Explanations for Nerve Problems

[twit745]

Yesterday I posted that I was feeling tingling and prickling sensations in my upper back and leg (calf). Today these symptoms are more pronounced and I am noticing prickling sensations actually all over my body. All of this started back in February and I did have MRI's of the C-spine and head that came back clear with and without contrast. I also had multiple blood tests to look for anything. I believe that my symptoms are limited to mostly the thoracic and lumbar-sacral areas (after allot of research I am not sure why these two areas were not included). My question is...Is the tingling in 2 separate areas somehow related? Can a problem in the thoracic or lumbar areas also create an upward pathology where you are also feeling sensations in your head and neck (back in February this is where most of my problems were)? Any ideas as to what this could be? I will be setting up an appointment with my neurologist tomorrow. I am 38 years old and in good physical shape. I exercise 4-5 days a week. I had a baby back in November. All of these symptoms started in February and I find it interesting that it began after my pregnancy.

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hi
As I wrote to you earlier, looking after a small kid involves maximum strain in the two areas—thoracic due to carrying the baby and lumbar due to repeated bending. This strains the thoracospinal muscles in these areas. It can also strain other muscles. You can consult a neurologist. Also a chiropractor can help you. Also thyroid, parathyroid and calcium levels should be checked.
Hope this helps. Please let me know if there is any thing else and do keep me posted. Take care!

[carrollce]

Hello - let me preface this by saying I am not a doctor, but I just want to offer my opinion.  You mentioned that you had the tingly-prickly sensatons in different locations. Have you ever had a chiropractor look at you? I have been told tht MRIs will not show soft tissue injury (ligaments, muscles, etc.) and many times the radiologist is not looking for mis-alighments of the vertebra.  Sometimes when your vertebra on not aligned properly they can put pressure on nerves  and cause the sensations you are feeling in different sections of your body.  I know that for me when I feel tingly sensations in the side of my face, I can get an adjustment to my upper back and it will stop! Weird, huh?  But that is just me.  I think it just goes to show how complex our bodies are.  Perhaps you can get one of those spinal drawings that show what nerves are affected by what level of the spine they come from. You will be fascinated I bet! You can probably find such a picture on the internet - it is a common diagram that many doctors (and chiropractors) use.  And don't forget, when you were pregnant, lots of pressure was brought to bear on the lower back not to mention the compensation that was made by the rest of your back to deal with the change of weight distribution.  Anyway, just something to think about and perhaps look in a different direction.  Also, as a pesonal comment, I would hope that the neuro would not recommend medication - if he does, you may want to get a second opinion or go to a good physical therapist or chiropractor to get their take on your situation.  Good luck!!