I don't know what's wrong - numbness

[Brendricky]

I have been getting pain in my upper back near my right shoulder blade but the odd thing is the surface is numb. Sometimes it itches and i am afraid to scratch it because i cant feel me scratching and i scratch harder and am scared i will do damage to my skin.  I am now having the numbness even without the pain there, and the numb area has grown in size. it used to be about a 2 inch round area that was numb and now it is about a 6 or 7 inch round area.  I don't know if this is related to it or not, but yesterday i also started having soreness in my left arm, feels like a tetnis shot after a couple days. Only i haven't had any shots there recently. I had my last tetnis shot a few months ago when at the ER for an allergic reaction to a bug bite of some sort on my lower right leg. Just incase you need to know what medications i am on, I am only on over the counter medications. Such as a multi vitamin, 5-HTP, and 1 laxative pill a day to keep regular.  I normally also take Super B Complex, Korean Ginseng,  and Evening Primrose but have been out of those for a little while.  

Thank You in advance, Bren

[Brendricky]

Thank you for your response on my matter.  I do only seem to have the pain with the numbness while sitting, and i do have a tendency to slouch at times.  I will try to correct this.  Thanks a bunch

Bren

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello Bren,

Your symptoms are suggestive of thoracic outlet syndrome. Thoracic Outlet Syndrome symptoms are generally caused by compression of the soft tissues at the side of the neck or upper back.Nerve bundle called the brachial plexus passes through this area and their compression or entrapment in a certain posture of the body causes pain and numbness.

Thoracic outlet syndrome can occur as a result of spinal stenosis,spinal herniation or prolapse of the disc at the level of C7 or thoracic levels of spinal cord.

I sincerely advise you to get CT/MRI neck and upper spine done and consult a neurologist and discuss this problem with him. If you have Thoracic Outlet Syndrome it is essential that you correct any posture imbalances that you may have, whether in a sitting posture or in a standing posture. It is also very important to make sure that the pillow you use under your head is the correct size and thickness for your body.Avoid stretching of shoulders and apply warm compresses on the part.More severe cases may need steroid injections.

Hope it helps.Take care and pls do keep me posted on how you are doing or if you have any additional queries. Kind regards.