Expert: Robert A. Arnone, DC - 12/16/2007

Question
Hi there! I am a 28 year old female that was diagnosed with Arnold Chiari malformation in 1998. I had decompression surgery the same year and have no problems since then (except slight sensation nerve damage in my left arm).

Within the past two years I have been having periods (of anywere from 3 days to two weeks) of muscle cramping and pain down the left side of my spine/back, my left shoulder and arm. Eventually they seem to go away on their own with little intervention.

This time, however, my pointer finger has significant numbness and tingling. My middle finger and thumb seem to be affected too, but to a much lesser degree. What could be causing this? My ACM? A pinched nerve? I also partially dislocated my shoulder a few months ago and my "rotator cuff" tends to get sore after exercise. Could that be it? Thank you so much!

Answer
The only answer that I can give you is I don't know.  I don't know what is causing the problem in the fingers however, you mention 3 fingers which are relating back to 3 different nerve roots (C6, C7, & C8).  Now the other matter is the shoulder problem, since the nerves that innervate the fingers start up at the brainstem (in the C1 & C2 Vertebrae)and travel down the neck and out and over the shoulders, down the arms to the fingers, this may be a cause as well (the shoulder).  
What I can tell you is that it is certainly a nervous system problem, and it would be much easier to figure out if not for the ACM.  This makes it difficult because it can have just about any effect in the body.
Probably your best bet would be to do a nerve conduction test to see where the impulse is being impeded and then go from there.  If there is anything else that I can do to help you please write me back.  Best of luck to you.

Yours in best health,
Dr Rob Arnone
711 Old Ballas Rd #104
St Louis, MO 63141
314.995.5719