Hi Michael!
I squashed the disks in my cervical vertebrae when a computer chair slid back just as I was going to sit down. It happened again when we moved everything to carpet, only this time I squashed the lumbar vetebrae. When they did an MRI, they discovered that my thoracic vertebra were rotated (scoliosis).
There are a number of muscles which go vertically on either side of the spine. Mine are constantly in muscle fibrilliation because they are trying to hold the spine straight, so then they try to spasm. Baclofen has helped tremendously.
As far as the neck to hand pain, there is a deep pain rather than a surface or muscular one. What happens with me is that my neck hurts, then the pain radiates down my arm and the tendon in my right hand pulls my hand partially closed. (We call it "The Claw") When I am off the clonazepam, the pain & weakness & "clawed" hand return. When I am on the med, I feel great! Obviously the medication is helping.
What happens is that the muscles tighten due to the stimulation of the nerve. The nerve can't slide within its sheath, so it becomes painful. (This explanation was given to me by a physical therapist in a specialized neuro disorders hospital.)
It sounds like it's time to see a neurologist and ask questions. They will probably do some tests. Don't let it scare you - it's great when we get answers to what's going on.
My rheumatologist prescribes gabapentin, my primary care physician maintains the baclofen and clonazepam as they were prescribed by my original neurologists. I have seen two neurologists and I am about to return to neurologist care with a 3rd neuro (insurance changes! aargh!). The neurologist needs to be the one monitoring the clonazepam because it is a controlled substance.
A controlled substance is simply a prescription that needs to be prescribed by a doctor each time you need it filled. They do this to prevent street drug use. No worries. I visit the doc, get my Rx, and take it to the pharmacy. I never have a problem with this.
Don't let the symptoms scare you. They are simply telling you something needs attention.
We sound rather similar as far as the neck to hand pain. Just do what tests they need so they can measure the degree of impact. It helps them know how much and what type of medication you might need. If they send you for physical therapy, it's knowledge you can keep for when you need it. Going to physical therapy taught me how to gently stretch the muscle without hurting anything.
Does this help? My situation is multiple, and here's the one thing I tell everyone now: hold onto the arms of your computer chair if it has wheels! :)
I am having a wonderful day, filled with joy, accomplishment and two dogs watching me type on the computer.
I hope you are also having a good day.
Don't let this stuff scare you, just listen to your body and see a neurologist. Squashed disks in the neck are fairly common, but dramatic. The good news is that there are meds which can prevent surgeries, etc. I have had clear, good results with treating this issue. It's separate from fibro, and more easily diagnosed./treated.
It's time to call a neurologist to tame that irritated nerve, but it's a one-symptom situation compared to the other stuff we all deal with daily.
We're tough - we're warriors who slay fibro daily!
Hugs,
Scribelle