What Causes Numbness At The Base Of My Spine?

Posted on Sat, 5 Apr 2014

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

Sat, 5 Apr 2014 Answered on

Fri, 25 Apr 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I have numbness at the base of my spine and get pins and needles down my legs if I sit for a long time on something hard. Also I have pins and needles in my little fingers of both hands and occasionally on the tips,of other fingers. Please can you assist?

Answered by Dr. Saurabh Gupta (18 minutes later)

Brief Answer: Description below Detailed Answer: Hello, Thanks for your query. Most probable reason for your symptoms could be postural problem as you may be sitting for long time . When such patient comes to my hospital we usually take x ray spine or if required MRI spine to see for any nerve compression. Medication like methylcobalamine with muscle relaxant and analgesic will reduce pain; you can take them consulting your treating doctor. You may consult physiotherapist for further guidance. He may start TENS, or ultrasound which is helpful in your case. Some life style modifications to prevent pain– Take break every 40 min from work and do some lumbar rotation, stretches, walk and get back to work. Sit with taking support to your back. I will advise to check your vit B12 and vit D3 level. I do hope that you have found something helpful and I will be glad to answer any further query. Take care

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar