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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Cold Sensation In Back And Shoulders In An Elderly Person?

This query is for my mother. She is 67. She has been complaining about a cold sensation in her back around the upper spine and shoulders, to a point that she cannot even get up from bed in the mornings. That sensation is always accompanied by loss of her appetite. The chill goes down in the afternoons and appetite returns as well. She has been treated for Thyroid disorders, reflux, and anxiety. Though all these treatments offered some results, none totally cured her. The issue has been there for a few years ( 5+) and she has been tested negative for a bunch of other tests including TB. We are in Chennai. I would really appreciate any suggestions or leads on alternative approaches that might be effective in such cases as we have been trying Allopathy for few years without much success Thanks so much in advance for your time and valuable suggestions!
Tue, 6 Apr 2021
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hello,

Cold sensation in the back and the shoulder is due to infections, nerve impingements, spinal injuries, vascular malformations, fibromyalgia, etc. Muscle spasm in the back commonly accompanies pinched nerves and can be quite painful. Pinched nerve may cause symptoms like numbness and weakness in the arm or leg without pain. Symptoms also include hot / cold sensation, tingling and burning, it is called paresthesia.

Lack of vitamin B12 and iron deficiency can cause anemia and lead you to feel cold. Anxiety and panic attacks can have similar symptoms. She should take vitamin B6, B12, vitamin E rich food or supplements. Get her a complete medical check up done under a GP to detect anemia, hypothyroidism, hypothermia, bacterial or viral infection, etc. She will be treated accordingly.

Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Nupur K., General & Family Physician
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What Causes Cold Sensation In Back And Shoulders In An Elderly Person?

Hello, Cold sensation in the back and the shoulder is due to infections, nerve impingements, spinal injuries, vascular malformations, fibromyalgia, etc. Muscle spasm in the back commonly accompanies pinched nerves and can be quite painful. Pinched nerve may cause symptoms like numbness and weakness in the arm or leg without pain. Symptoms also include hot / cold sensation, tingling and burning, it is called paresthesia. Lack of vitamin B12 and iron deficiency can cause anemia and lead you to feel cold. Anxiety and panic attacks can have similar symptoms. She should take vitamin B6, B12, vitamin E rich food or supplements. Get her a complete medical check up done under a GP to detect anemia, hypothyroidism, hypothermia, bacterial or viral infection, etc. She will be treated accordingly. Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Nupur K., General & Family Physician