are the gold standard for all sorts of muscular pain, and are excellent , however, you must take a PPI with them ( Protein Pump inhibitor) such as Omerprazole in order to prevent any kind of stomach inflammation or bleeding. These two combined should help enormously with your pain and you can top up with co codomal and use hot and cold packs on your neck. I am sure in a day or two you will feel better , the manipulation probably just exacerbated the underlying pain you already had. Most physiotherapists know more about muscular symptoms than the average GP, and are very experienced in dealing with your type of problem. I hope you soon feel better, its horrible having discomfort in your neck, it seems to affect every other part of you, similar to back pain.
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Does anyone have any experience of occipital neuralgia?
It seems to fit in with all my symptoms
Dede x
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Hi Dede
According to my osteopath I have occipital neuralgia. Do you have the following?
Dull head pain at the back of your head, on top of your head or your forehead
Tingling in the back of your head
Blocked and confused head
Dizziness
Sporadic episodes of very tender scalp
General off balance kind of weirdness
Normal OTC pain relievers ineffective
I have been like this on and off since January! I have to rush out now, but I would really like to share experiences. Bizarrely I find chewing piece of root ginger provides a bit of temporary relief.
Vanessa
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Not an exaggeration at all! Don't knock what I say regarding this subject, it's something that has been swept under the couch ........ I would be asking an osteopath for details of people who have been injured in such a way, some osteopaths may not be aware that people have been damaged!
Do you get my point about being under GA offers no resistance to the manipulation?
How's the pain today?
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Back to see physiotherapist tomorrow ( it wasn't osteopath that clicked my neck )
Yesterday wasn't too bad, managed to control the pain with advice from chemist.
Slept ok but shoulder and back of neck have have throbbed intermittently today.
Feeling sorry for myself at the moment, I've got carpal tunnel as well which doesn't
help ( I might have already mentioned that !)
I'm still grieving for my mum as well ( she died a few months ago ) so probably
not coping quite as well as I normally would x
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You have a lot going on Dede :bighug: - carpal tunnel syndrome can be triggered by hormones, pregnant women can suffer but it resolves after delivery. Do you hang your hand over the edge of the bed to ease symptoms? Surgery can help.
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Thank you for the Big Hug CLKD
Carpal tunnel , definetly not menopausal related.... my hormones up and left
the room a while back ha. I need opp on both hands but keep putting it off.
Re mum and grieving.........it seems there's a term for it now ' adult orphans '
It expressed exactly how I've been feeling.
Dede x
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Do you have a memory album? Cruse are a good contact too.
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Hi CLKD
I put together a memory album for mum a while back. She had alzhimers and it was a good way of helping to keep her early childhood and family memories intact for
a while longer. She could recognise her mum and dad and all her brothers and sisters
and my sister and myself when we were younger. Struggled with recent photos
but enjoyed looking at them with me x
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off.
Re mum and grieving.........it seems there's a term for it now ' adult orphans '
It expressed exactly how I've been feeling.
Dede x
You might find this link interesting Dede
https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2011/dec/10/parents-death-bereavement-eleni-kyriacou
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How lovely Dede - I am currently trying to amalgamate family photos and put names on the back ::)
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Hello Dede
I hope your pain is starting to improve. Short term and when taken for pain codeine can be effective but not always the best first line of treatment for inflammatory issues. Non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs work well if taken for 72 hrs alongside paracetamol ( re a previous post suggesting 3 paracetamol every 4 hours - don't please anyone do this. The maximum dose for an adult is 4gr in 24 hours ( 4 doses of 2x 500 mg tablets), this dosage could add up to 9gr in 24 hrs. Even a slight overdose with paracetamol can cause liver failure and is not worth chancing.
If gastric problems prevent nsaid usage the 12hr slow release diclofenac get ( as mentioned in a previous post) can be fairly effective. You could also try lying on the floor with a rolled hand towel placed under your back lengthways mid thoracic region as this gives a gentle stretch.
Good luck and hopefully things are settling down.
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Thank you for your reply Mia.
I've had an awful couple of nights with panic attacks,, rapid heart beat etc and
realise now it's the codeine that's causing it. I was terrified last night, convinced
I was having a heart attack, hardly slept because I felt so awful. Today has been
manageable. Not sure whether to take a smaller dose tonight or not take any.
Dede x
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Hi Dede
You could try reducing the dose of codeine by 50%, however it may just not suit you. It may be worth discussing alternatives with your GP. Dep on their thoughts & your diagnosis they may refer you on to a pain clinic or to try cortisol injections???
Lack of sleep can make pain perception worse so you may want to try 48hrs of night sedation, again may be worth a discussion.
I hope things improve for you soon.
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Hello Mia
Thank you for your all your advice. I halved the codeine dose last night and the
side effects were easier to manage and I slept well. Back to see physio
tomorrow so hopefully things will continue to improve.
Dede
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Morning Dede.
Hope things go well with your physio apt. X
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Hello Mia, I wasn't expecting a reply so soon.....thank you.
I had an awful night last night, rapid heart rate, panic attacks,swetting, hardly
slept. Cancelled physio, can't face being pumleted about this morning, it's
not relaxing at all.
The codeine is obviously having an adverse effect on me and I start to panic
which makes things worse. I'm my own worst enemy really x
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....... and breath. Codeine is addictive! Do speak with a Pharmacist for advice. It's surprising what is out there that we often don't consider for pain relief ;-).
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Hi Dede
Sorry you had such a poor night. Codeine is one of the opioid analgesics and you may not tolerate them well. Perhaps a trip back to your GP, if your problem is chronic you may benefit from a referral to the pain team as there are alternative options to opioid.
I hope tonight is improved for you. x
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Up date on shoulder pain !!!!!!
Changed physiotherapy to osteopath , very gentle, neck muscles all inflamed.
I had the best nights sleep for weeks, had a good couple of days then the rot set in
again!! Awful panic attacks, throbing pain in arm etc. difficulty sleeping.
Had an appointment for heath anxiety, going to try a chart to monitor negative
thoughts, used it in the past.
Visit to osteopath, got to use alternate hot and cold compress.
Slept ok .........and now the rot has set in!!!!
Arm throbing, feels as if someone is squeeying it, panicking!!!!
Any comments,support.....much appreciated xx
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How is your diet over-all?
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Hello CLKD
I usually eat well and I'm in good health generally but appite not as good as it
usually is and various tablets etc irritating my stomach.
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If the body is hungry it can go into anxiety mode :-\
Have you tried a pro-biotic to line the gut? i.e. LIVE yoghurt?
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Still here with the shoulder pain
I've now been diagnosed with nerve route pain, running down from trapped
nerve in my shoulder. The pain goes all down the back of my legs and worsens
existing carpal tunnel. It's been caused by some kind of trauma to my shoulder,
Pleased to say there is some slight Improvement but Ito still difficult to control
the pain . Has anyone else had this, any advise appreciated
Deedee
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Who has diagnosed this? I don't think that the nerve is connected all the way down :-\. Back of legs and carpal tunnel are certainly not connected. Carpal tunnel is in the wrist and can be from the back of the elbow. It is characteristic and often suffers sleep with arms hanging down at night. It can be worse during pregnancy.
The nerve at the back of the leg is often the sciatic, which originates in the buttock. For me it comes on if I don't bend properly ::); down the back of my thigh, misses my calf and goes into the outer side of my foot.
Which nerve in the shoulder is trapped?
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Sorry, didn't explain that very well....
My shoulder has suffered some kind of trauma resulting in strained/ stressed muscle.
My osteopath has helped to reduce the swelling and dr said this has revealed
nerve route irritation. I've got existing carpal tunnel but now got different hand brace to support hand in a more upright position, caused by nerve route irritation.
I read that nerve route pain can travel down legs and osteopath said it could be.
It does sound like sciatica I agree.
It's nearly three months since it happened.
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Nerve root pain can certainly travel but it is unlikely for any neck strain to travel into the legs.
Each nerve root [route] travels it's own way. Maybe have a look-see on a good diagram of the various nerves.
Some people find that night splints keep the wrists stiff which might lessen carpal tunnel pain. The other option is surgery. Hormones can certainly make carpal tunnel pain worse. Some people complain of pins and needles too.
From the NHS web-site:
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a common condition that causes a tingling sensation, numbness and sometimes pain in the hand and fingers.
These sensations usually develop gradually and start off being worse during the night. They tend to affect the thumb, index finger and middle finger.
Other symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome include:
pins and needles (paraesthesia)
thumb weakness
a dull ache in the hand or arm
Read about the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome.
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from "spine-health.com"
Cervical Nerve Functions
Each level of the cervical spine actually has two nerve roots—one on each side—that branch off from the spinal cord.
Keeping with the aforementioned example at the C5-C6 level, each C6 nerve root exits the spinal canal through a bony hole (foramina) on both sides of the neck. From there, the C6 nerve root feeds into nerves that run down their own side's shoulder, arm, and hand.
Cervical nerves provide control and sensation to different parts of the body based on the spinal level from where they branch out. More specifically:
C1, C2, and C3 (the first three cervical nerves) control the head and neck, including movements forward, backward, and to the sides. These nerves also play key roles in breathing.
The C2 dermatome handles sensation for the upper part of the head, and the C3 dermatome covers the side of the face and behind the head. (C1 does not have a dermatome.)
C4 helps control the shoulders as well as the diaphragm—the sheet of muscle that stretches to the bottom of the rib cage—for breathing. The C4 dermatome covers the neck and top of the shoulders.
C5 controls upper body muscles like the deltoids (which form the rounded contours of the shoulders) and the biceps (which allow flexion of the elbow and rotation of the forearm). The C5 dermatome covers the shoulders and outer part of the arm down to about the elbow or close to the wrist.
C6 controls the wrist extensors (muscles like the extensor carpi radialis longus, extensor carpi radialis brevis, and extensor carpi ulnaris that control wrist extension and hyperextension) and also provides some innervation to the biceps. The C6 dermatome covers the top of the shoulders and runs down the side of the arm and into the thumb side of the hand.
C7 controls the triceps (the large muscle on the back of the arm that allows for straightening of the elbow). The C7 dermatome goes from the shoulder down the back of the arm and into the middle finger.
C8 controls the hands.
The C8 dermatome covers the lower part of the shoulder and goes down the arm into the pinky side of the hand.
I can find nothing that suggests any nerves from the cervical spine travel into the legs. This would be from further down ;-) i.e. lumbar spine.