Expert: Dr. Victor Dolan, DC, DACBSP - 3/5/2009

Question
Hello Doctor,
I have a problem with my right arm. I had consulted a doctor
and he told me that it is some kind of muscle degeneration,
nerve atrophy. I have a problem with my triceps muscle, my
biceps seems to be fine as i can lift weights with it but i
cannot lift any kind of weight with my triceps i cannot even
extend my right arm over my head. And due to this my right
chest muscle and also the right lats muscle is very weak.
Can i ever recover frm this? I do workout in the gym but i
can hardly see any improvement in my right arm. After a
workout my right forearms gets too hard, its gets very
stiff. Is there any kind of treatment for this? Your
suggestion would be very helpful


Answer
staten island nerve degeneration




Hello Suhan,

Sorry to hear of your problem.

Sounds like your entire right arm, right side is affected.

I would recommend a Doctor of Chiropractic with a neurology specialty to you  
( chiropractic specialties:  http://www.amerchiro.org/pdf/ApprovedChiropracticSpecialtyPrograms.pdf ).

The chiropractor that you did see, did he/she perform more then a physical exam/ case history upon you?  I would recommend an MRI of the neck, possibly MRI of the brain; perform EMG/ncvs.

".......it is some kind of muscle degeneration,
nerve atrophy. ....", 'some kind'? some kind?!?,  What kind?
Is this a disease process?  Is this a metabolic imbalance?  This is unilateral, correct?- is this nerve damage?  herniated disc? space taking lesion?  I am surprised any doctor would let you leave the office with a diagnosis of "....it is some kind of muscle degeneration, nerve atrophy....".  You definitely need a different doctor for a complete and thorough examination.

"....Can i ever recover frm this?....", please re-contact me with MRI findings, EMG/ncv results and a proper diagnosis before I can hazard a guess as to whether you will ever recover.

"....Is there any kind of treatment for this?...." , This broad problem sounds like something the Doctor of Chiropractic works on every day.  You have a nerve problem, that causes the muscle atrophy, that is unilateral; this sounds like chiropractic could help.  
BUT you need a better evaluation first, before deciding the best treatment approach.

So, my recommendations:
See  a Doctor of Chiropractic, have appropriate EMG/ncv, MRI examinations performed, get a proper diagnosis, begin appropriate treatment; if you have questions at that time- re contact me here at AllExperts.com
http://allexperts.com/ep/965-100794/Chiropractors/Victor-Dolan-DC-DACBSP.htm

Good Luck, and I wish you Good Health Naturally!

Dr. Victor Dolan, DC
http://drvictordolan.chiroweb.com      (Email newsletter)