Q. Why do I have pin and needle sensations in my back and spine?
Hello doctor,
I had body twitching for over three years. They have got better now. But my only concern is I sometimes get pins and needle sensations in my back and spine with some burning, but it is not often. I feel very healthy and can do everything normally. I have a history of migraines. All my blood work and CT scan were normal. Please give me your advice on this.
Thank you.
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
Thanks for writing in, and I understand your concern. Pins and needles sensation occurring sometimes is a normal phenomenon. Do you have any history of diabetes? Any addictions? Is it more during nighttime?
Thank you.
Hello doctor,
Thank you for your response.
No, I do not have a history of diabetes and addiction. When I was young, I did drink alcohol in excess amounts when I went out with friends, but I have not drank alcohol in years. The pins and needles in my back is not constant throughout the day. It does come a little more at night, but it is a quick prick, and it does not come back until maybe an hour or more later or even the next day. Based on my research regarding my symptoms, I strongly relate to benign fasciculation syndrome. I got blood work vitamin deficiencies, and they came back normal. I had a CT scan which was normal too. I have yet to get an EMG and MRI scan. The main symptoms have been twitching all over my body, from the bottom of my feet to the top of my head. I get them in all places, but they come and go. I also have had gone to chiropractor a few times in the past, about six months ago or more. Please give me your suggestion on this.
Regards.
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
In my opinion, there is no need to go ahead with a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan or nerve conduction velocity (NCV) and electromyography (EMG) at present if there is no thinning of muscles anywhere in the body or weakness of any group of muscles. Stress may worsen these fasciculations. Keep the stress levels under check, follow a proper meal and sleep schedule.
Regards.
Hello doctor,
Thank you for your response.
Should I worry about multiple sclerosis or check to make sure I do not have that? That is what my biggest fear was.
Regards.
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
Multiple sclerosis would cause other symptoms, including vision loss, weakness, or loss of sensation in any part of the body. Your symptoms do not appear to be due to multiple sclerosis. If you develop any other signs, an MRI of the brain and spine can be done to rule out MS.
Regards.
Hello doctor,
Thank you for your response.
Does the duration of the pricking and burning matter? There was an instance about four months ago where I had constant burning and prickling in my spine for two weeks, then it went away gradually. I just wanted your opinion on this last question.
Regards.
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
These fasciculations and prickling sensations have been there for almost three years indicate their benign nature. If it had been any of the diseases you read about, the symptoms would have progressed, and new symptoms would have appeared. Be vigilant but not overstressed about these symptoms. Anxiety is only going to worsen the problem.
Regards.
Hello doctor,
Yesterday, I experienced a neck and forearm cramp, is that something I should get checked? Or is there anything else you would recommend?
Regards.
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
Is it the first time you had such a neck cramp? Did physical exertion precede it? Any dehydration? Did you lift anything heavy? Neck cramps generally follow excessive physical work, heavy weight lifting, or dehydration.
Regards.
please elaborate
Hello doctor,
Thank you for your response.
Yes, this is my first time having a neck cramp on my left side and in the forearm. I did help family members carry down gifts in two big bags to the van. I sometimes have neck pain, depending on how I sleep. I was lying on my back when I had the neck cramp. It lasted about 20 to 30 seconds. Then, later on in the night, my shoulder felt tight, and the top of my forearm cramped for about 5 to 8 seconds. I drank water and Pedialyte that helped me feel better.
Regards.
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
There is nothing to worry about as it is following physical exertion and heavy weight lifting. Avoid doing the same in the future. Keep yourself well hydrated by taking plenty of fluids
Regards.
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