[26M] Experiencing numbness, muscle pain, and chest discomfort

Patient Description

A 26-year-old male has been experiencing generalized numbness in both hands and the left side of his head for more than a week, worsening during sleep. Additionally, he reports constant back pain with a burning sensation in his upper body. For the past year, the patient has also experienced a popping sensation in the sternum accompanied by sharp and dull chest pain rated 7/10 in severity, which improves upon stretching. The patient was diagnosed with high uric acid levels and vitamin D3 deficiency six months ago but is not currently on any medication for these conditions or any other. There are no noted changes in reflexes or muscle mass, no involvement in repetitive motion activities, no sudden severe headaches, difficulty speaking, or family history of neurological conditions. The patient has no known drug allergies.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the symptoms you've described, several conditions could be causing your symptoms:

  • Cervical Radiculopathy: This condition occurs when a nerve root in the cervical spine becomes inflamed or damaged, resulting in a change in neurological function. Symptoms can include numbness and tingling in the arms and hands, neck pain, and weakness in the arm or hand. However, this wouldn't necessarily explain the numbness in your head or the popping sensation in your sternum.

  • Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS): This condition is caused by compression of the nerves or blood vessels that pass through the thoracic outlet (an area between the base of the neck and the armpit). Symptoms can include numbness and tingling in the arms and hands, neck and shoulder pain, and a weak grip. TOS might also explain the burning sensation you're experiencing in your upper body.

  • Costochondritis: This is an inflammation of the cartilage in the rib cage. Symptoms can include chest pain and a popping sensation in the sternum. The pain might improve with stretching or deep breathing.

  • Vitamin D3 Deficiency: This can cause muscle weakness and bone pain, which might explain the constant back pain you're experiencing. However, it wouldn't necessarily explain the numbness or the popping sensation in your sternum.

Please note that this is not an exhaustive list of all possible conditions, and these conditions may coexist.

What you can do

  1. Consult a healthcare professional: Given the complexity of your symptoms, it's important to consult a healthcare professional who can conduct a thorough examination and order appropriate tests.

  2. Maintain a healthy lifestyle: Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep can help manage some of your symptoms.

  3. Manage your Vitamin D3 deficiency: You mentioned that you have a Vitamin D3 deficiency. It's important to manage this condition as it can affect your bone health and overall wellbeing. This might involve taking Vitamin D3 supplements or increasing your exposure to sunlight. However, you should consult a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment.

What you should look out for

You should seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following symptoms:

  • Difficulty breathing
  • Severe chest pain
  • Sudden, severe headache
  • Sudden, severe pain in your back or neck
  • Loss of consciousness

Remember, this advice is intended to be general in nature, and specific causes may not apply to your situation. Always consult with a healthcare provider for appropriate examinations, treatment, testing, and care recommendations.

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9 mo ago


People Also Ask


What are the common symptoms of cervical radiculopathy?

Common symptoms of cervical radiculopathy include numbness and tingling in the arms and hands, neck pain, and weakness in the arm or hand. It occurs when a nerve root in the cervical spine becomes inflamed or damaged.


How can thoracic outlet syndrome be diagnosed and treated?

Thoracic outlet syndrome can be diagnosed through a combination of physical examinations, imaging tests like X-rays or MRIs, and nerve conduction studies. Treatment may include physical therapy, pain management, and in some cases, surgery to relieve compression.


What lifestyle changes can help manage vitamin D3 deficiency?

To manage vitamin D3 deficiency, one can increase exposure to sunlight, consume foods rich in vitamin D (such as fatty fish, fortified dairy products, and egg yolks), and take vitamin D supplements as recommended by a healthcare provider.


What are the potential causes of a popping sensation in the sternum?

A popping sensation in the sternum can be caused by costochondritis, which is the inflammation of the cartilage in the rib cage. It can also be due to joint or ligament issues in the chest area. Stretching and deep breathing may help alleviate the pain associated with this sensation.

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Tate McEwan#96

9 mo ago

Did any of this start to happen after an injury?

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