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What Causes Persistent Back Pain, Fatigue And Tingling Sensation In Arm?

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Posted on Tue, 22 Dec 2015
Question: The past 2 days I have had tingling in my left arm and it also has felt heavy. It goes away and then comes back. Today it is also in my right arm as well. I have lower back pain and I am very tired.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Olsi Taka (29 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Possible cervical myelopathy

Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.

Judging from that description of weakness and tingling in both your upper limb I believe the first cause to be considered is a spinal cord issue, the most common one being cervical myelopathy due to spondylosis, rarely is it in relation to a tumor, infection etc. It means compression of the spinal cord in your neck due to spine spondylotic changes leading to disc bulging or formation of bony spurs compressing the spine.

The diagnosis needs to be connfirmed through physical exam checking for weakness, abnormal reflexes, muscle atrophy etc followed when suspicion is confirmed by MRI of the cervical spine. Initial management in mild cases is physical therapy and if not enough surgery might be considered.

I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Olsi Taka (20 minutes later)
I did have 3 bulging discs last year and did some exercises to relieve. I have never had any more symptoms until now. I thought maybe it could be recurring but was afraid that i may be having early signs of a heart attack.
My upper back feels as though someone is pressing on it and i am very tired.
I live in the country and the hospital is 20 miles away. Just wondered if i should go in.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Olsi Taka (46 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Read below.

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for the update.

I still believe the issue being more probably related to your spine considering your past history and the involvement of both arms.
However considering that the symptoms seem to have an abrupt onset and this new fact of the upper back pain (before you said lower back) I think that you should be checked by a doctor, not only for the heart attack fear but also for indicators of inflammation or infection considering as I said the rapid evolution, the tiredness and pain.

I hope things work out for the best.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Olsi Taka (38 minutes later)
Thank you for your help. My lower back hurts and the upper back between my shoulder blades just feels heavy---no pain there.
I will see a doctor tomorrow. I feel some relief currently after doing the excercises i remembered from last year and i took aleve and another lorzepam.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Olsi Taka (9 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Read below

Detailed Answer:
Hello again!

It is good that you feel a difference after the exercises, it goes to support the initial chronic spinal hypothesis. Aleve is fine, but you should be careful with the lorazepam as it shouldn't be used regularly due to potential for dependence.

Pleased to have been of help.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Olsi Taka

Neurologist

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 3673 Questions

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What Causes Persistent Back Pain, Fatigue And Tingling Sensation In Arm?

Brief Answer: Possible cervical myelopathy Detailed Answer: I read your question carefully and I understand your concern. Judging from that description of weakness and tingling in both your upper limb I believe the first cause to be considered is a spinal cord issue, the most common one being cervical myelopathy due to spondylosis, rarely is it in relation to a tumor, infection etc. It means compression of the spinal cord in your neck due to spine spondylotic changes leading to disc bulging or formation of bony spurs compressing the spine. The diagnosis needs to be connfirmed through physical exam checking for weakness, abnormal reflexes, muscle atrophy etc followed when suspicion is confirmed by MRI of the cervical spine. Initial management in mild cases is physical therapy and if not enough surgery might be considered. I remain at your disposal for other questions.