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What Causes Occasional Tingling In Upper Back, Shoulders And Back Of Head?

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Posted on Tue, 2 Jun 2015
Question: For the last few months I have experienced occasional (1-3 times a week) tingling in my upper back, shoulders, neck and back of my head. It feels almost like a chill that spreads. Immediately I feel weakness in both arms and hands. Today, I had 3 episodes and now my right arm is achy and slightly weak. Otherwise, I feel normal.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Ivan Romich (32 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
imaging tests are required

Detailed Answer:
Hi and welcome.
These are symptoms indicating cervical spine issues and you need to do ct scan or even better,mri scan of cervical spine and brain. This will reveal possible disorders and then treatment can be planned. Wish you good health. Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Ivan Romich (1 hour later)
That's surprising. I was thinking I was having the typical-atypical woman's heart issue. How did you rule that out? If it's a cervical spine issue, wouldn't it be more likely to occur when I'm exerting my neck, back or arms? This tingling has occurred mostly when I'm driving, but then I drive a lot in my job as a medical lab courier. I don't have to do any heavy lifting nor am I in a high stress environment Could it be a weird heart issue. Please explain why you ruled it out. Thanks.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Ivan Romich (9 hours later)
Brief Answer:
it is neurologic issue more likely

Detailed Answer:
Heart ischemia may go with tingling, but it is usually associated with unilateral left arm tingling and associated pain in chest and breathing difficulties. heart related pain never go to posterior head and it is rarely bilateral. heart rythm changes would go with fainting and palpitations. Neck spine degeneration may cause your symptoms both in rest or during movements,there is no rule. Weakness is also sign of motoric neurons which can be compressed at any level from brain to arm.

Heart issue can never be ruled out for sure not without an extensive work up. However based on what you described, I will put cervical spine issues ahead of heart conditions as from these sign it is more likely to be neurologic problem.


Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
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Answered by
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Dr. Dr. Ivan Romich

General Surgeon

Practicing since :2008

Answered : 13886 Questions

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What Causes Occasional Tingling In Upper Back, Shoulders And Back Of Head?

Brief Answer: imaging tests are required Detailed Answer: Hi and welcome. These are symptoms indicating cervical spine issues and you need to do ct scan or even better,mri scan of cervical spine and brain. This will reveal possible disorders and then treatment can be planned. Wish you good health. Regards