[rkassam]

#5891

My wife for the last 2 weeks has been experiencing intermittent pins and needle sensation in her left upper back area. She noticed when this happens she can stop this by moving her chin up, or shrugging her shoulders back.

Would this be a bulging disc issue? What steps should be done to diagnose this? MRi, Emg?

Thank you.

[Donald Corenman, MD, DC]

#5893

Many times, minimal symptoms that have only recently appeared do not need a work-up. “Intermittent pins and needle sensations” for two weeks not associated with pain, dysfunction, weakness or balance issues would fit into that category. Be patient as many mild symptoms can be temporary and do not need further testing.

Dr. Corenman

PLEASE REMEMBER, THIS FORUM IS MEANT TO PROVIDE GENERAL INFORMATION ON SPINE ANATOMY, CONDITIONS AND TREATMENTS. TO GET AN ACCURATE DIAGNOSIS, YOU MUST VISIT A QUALIFIED PROFESSIONAL IN PERSON.
 
Donald Corenman, MD, DC is a highly-regarded spine surgeon, considered an expert in the area of neck and back pain. Trained as both a Medical Doctor and Doctor of Chiropractic, Dr. Corenman earned academic appointments as Clinical Assistant Professor and Assistant Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, and his research on spine surgery and rehabilitation has resulted in the publication of multiple peer-reviewed articles and two books.

[rkassam]

#5900

Thank you Dr. Coreman for your time. It is very much appreciated that you offer your assistance to the online community through this forum

She is able to recreate the pins and needle sensation in her upper left back with her neck and shoulder position. If she puts her head down or slouches the sensations slowly comes on. If she raise her neck, shrugs shoulders back, or raises her arms up the sensation diminishes.

With the fact that position is effecting the symptoms, is it safe to conclude that this is a mechanical nerve compression issue as opposed to other nerve disorders (such as MS)?

Would it benefit to do conservative therapy such as physical therapy program?

[Donald Corenman, MD, DC]

#5910

There are some sensory nerves that can be stretched with the position your wife holds her head to bring on the symptoms. This may indicate a mild neuropathy (temporary inflammation of this nerve). If the symptoms really disturb her, it may be that a physical therapy program with some ultrasound may be helpful. You would need a physician to diagnose and write a script for therapy.

Multiple Sclerosis normally does not present with the symptoms you describe. This does sound like a mechanical nerve disorder.

Dr. Corenman

PLEASE REMEMBER, THIS FORUM IS MEANT TO PROVIDE GENERAL INFORMATION ON SPINE ANATOMY, CONDITIONS AND TREATMENTS. TO GET AN ACCURATE DIAGNOSIS, YOU MUST VISIT A QUALIFIED PROFESSIONAL IN PERSON.
 
Donald Corenman, MD, DC is a highly-regarded spine surgeon, considered an expert in the area of neck and back pain. Trained as both a Medical Doctor and Doctor of Chiropractic, Dr. Corenman earned academic appointments as Clinical Assistant Professor and Assistant Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, and his research on spine surgery and rehabilitation has resulted in the publication of multiple peer-reviewed articles and two books.

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