[48F] Experiencing numbness and urinary urgency

What might be happening

Based on the information provided, possible explanations for your symptoms include:

• Cervical Radiculopathy: This condition occurs when a nerve in the neck is irritated as it leaves the spinal canal. It can cause numbness, tingling, or pain in the shoulder, arm, and hand. It can also cause weakness and difficulty with gripping objects. The fact that you have a family history of disc disease could make this more likely.

  • Treatment often involves physical therapy, medications for pain relief, and in some cases, surgery.

• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: This condition is caused by pressure on the median nerve as it passes through the wrist, and it can cause numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand and fingers. However, it usually affects only the thumb, index, middle, and half of the ring finger, not the whole hand.

  • Treatment often involves wrist splints, avoiding activities that worsen symptoms, and sometimes surgery.

• Peripheral Neuropathy: This condition is caused by damage to the nerves outside of the brain and spinal cord. It can cause numbness, tingling, and pain in the hands and feet. There are many possible causes, including certain medications, vitamin deficiencies, and conditions like diabetes.

  • Treatment involves addressing the underlying cause, if it can be identified, and medications to manage symptoms.

The urinary urgency you're experiencing could be due to a separate issue, such as:

• Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): This is an infection in any part of your urinary system — your kidneys, bladder, ureters, and urethra. Most UTIs are caused by bacteria, but some are caused by viruses and fungi.

  • Treatment typically involves antibiotics to clear the infection.

• Overactive Bladder: This condition causes a sudden urge to urinate that may be difficult to control. You might feel the need to pass urine many times during the day and night, and may also experience incontinence.

  • Treatment can involve lifestyle strategies, bladder training exercises, medications, and sometimes surgery.

What you can do

1. Consult a healthcare professional: Given the duration and severity of your symptoms, it's important to seek medical attention. They can perform a physical examination and potentially order imaging studies or nerve conduction studies to help determine the cause of your symptoms.

2. Over-the-counter pain relief: Non-prescription medications like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) might help relieve your pain. However, they won't treat the underlying cause of your symptoms.

3. Rest and avoid aggravating activities: Try to rest your arm and avoid any activities that seem to make your symptoms worse.

4. Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water, to help prevent urinary tract infections.

What you should look out for

Please seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following:

• Sudden, severe pain in your arm, shoulder, or hand
• Loss of bowel or bladder control
• Difficulty walking or moving your limbs
• Any other symptoms that concern you

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 examination, testing, and care recommendations.