Spondylitis Association of America Forums General Discussion Men Only Message Board Numbness in hand / pain in shoulder

I have has AS or a form of it for the past 30 years though like may on diagnosed for about the past 5. The regiment was advil, alleve & vioxx to lessen the pain + as much excersize I could do. Lately (lst month or so) my left arm/hand is going numb and my right should ispainful all the was down my arm when I try to throw a baseball. It is painful as hell. Recently foir the past 4 months I have been taking enbrel. Can't say it's a wonder drug...I want to my you but I can't. Anybody feeling a similar side affect? I have not spoken to my Rhuematologist yet but probably will this week. Signed: Wondering if it's related

Welcome to the message boards. It's not the enbrel, I'm on that too, but nerves in our thoracic and cervical spine getting inflamed. This causes peripheral issues like you describe. I've had those same issues, in varying degrees, for months. It's usually helped by ice packs along the upper spine. Also, try a diferent pillow and sleeping positions.

Bob I don,t have numbness every day in my hands that I notice it, but ocassionally.I do have some loss of sensory feelings in my fingertips that I don,t notice unless A Neurologist pricks my fingers.I have a lot of pinched nerves in my neck,shoulder damage and carpal tunnel and active psoriatic arthritis.I used a gasoline weedeater for just a few minutes a few days ago and my right hand was shaking while holding a can of diet Dr Pepper.As long as mine does not get any worse I am not going to have surgery.I know several people that are worse after surgery.
You probably have some pinched nerves somewhere between your neck and hands.I have them in several places.If you are young you might consider surgery if you only have pinched nerves
in one place,if the Enbrel does not eliminate it.
Best,Mike

This is pretty common. Believe it or not, that is how my AS was diagnosed. I was playing QB in a college inter-fraternity flag football game. I made one hard throw and my shoulder just died on me. I thought it was a rotator cuff or something. I couldn't lift my arm above my shoulder, and the joint just withered away. After 8 years, 2 physical therapists, a surgery and 3 doctors, we finally figured it out. In the meantime my neck and back and begun to lock up on me as well.