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What Causes Pins And Needle Sensation In Arms And Feet?
Question: about 2 weeks ago I was lifiting weights and I think I hurt my upper back and neck. Not too much pain but was a little hard to move my head for a few hours. Right After that I started getting pins and needles pain in my arms and feet. Mostly my right arm and leg and sometimes my left leg. I went to my doctor and he give my an open MRI of the upper back and said it was normal a week ago. He said to rest it. He also did a blood test that came back normal. I have been resting it and it is getting worst. last night I had a pricking pain in left feet that lasted a few hours. Also sometimes I get this cold/hot spots in my arms and legs. lastes for a few minutes and goes away. Any idea what this could be?
A little history. I had a spinal tumor from T9-T11 remove about a year ago. It did have a syrinx. My last MRI in july show the tumor is still gone and the syrinx did not change in size. Do you think the syrinx could be causing this. The syrinx is located in the thoracic spine. The only systoms I have is a little numbness from the waist down and tightness in my right leg.
Do you think this could be related to the scar tissue from the spinal tumor surgery or maybe I hurt my upper spine?
A little history. I had a spinal tumor from T9-T11 remove about a year ago. It did have a syrinx. My last MRI in july show the tumor is still gone and the syrinx did not change in size. Do you think the syrinx could be causing this. The syrinx is located in the thoracic spine. The only systoms I have is a little numbness from the waist down and tightness in my right leg.
Do you think this could be related to the scar tissue from the spinal tumor surgery or maybe I hurt my upper spine?
Brief Answer:
Probably increased cerebrospinal fluid pressure.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for using HCM.
I have read your question and understand your concerns.
Pins and needles in the arms is not related to syringomyelia at thoracic spinal cord, neither to tumor location.
Since pins and needles happened simultaneously in arms and legs, in my opinion, there was an increase of intraspinal pressure ( increased cerebrospinal fluid pressure ) due to trauma or straining.
I think syrinx caused this because of the previously impaired cerebrospinal fluid circulation.
MRI results too, support this possibility as a cause of your new symptoms, since there are no visible changes of previous lesions.
I agree with your Doctor about resting it.
There is need for time until cerebrospinal fluid circulation to be restored at previous levels.
Do keep following up with your Doctor.
If symptoms worsen with time, more aggressive treatment such measurement of cerebrospinal fluid pressure, or even Syringomyelia derivation may be needed.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Take care.
Probably increased cerebrospinal fluid pressure.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for using HCM.
I have read your question and understand your concerns.
Pins and needles in the arms is not related to syringomyelia at thoracic spinal cord, neither to tumor location.
Since pins and needles happened simultaneously in arms and legs, in my opinion, there was an increase of intraspinal pressure ( increased cerebrospinal fluid pressure ) due to trauma or straining.
I think syrinx caused this because of the previously impaired cerebrospinal fluid circulation.
MRI results too, support this possibility as a cause of your new symptoms, since there are no visible changes of previous lesions.
I agree with your Doctor about resting it.
There is need for time until cerebrospinal fluid circulation to be restored at previous levels.
Do keep following up with your Doctor.
If symptoms worsen with time, more aggressive treatment such measurement of cerebrospinal fluid pressure, or even Syringomyelia derivation may be needed.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Take care.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
thanks, about how long do you think I need to rest my back? I strech everyday for the stiffness in my legs, do you think this can increase the pressure? should I stop this also?
Brief Answer:
Factors that increase pressure should be avoided.
Detailed Answer:
Welcome back.
I think you should rest for two weeks and you should avoid factors that may increase cerebrospinal fluid pressure such sneezing, coughing, straining, bending over.
Light stretching of legs doesn't cause any harm.
If you strain at toilet you could use stool softener for few days.
If there is sneezing, coughing,they should be controlled by remedies or drugs (keeping clear the airways, nose and throat, rinse with normal saline solution, codeine etc).
You should discuss with your Doctor about these issues also.
Hope I helped you,
Take care.
Factors that increase pressure should be avoided.
Detailed Answer:
Welcome back.
I think you should rest for two weeks and you should avoid factors that may increase cerebrospinal fluid pressure such sneezing, coughing, straining, bending over.
Light stretching of legs doesn't cause any harm.
If you strain at toilet you could use stool softener for few days.
If there is sneezing, coughing,they should be controlled by remedies or drugs (keeping clear the airways, nose and throat, rinse with normal saline solution, codeine etc).
You should discuss with your Doctor about these issues also.
Hope I helped you,
Take care.
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Sonia Raina
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