Having On And Off Back Problem. Found Compressed Upper Spine, Pain And Numbness In Shoulder. Any Ideas?

Posted on Thu, 11 Oct 2012

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 11 Oct 2012 Answered on

Fri, 2 Nov 2012 Last reviewed on

Question : I have had back problems on and off for the last ten years. Recently found out my upper spine is compressed and possibly Herniated discs in my back. The pain is horrible followed with nimbness in my legs, pain in my shoulders and numbness down arms and hands but now have a new symptom the last few days. I'm freezing can't seem to get warm. I've taken my temperature and I don't have a fever.

Answered by Dr. Saurabh Gupta (4 hours later)

Hello,

Thanks for posting your query.

You might suffering from Prolapsed intervertebral disc (PIVD) of cervical and lumbar spine.

Herniated disc cause pressure over nerve root and this cause pain, numbness and paresthesia in area supplied by that nerve root.

Your freezing symptom in extremity is not associated with PIVD. It seems due to Raynaud phenomenon.

Keep yourself warm and over the counter analgesics will help symptomatically.

Hope I have answered your query. Do write back for further discussion on this.

Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E