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Experiencing pins and needles in both legs. What can be the cause?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I had a neck fusion a few years back. I like to understand more about my MRI. I am going to start Gabapentin for nerve issues soon and also I have Crohn's disease and Lyme. Currently experiencing pins and needles in both legs. I have seen a neurologist and going to see a few surgeons this week. I would like to know, what you think about all this information? The neck is worse than the back at this point. Also, I want to know what my options are for fixing scar tissue? Thank you in advance.
Answered by Dr. Vivek Chail

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Vivek Chail is a General Practitioner and Family Physician committed to delivering holistic and comprehensive healthcare for individuals and families. He provides preventive, diagnostic, and therapeutic care for a wide spectrum of medical conditions. He provides patient education and lifestyle counseling for long-term health and wellness. He is well-versed in chronic disease management for conditions like diabetes, hypertension, asthma, and thyroid disorders. He is an expert in the diagnosis and management of acute and chronic illnesses across all age groups.

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Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have read through your query in detail. Sorry to hear the pain and discomfort you are having and wish you a quick recovery. Please find my observations below.

Your MRI scan reports (attachment removed to protect patient identity) show that there are changes seen in the neck region of the spinal cord at the level of fusion surgery for which the term myelomalacia (softening of the spinal cord) and myelopathy (compression of the spinal cord) has been used.

The cervical spondylosis has probably increased from before. These changes make the neck changes a little worse than the lower back. There is significant pinching of nerve roots at C6 - C7 level on the right side and this becomes important because it affects your daily activities. There are changes in the spinal cord at this level which is a concern.

If you are right-handed and have to use the computer at work then this can be one of the reasons for the tingling and numbness. The lower back problem is mild and is of less concern when compared to the neck.

In conclusion, the visit to the neurosurgeon should be focused on reducing the nerve pinching in the neck C6 - C7 level and preventing any progressive changes in the spinal cord at that level.

I would be glad if you can share the CD so that I can have a look at your images. However, my observations will most likely be the same as mentioned above.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Thank you for providing these details. I am on the computer 10-15 hours a day typically because of my job. Certainly noticed more and more of the effects on my legs to the point it is affecting sleep. I am attaching the reports along with the CD for your reference. I am happy to see that you spent some time to review this and provided a report. I think about the next step to see a surgeon.

Answered by Dr. Vivek Chail

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Vivek Chail is a General Practitioner and Family Physician committed to delivering holistic and comprehensive healthcare for individuals and families. He provides preventive, diagnostic, and therapeutic care for a wide spectrum of medical conditions. He provides patient education and lifestyle counseling for long-term health and wellness. He is well-versed in chronic disease management for conditions like diabetes, hypertension, asthma, and thyroid disorders. He is an expert in the diagnosis and management of acute and chronic illnesses across all age groups.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I have seen through the photographs (attachment removed to protect patient identity) and confirm the findings.

It is important to share with you that the spinal cord in the neck region might be showing softening and this is the reason for your symptoms. There is an indication for you to discuss with the surgeon and get treated for it. The lower back problems are not disturbing and can be considered to be mild. However, clinical examination is required.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Sneha Kannan
Published At January 27, 2016
Reviewed At September 27, 2023

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Vivek Chail is a General Practitioner and Family Physician committed to delivering holistic and comprehensive healthcare for individuals and families. He provides preventive, diagnostic, and therapeutic care for a wide spectrum of medical conditions. He provides patient education and lifestyle counseling for long-term health and wellness. He is well-versed in chronic disease management for conditions like diabetes, hypertension, asthma, and thyroid disorders. He is an expert in the diagnosis and management of acute and chronic illnesses across all age groups.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality

Education:

BDS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Sneha Kannan is a skilled Dental Surgeon with expertise in providing general dental care, including scaling, fillings, and preventive treatments. She does oral surgery procedures such as extractions and minor surgical interventions. She does procedures in restorative dentistry, including crowns, bridges, and dentures. She is an expert in doing endodontic treatments such as root canal therapy. She is well-versed in doing procedures in cosmetic dentistry, including teeth whitening and smile correction. She can provide pediatric dental care for children’s oral health and preventive treatments. She promotes oral hygiene awareness and preventive dental practices.  

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Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

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Prep / Recovery Guide

Pins and Needles After Neck Fusion Prep and Recovery Guide

How it works

Pins and needles in your legs can be concerning, especially after a neck fusion. Understanding the potential causes and what to discuss with your doctor is key.

1

Spinal
Changes

2

Nerve
Pinching

3

Activity
Strain

4

Consult
Neurosurgeon

5

Review
Imaging

6

Scar
Tissue

When to seek emergency care

Go to the emergency room or call emergency services immediately if you experience any of the following: sudden or rapidly worsening weakness in your arms, hands, or legs; new loss of bladder or bowel control (urinary incontinence, inability to urinate, or fecal incontinence) — this can indicate acute spinal cord compression requiring urgent evaluation; sudden severe neck pain that feels different from your usual pain; difficulty breathing or swallowing; or signs of stroke such as sudden facial drooping, arm weakness, or difficulty speaking. Call your doctor the same day if you develop a fever above 38°C (100.4°F), increasing redness, warmth, swelling, or discharge at your surgical site, or numbness and weakness that is rapidly progressing over hours.

This information is based on general medical guidance. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice; consult a qualified clinician.

Always consult a doctor before taking medication; self-medication carries serious health risks. Take exact prescribed doses, and never start, change, or stop treatment without medical supervision.
Dr. Vivek Chail
Dr. Vivek Chail

General Practitioner

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Vivek Chail is a General Practitioner and Family Physician committed to delivering holistic and comprehensive healthcare for individuals and families. He provides preventive, diagnostic, and therapeutic care for a wide spectrum of medical conditions. He provides patient education and lifestyle counseling for long-term health and wellness. He is well-versed in chronic disease management for conditions like diabetes, hypertension, asthma, and thyroid disorders. He is an expert in the diagnosis and management of acute and chronic illnesses across all age groups.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality
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