[49F] Experiencing tingling extremities and neck-related discomfort

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, possible diagnoses include:

• Cervical Spondylosis: This is a general term for age-related wear and tear affecting the spinal disks in your neck. As the disks dehydrate and shrink, signs of osteoarthritis develop, including bony projections along the edges of bones (bone spurs). Cervical spondylosis is very common and worsens with age. More than 85 percent of people older than age 60 are affected by cervical spondylosis. Most people experience no symptoms from these problems. When symptoms do occur, nonsurgical treatments often are effective.

  • Treatment typically involves physical therapy, pain medication, and sometimes surgery.

• Peripheral Neuropathy: This results from 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. Peripheral neuropathy can result from traumatic injuries, infections, metabolic problems, inherited causes and exposure to toxins. One of the most common causes is diabetes.

  • Treatment involves managing the condition causing your neuropathy and relieving symptoms with medication.

• Fibromyalgia: This is a disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain accompanied by fatigue, sleep, memory and mood issues. Researchers believe that fibromyalgia amplifies painful sensations by affecting the way your brain and spinal cord process painful and nonpainful signals.

  • Treatment involves a variety of self-care measures and medications to help manage the symptoms.

Please remember that these are just possibilities and not a definitive diagnosis. You should consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis.

What you can do

1. Try to rest and avoid activities that aggravate your symptoms.
2. Over-the-counter pain relievers might help, but don't use them for more than a week without consulting a doctor.
3. Gentle stretching exercises can sometimes help reduce neck pain and stiffness.
4. If you have diabetes, maintaining good blood sugar control might help prevent neuropathy.

What you should look out for

Reasons to see a doctor more urgently:

• If your symptoms worsen or don't improve after a week
• If you have severe pain or weakness
• If you have trouble walking or moving your arms
• If you have trouble controlling your bladder or bowels
• If you have a high fever or a stiff neck, which could be signs of a serious infection.