Neuro issues - pinched nerves?

Hi there, for some time I have had a burning sensation in my back (below shoulder blade) for about one year.  Related or not, I have had my scalp fall asleep (my arms also fall asleep quite easily) and now I am having these periodic 'zaps' or ‘shocks’ in the back of my scalp and/or on the front left side of my face.  These last about a second.  I cannot pinpoint what triggers or causes these to occur, but it happens ~5 times per day but seems to be occurring more frequently.  I had an MRI on my scapula, back shoulder blades but it came back inconclusive, nothing abnormal.  I have also had intense shoulder pain (both sides) for about the same duration as the burning in my back started.  The shoulder pain is intense and sometimes wakes me up but is somewhat infrequent.  I am wondering if I have some cluster or major nerves pinched somewhere.  I work at a desk all day and workout regularly, but because of my posture, I do have tight chest and forward sloping shoulders.  Stretching seems to help, but not eliminate all of these symptoms.  What could be going on especially worries me now that these ‘zaps’ have started to occur in the last week.  Thanks in advance.


This discussion is related to Scalp Fell asleep.

[S. Kaul, MD]

Hi there!

Well, without a detailed clinical evaluation it would be difficult to determine the cause of your symptoms. Possibilities that may need to be considered include neuro-muscular causes such as nerve impingement/ neuropathies/ myopathies, vascular causes, micronutrient deficiencies, hormonal/ endocrine abnormalities, postural issues, spinal/ skeletal causes, inflammatory/ auto-immune conditions etc. I would suggest a detailed initial evaluation by an internist and depending on the cause diagnosed/ suspected, it can be managed accordingly or specialist care may be sought.
Hope this is helpful.

Take care!