Very well said, rmt. I hope JS and others take your words to heart. The people we tell not to worry about ALS (and to seek help if worry is all they can do) are hearing good news, not being victimized, and it's bizarre to think that we have any vested interest in turning away P/CALS.
Most PALS do not in fact present as upper motor neuron dominant, so for the vast majority, a normal EMG means no ALS. For those who do present with UMND, there are distinct symptoms, well beyond the negative finding of a clean EMG.
But to anyone who thinks "seasoned members" [not a label anyone here sought, assuredly] are churning out "gross and demeaning comments" to keep traffic down, please feel free to find a resource that better suits.
Ulnar neuropathy is second only to "carpal tunnel syndrome" [wrist nerve compression] as a common upper extremity issue, in this case a compression of the ulnar nerve (which runs from the neck down to the fingers) that is very treatable. People whose upper bodies are frequently in a fixed position, whether at a desk or gardening, often run this risk. It's estimated that 40% of adults with no symptoms have ulnar nerve compression at the elbow. It's a delicate spot for nerves.
Radiculopathy is an umbrella term for a compressed nerve somewhere in the spine, that again is very common, often associated with bone spurs, obesity, disk problems and the like. PT and sometimes meds are usually all that's needed to help the pain, numbness, tingling and other discomfort that may result. 3-5% of adults (including me) have lumbar radiculopathy, which is just one type. So also very common.
Not seeing progressive conditions on last year's EMG means nothing.
Many CIBALS posters have one or both of these. They are not related to ALS, which is not caused by a mechanical compression at all. Stretching every day in the morning, including range of motion exercises for all the joints, is recommended for everyone who is able. I believe that some kind of daily skeletal extension such as with walking, swimming, Pilates, tai chi, ballet, classical stretch and many more also help in prevention of/slow progression of compressed nerves.
Best,
Laurie