Neck pain and finger tremor, worried about ALS

[j2]

For months I have been having a stiff neck and a left index finger tremor. I have also had numbness in both my thumbs, index fingers and middle fingers. It seems to be worse when I sleep in an awkward position. I am worrying about neuro diseases and this is freaking me out. Could this be related to the neck stiffness even though it is on both hands? The left is worse and that is the side with the recurring tremor of the index finger. Sometimes I feel like my left arm is weaker but nothing is constant. BTW..I am 40 yr old male, with a long history of health anxiety. I am not on meds and I have had 2 CBS's in the last year. I have had twitches for years but this is relatively new. I am very worried and need some rational input. Thanks

[itoldyouiwasill]

ALS is defined through objective clinical weakness...feeling a limb is weaker is neither objective or clinical. ALS based weakness is not subtle and does not wax and wane.

ALS is not defined by neurological sensory symptoms such as numbness.

ALS is NOT defined by twitching...the idea that twitching is related to ALS is a totally outdated myth. Yes, some ALS sufferers do have muscular twitches but these are caused by the horn cells trying to fire dead muscle back to life and believe me dead muscle would be noticed long before any twitching. I would say that muscular twitches, jolts and tremors are one of the most common symptom presentations of physical anxiety.

[lorraine]

hi

i have had twinging fingers that move on their own quite a few times. The doctor said that its anxiety and as soon as my body calms down the twiches will get better.


Hope this helps



Lorraine

[Rachel W]

I had a serious enough ALS scare two years ago that I made myself go to a neurologist who specialises in the disease and I went through the physical exam, EMG and NCV. I had twitches in almost every part of my body and my hand and legs felt weak. I even started having issues swallowing and then speaking. Guess what?

IT WAS ANXIETY!!! I asked him whether anxiety really could cause these issues; his answer:

Anxiety can do whatever it wants!!!

Also ALS does not cause numbness. Sleeping wromg may trap a nerve in your elbow or wrist and will cause numbness either down one side of your arm into you ring and pinky finger, or you can get other parts of your hand numb.

Please relax; from someone who has been there; you are fine.

Take care.

Rachel

[j2]

Thanks to all that have answers. I wish i could relax. I don't even know what relaxed feels like anymore. I have an appt with my doctor in a couple of weeks and i will bring this latest round of crazy up with him. I wish I knew the answer.