Thank you both for your replies .

KnottedYet:

Those can pinch down on nerves and burn and cause some fab-o neural symptoms. (and they can kick off any nearby issues, too.)
I CANNOT believe that I forgot one of my most major symptoms which is INTENSE BURNING in the upper right back region!!!! (you helped to remind me). This pain has made me cry before, so it is that bad! (guess I didn't want to remember it).

This intense burning, numbness/tingling & pain in my upper right back area does not happen with riding or with the camelbak on. Weird enough, it can start happening when I am doing the dishes & it escalates from there. (of course, I stop doing the dishes right away).
And, I have wondered if perhaps I should get a stool to stand on to do the dishes..... I started thinking (a couple of weeks ago), that perhaps b/c my wrists are fused and I am just 5' 1/4" tall that I may need to be about 6 - 8" higher (to make up for the length of my straight wrists to knuckles, distally).
Does that make any sense to you as to why I could be experiencing this type of burning pain?

I wonder too if you are kicking in those muscles to hunch up the shoulder girdle to compensate to get some internal rotation/pronation to grip the handlebar. A PT who can really look you over might know if switching to an albatross-style bar would relieve that (by putting your grip in neutral plane.)
That really does make A LOT of sense..... I WILL make an appointment to see a PT. Do physical therapists specialize?

Now, I don't know if this complicates anything but, after having a bone density study (? 10 mos ago), they found a compressed thoracic vertebrae fracture. (other than that, my bone density study was perfect).
I had specific thoracic x-rays done on two separate occasions and saw a 'back specialist' orthopedic surgeon. He agreed that there was a fracture there, but said "it could have happened back at your car accident" (? in '78?) & not to worry about it.
But, to come back if I ever have further problems.

To be honest, I really do feel overwhelmed at times with all of my medical diagnoses, that I get everything all confused & mixed up. It is difficult to sort out all my symptoms & get it across to a medical professional. (It can be hard to find a physician who has the patience to really listen).
After having worked in the medical field for 25 years (and hoping to return), I guess I've always been used to diagnosing myself....

Before this post gets too confusing, I'll close. Thank you again for all of your very helpful information .

albatross-style bar
I've never heard of that kind, but I'll have to check into them.

Peace & Love,

Denise