BACK PAIN NUMBNESS: NOT TO BE IGNORED
Pay Attention to Symptoms of Numbness
Back pain numbness and weakness warn us that there is a problem with the functioning of our nervous system. Numbness occurs where nerve signals are not moving normally from skin to brain. This condition is also known as neuropathy. While it is possible for numbness to cover the entire back region, it is most likely to occur within a small area.
However, a person with numbness in the back is likely to feel numb elsewhere in the body, particularly in the feet and legs. If this is the case for you, do not ignore these symptoms. Seek medical attention at your earliest convenience, since numbness in more than one part of the body is an indication of injury to the peripheral or central nervous system, which means damage to the spine or brain.
Possible Causes of Numbness
Neuropathy can also be a symptom of underlying disease. Here is how neuropathy works: Nerves in the spine are squeezed (a condition often referred to as "pinched nerves"), and so there is a reduction in the flow of blood containing oxygen and other nutrients for the spinal nerve membrane. Ongoing blockage leads to the membrane's losing its ability to carry the signals, which results in a loss of sensation. Thus, the nerve fiber may gradually die. Once a large enough group of nerves is no longer working properly, we experience this as numbness. This may also lead to a loss of muscle control, which can be a frightening experience.
Here is a short list of common causes of spinal numbness:
- A herniated disc. This means you have a pinched nerve. Also called radiculopathy.
- A thinning of the spinal canal, which can squeeze nerve fibers to the point of losing sensation. Also called stenosis.
- Some causes related to brain functioning include:
* stroke (not everyone knows when he or she has had a stroke);
* seizure;
* concussion to the head;
* multiple sclerosis (an autoimmune condition involving the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, and their ability to communicate).
All of that said, sometimes a simple muscle injury can result in a sensation of back pain numbness, by constricting circulation and causing swelling. Such symptoms usually resolve quickly and are no cause for alarm.
Seek An Evaluation As Soon As You Can
However, it is important to have a qualified medical professional thoroughly examine any loss of sensation in the back that persists. Beyond a thorough exam, imaging studies can help to diagnose chronic numb sensation in the back or related limbs.
If a thorough exam and study fail to reveal the cause of numbness, then you may have a condition that is psychosomatic, meaning a generalized psychological upset.
In all cases, however, an accurate diagnosis is critical for effective treatment of neurological symptoms such as numbness to the back. If you follow a treatment plan, and it still does not provide you with relief from numbness, then get a second opinion regarding your condition.
Pay Attention to Symptoms of Numbness
Back pain numbness and weakness warn us that there is a problem with the functioning of our nervous system. Numbness occurs where nerve signals are not moving normally from skin to brain. This condition is also known as neuropathy. While it is possible for numbness to cover the entire back region, it is most likely to occur within a small area.
However, a person with numbness in the back is likely to feel numb elsewhere in the body, particularly in the feet and legs. If this is the case for you, do not ignore these symptoms. Seek medical attention at your earliest convenience, since numbness in more than one part of the body is an indication of injury to the peripheral or central nervous system, which means damage to the spine or brain.
Possible Causes of Numbness
Neuropathy can also be a symptom of underlying disease. Here is how neuropathy works: Nerves in the spine are squeezed (a condition often referred to as "pinched nerves"), and so there is a reduction in the flow of blood containing oxygen and other nutrients for the spinal nerve membrane. Ongoing blockage leads to the membrane's losing its ability to carry the signals, which results in a loss of sensation. Thus, the nerve fiber may gradually die. Once a large enough group of nerves is no longer working properly, we experience this as numbness. This may also lead to a loss of muscle control, which can be a frightening experience.
Here is a short list of common causes of spinal numbness:
- A herniated disc. This means you have a pinched nerve. Also called radiculopathy.
- A thinning of the spinal canal, which can squeeze nerve fibers to the point of losing sensation. Also called stenosis.
- Some causes related to brain functioning include:
* stroke (not everyone knows when he or she has had a stroke);
* seizure;
* concussion to the head;
* multiple sclerosis (an autoimmune condition involving the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, and their ability to communicate).
All of that said, sometimes a simple muscle injury can result in a sensation of back pain numbness, by constricting circulation and causing swelling. Such symptoms usually resolve quickly and are no cause for alarm.
Seek An Evaluation As Soon As You Can
However, it is important to have a qualified medical professional thoroughly examine any loss of sensation in the back that persists. Beyond a thorough exam, imaging studies can help to diagnose chronic numb sensation in the back or related limbs.
If a thorough exam and study fail to reveal the cause of numbness, then you may have a condition that is psychosomatic, meaning a generalized psychological upset.
In all cases, however, an accurate diagnosis is critical for effective treatment of neurological symptoms such as numbness to the back. If you follow a treatment plan, and it still does not provide you with relief from numbness, then get a second opinion regarding your condition.
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