My mother (she's 55, and love her dearly

Initially the Doc though she had a disc issue in her neck, but that returned no result when they did an MRI. Meanwhile, she's have some irritating pains in her shoulder and elbow, occasionally in arm, and infrequently in hand. Her hand looks quite swollen and she hasn't recovered any strength in it. She's a bit irritated and depression with the whole situation.
She's had wonderful humor about the situation, as she has poor grip and finger control, and often "flips the bird" when people as her if she needs a hand while working with items. Other than spreading pain, especially if she really uses her right hand, her grip hasn't decreased beyond when it started.
She has an EMG this coming Monday and visit with a neurosurgeon that Thursday.
Anyone ever hear of something like this happening so suddenly? I just worry for my mother and was seeing if anyone had any insight or similar experiences.