[40F] Experiencing tingling in leg, neck and back pain, and temperature sensitivity

Patient Description

A 40-year-old female reports a continuous tingling sensation, described as pins and needles, in her right leg from the buttock to the toe, persisting for 30 days and worsening with prolonged standing. She has neck pain, more pronounced on the right side, with tightness rated 7 out of 10 in severity, ongoing for 45 days. Additionally, she experiences mid and lower back pain, described as dull, with a severity of 4 out of 10, which has been present for 10 years and is somewhat alleviated by Advil and heat. The patient also reports shooting pains in the leg, sharp pain in the foot when stepping, and weakness in the right leg, all of which have been occurring for 30 days. There is a noted sensitivity to cold, causing pain in the leg and foot, and pain on the right side of the torso. The patient has a history of asthma, IBS, and interstitial cystitis, diagnosed 10 years ago, and is not currently on any medications. No recent injuries, no known drug allergies, and no fever reported.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, the following conditions could be causing your symptoms:

  • Sciatica: This condition occurs when the sciatic nerve, which runs from your lower back through your hips and buttocks and down each leg, becomes irritated. This can cause pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the leg. It's usually caused by a herniated disk in the lower spine.

    • Treatment often includes physical therapy, pain relievers, and in some cases, surgery.
  • Cervical radiculopathy: This is a condition where nerve roots in the cervical spine become damaged or inflamed, resulting in symptoms such as neck pain and numbness or weakness in the arms. This can be caused by aging, arthritis, or injury.

    • Treatment can include physical therapy, medications, and sometimes surgery.
  • Multiple sclerosis (MS): This is a chronic disease of the central nervous system. It can cause a wide range of symptoms, including tingling or numbness in the limbs, muscle weakness, and problems with coordination and balance.

    • Treatment for MS can include medication to manage symptoms and slow the progression of the disease, as well as physical therapy.
  • Fibromyalgia: This is a disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain accompanied by fatigue, sleep, memory and mood issues. It's often triggered by a physical trauma, surgery, infection or significant psychological stress.

    • Treatment often includes a combination of medications, exercise, stress-reduction measures, and cognitive behavioral therapy.
  • Peripheral neuropathy: This is a result of damage to your peripheral nerves, often causing weakness, numbness, and pain, usually in your hands and feet. It can also affect other areas of your body.

    • Treatment generally involves managing the condition causing your neuropathy, relieving symptoms, and improving physical function.

What you can do

You should seek medical attention to get a proper diagnosis and treatment. In the meantime, here are some things you can do to manage your symptoms:

  1. Over-the-counter pain relievers might help with mild pain.
  2. Physical activity might help reduce nerve pain. Try gentle exercises, such as walking or swimming.
  3. Avoid prolonged standing or sitting. If you must sit for long periods, take breaks to stand up and stretch every 30 minutes.
  4. Use a heating pad or take a warm bath to soothe stiff, aching muscles.
  5. If cold temperatures cause discomfort, try to stay warm. Dress in layers, wear warm socks and use a blanket when sitting.

What you should look out for

You should seek immediate medical attention if:

  • Your symptoms worsen or do not improve with rest and pain relievers.
  • You experience sudden, severe pain in your lower back or leg, along with muscle weakness or difficulty controlling your bowels or bladder. These could be the signs of a serious condition that needs to be treated in a hospital right away.
  • You have difficulty walking or moving your arms or legs.
  • You experience changes in your vision, such as blurriness or loss of vision.

Please remember that while I strive to provide accurate information, I'm an AI and not a doctor. Always consult with a healthcare professional for a formal diagnosis and treatment.

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11 mo ago

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People Also Ask


What is sciatica and what are its common symptoms?

Sciatica is a condition where the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back through the hips and buttocks and down each leg, becomes irritated. Common symptoms include pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the leg, often caused by a herniated disk in the lower spine.


How is cervical radiculopathy different from sciatica?

Cervical radiculopathy involves damage or inflammation of nerve roots in the cervical spine, leading to neck pain and numbness or weakness in the arms. Sciatica, on the other hand, affects the sciatic nerve in the lower back and legs. The location of symptoms is the primary difference.


What are the potential causes of peripheral neuropathy?

Peripheral neuropathy can be caused by a variety of factors, including diabetes, infections, traumatic injuries, metabolic problems, inherited causes, and exposure to toxins. It results in damage to peripheral nerves, causing symptoms like weakness, numbness, and pain.


How can fibromyalgia be managed effectively?

Fibromyalgia can be managed with a combination of medications, exercise, stress-reduction measures, and cognitive behavioral therapy. It's important to have a comprehensive approach that addresses both physical and psychological aspects of the condition.


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