Suggest Treatment For Chronic Back Pain And Numbness

Posted on Sun, 26 Feb 2017

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

Sun, 26 Feb 2017 Answered on

Mon, 20 Mar 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : I have chronic back pain for years, now for the last two years i have had it in my left shoulder and it goes down my left arm with numbness , I have issues with showering the water feels like I'm being stabbed with knives and when I try drying off it feels like I'm ripping my skin off, I'm a 49yo male I have been on Disability now since 05 for several other issues

Answered by Dr. Neeraj Kumar (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Get investigated as advised and take treatment

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I have gone through your question and understand your concern.
The pain in shoulder and abnormal sensation in arm is suggestive of radiculopathy at neck level.
You need to get examined by a neurologist.
Mri of cervical spine region is required.
Gabapentin can be increased depending upon response.
Other drugs like amitriptyline nortriptyline, sertraline or pregabalin can be added too.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Do get back to me for further information.
Regards
Dr N Kumar
Neurologist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D