Spine Issues: Treatment for Chronic Pain and Numbness

Medical consultation

For over a decade, I have been unable to sleep on a hard mattress due to discomfort in my lower spine.
When I bend forward, I can only reach just below my knees.
After returning home from work, when I take a nap on my side, my legs become numb in less than five minutes, although this is less of an issue at night.
When sitting in a chair, my legs also become numb after a short period.
Additionally, I have recently experienced involuntary shaking of my left thumb while writing at a desk, which lasted for about one to two days.
In the past, I occasionally noticed similar twitching at the corner of my mouth.
What treatment options are available for these issues?

Wang, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2000/11/18

Dr. Pan Yingda reply Rehabilitation

First, let's discuss the issue of shaking, which can be attributed to three reasons: 1.
The body (hands and feet) may trigger certain reflex responses in specific positions; try changing your posture.
2.
Muscles release energy, and prolonged muscle tension or excessive fatigue can lead to these phenomena.
3.
Nerve damage, which is progressive and accompanied by muscle atrophy, will not simply resolve after a day or two of twitching.
So, there’s no need to worry; it’s not a serious issue.

Regarding age, what are your thoughts? Don’t just consider your age on your ID, which is under forty; your physical age may be different.
Have you seen sixty-year-old women with better flexibility and fitness than you? People often spend a lot of time, energy, and money on appearances while neglecting their bodies.
All symptoms are merely signals to draw our attention to these issues, rather than just focusing on alleviating the symptoms.

Here are my suggestions: 1.
Improve your flexibility with stretching exercises.
2.
Engage in activities that make you sweat.
3.
Be mindful of your posture; avoid maintaining the same position or performing the same movement for too long.
Take care!

Reply Date: 2000/11/18

More Info

Understanding spine issues, especially when they lead to chronic pain and numbness, can be quite complex. Based on your description, it seems you are experiencing a range of symptoms that could be indicative of underlying spinal or neurological issues. Here’s a comprehensive overview of potential causes, treatment options, and preventive measures.

Potential Causes
1. Spinal Degeneration: Over time, the intervertebral discs can degenerate, leading to conditions such as herniated discs or spinal stenosis. These conditions can compress nearby nerves, resulting in pain, numbness, or tingling sensations in the legs and feet.

2. Nerve Compression: Conditions like sciatica, where the sciatic nerve is compressed, can cause pain that radiates down the leg, often accompanied by numbness or weakness. This could explain the numbness you feel when sitting or lying down.

3. Poor Posture: Long-term poor posture can lead to muscle imbalances and strain on the spine, exacerbating pain and discomfort. This is particularly relevant if you spend long hours sitting or engaging in activities that require bending.

4. Neurological Issues: The involuntary shaking of your thumb could suggest a neurological issue, such as carpal tunnel syndrome or another form of nerve entrapment. The fact that you’ve experienced similar symptoms in your facial muscles may indicate a broader neurological concern.

Treatment Options
1. Physical Therapy: Engaging in a structured physical therapy program can help strengthen the muscles supporting your spine, improve flexibility, and correct posture. A physical therapist can tailor exercises to your specific needs, focusing on core stability and spinal alignment.

2. Medication: Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), can help manage pain and inflammation. If your pain is severe, your doctor may prescribe stronger medications or muscle relaxants.

3. Ergonomic Adjustments: Modifying your workspace to ensure proper posture can alleviate some discomfort. Consider using an ergonomic chair, adjusting your desk height, or using a standing desk to reduce the strain on your spine.

4. Chiropractic Care: Chiropractic adjustments may help realign the spine and relieve pressure on nerves. However, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider to ensure this is a suitable option for your condition.

5. Injections: In some cases, corticosteroid injections may be recommended to reduce inflammation around the nerves and provide temporary relief from pain.

6. Surgery: If conservative treatments fail and your symptoms persist or worsen, surgical options may be considered. This could involve decompression surgery to relieve pressure on nerves or spinal fusion to stabilize the spine.

Preventive Measures
1. Regular Exercise: Engaging in low-impact activities such as swimming, walking, or yoga can help maintain spinal health and improve overall fitness.

2. Posture Awareness: Being mindful of your posture while sitting, standing, and lifting can prevent further strain on your spine. Practice good ergonomics in your daily activities.

3. Weight Management: Maintaining a healthy weight reduces the load on your spine and can alleviate pain.

4. Stretching: Incorporating regular stretching into your routine can improve flexibility and reduce muscle tension.

5. Stress Management: Stress can exacerbate pain perception. Techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, or deep-breathing exercises can help manage stress levels.

Conclusion
Given the complexity of your symptoms, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare professional who can conduct a thorough evaluation, including imaging studies like MRI or CT scans, to identify the exact cause of your pain and numbness. Early intervention can significantly improve your quality of life and prevent further complications. If you experience any new or worsening symptoms, such as loss of bladder or bowel control, or significant weakness in your legs, seek immediate medical attention.

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