What Causes Persistent Pain In Neck, Lower Back, Fingers, Wrists And Big Toes?

Posted on Tue, 26 Apr 2016

Question: I have had chronic pain in my neck and lower back for 15 years. It has progressed to my fingers, wrists and big toes. Last week I woke up wih numbness down the left side of my head, and down my back, and down the back of my left leg. My primary care Pa told me to get an MRI of my brain. The lab didn't know if my new insurance would cover the cost. Not sure if I should pay out of pocket ($1,600). Maybe the mri should be of my lower back.

What ever is causing the sysmptons, I feel it is unsafe to drive a car. I took off work this week. I need help.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
You do not need MRI brain

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I have studied your case and I do not think that there is need of MRI of brain at present. I think you are having generalised body ache and joint pain. I think that it is due to deficiency of vitamin B 12 and vitamin D3. But before i advised you any thing I would like to know little detail of this illness.
1.Are you having Diabetes or thyroid?
2.Are you taking any medications since long time?
3.Do you have any blood test till now?
Please send me answers of these questions. I will try my best to help you.
thanks

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

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (39 hours later)

No diabetes or thyroid problem. I have a physical every year. The blood test last week shows my B12 was too high. My calcium is also too high. They called it calicea (or something like that). The doctor feels it is important to get the brain mri.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (11 hours later)

Brief Answer:
I think you need MRI of neck and not brain

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I would suggest you to get MRI of the cervical spine. This will help us in getting info about nerve compression. I do not think that brain MRI is helpful for you. You can discuss my opinion with him.If he insist then get both brain and spine MRI.
thanks

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

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