Back pain & pressure

[NJgirl75]

I was recently diagnosed B12 deficient. I thought this was possibly a side effect of the B12 because the diagnosis was discovered due to sudden loss of balance. I began to feel fatigue, pins & needles, tingling, vibrations, etc. I went to a neurologist today & he seemed skeptical. I will be getting an MRI and and EMG but that won't be for another month and meanwhile, I am in pain. Labor day weekend, out of nowhere, I went numb just below my ribcage on the side of my body & it was like a band that wrapped around to the middle of my back. The area extended down about 6" and then feeling resumed. Back pain soon followed along with muscle spasms. I have discovered that anything causing the muscles to tense make it work, laying down or relaxing help, I get a feeling of pressure in the very middle of my back & if I put ice on it, it helps alleviate it & prevent muscle spams. It hurts to walk too much, sit too much, etc. I get vibrations along the bottom of my back on the right side, on the bottoms of my feet & sometimes down my right leg, I get pins & needles in my upper back, and my fingers will go numb.

I'd like to know if this sounds like a spinal injury or problem of any kind? Or am I on the right track with seeing a neurologist and thinking it could be related to the B12 deficiency? I am also iron & vitamin D deficient. Also, besides narcotics, is there anything I could suggest to my Dr to help with the pain that I could work and function with while taking? Advil doesn't help much anymore. I have been suffering for 6 months and since tests won't be concluded for at least another 4 weeks I will continue to suffer.

[Michael L Gross, MD]

Good Luck!!

[NJgirl75]

Thank you Dr. Gross. My EMG was normal so he is ordering an MRI of the brain and cervical MRI. He hinted at it being fibro but basically I was told I will just have to keep getting tests until something shows up. He ordered blood work as well for Lyme Disease & ANA I think it was (the antibodies that show in autoimmune I believe). Back pain & vibrations down my right leg are still persistent. Hopefully something shows eventually... not knowing is sometimes worse.

[Michael L Gross, MD]

Keep your appointment with the neurologist.

[NJgirl75]

Unfortunately, the lumbar MRI came back with nothing remarkable found. Which is upsetting since I have been in pain for 2 months now. I have no idea what to do at this point.

[Michael L Gross, MD]

Get the MRI, It should cover all you need.

[NJgirl75]

Thank you so much Dr. Gross. If you don't mind answering one more quick question? The neurologist ordered a MRI of the lumbar spine with no contrast. I was a little concerned about the lumbar part. The pressure I have is in the middle of my back & seems to be the focal point. Will a lumbar MRI show the middle of the back? I wasn't sure from what point down this would cover or if lumbar just eliminated the shoulders & neck area.

Thanks again!

[Michael L Gross, MD]

Sounds more systemic than focal, and that certainly could be the result of vitamin deficiency. Another consideration because of the flank pain is shingles.  Good luck!