I get hand and shoulder pain that becomes so intense that even heavy painkillers don’t seem to help. About every three weeks, the pain changes to a dull ache with numbness and tingling. Then the intense pain returns. Could this problem be from carpal tunnel syndrome?

While this could be a result of carpal tunnel syndrome, it could also be from pressure on nerves in the elbow, shoulder, or neck. Before assuming this problem is from carpal tunnel syndrome, see your doctor for a complete evaluation.