Nerve Pain and Weakness in Hands and Feet: A Patient's Journey

Numbness and tingling in both hands, weakness in both legs?

Since March of last year, I started feeling a foreign sensation behind my occiput upon waking up one day.
I consulted a doctor and took medication, but it did not improve.
Later, the foreign sensation suddenly disappeared, and I began to experience numbness in my hands.
This marked the beginning of my medical journey… I had hand numbness and cervical spine pain, and the doctor said my cervical spine was too straight.
The numbness would wake me up at night, and I struggled to fall back asleep.
I then visited a psychiatrist, who suggested it was related to my autonomic nervous system, and prescribed medication, which I became increasingly reliant on.
I noticed that both my hands and feet felt numb (at that time, I was undergoing rehabilitation for neck stretching), and eventually, my face also felt slightly numb.
I went to the hospital, where the doctor arranged for nerve conduction studies and indicated that one of my central nerves was slower from head to toe.
I was admitted for further examination, including a spinal tap and a series of tests.
Upon discharge, I was told I had a "herniated disc," and my cerebrospinal fluid was fine last year.
After discharge, my symptoms stabilized at hand swelling and numbness, accompanied by weakness; I often had to shake my hands to regain some strength.
Later, I noticed tightness in my fingers, especially at the base of my thumbs, with my left hand being more affected.
I also felt discomfort in my cervical spine (and had a sensation that my neck and brain were somewhat disconnected).
I then sought treatment with a small needle knife, where the doctor adjusted me, and I felt a sudden reconnection between my neck and brain.
However, the numbness and swelling in my hands (especially the tightness at the base of my thumbs) and cervical spine pain remained unresolved.
My hand weakness often required me to shake or bend my fingers to feel better.
Subsequently, I noticed my legs started to feel weak, and I experienced lower back pain.
Upon waking, my cervical spine felt very uncomfortable, my hands were swollen, and my legs felt weak, leading to a day filled with discomfort.
I was determined and sought help from a neurologist at Shuanghe Hospital, who arranged for nerve conduction studies for my legs.
I also requested additional needle electromyography, despite the doctor’s initial concern about the pain associated with the tests.
I insisted on wanting to understand the cause.
When the reports from the nerve conduction studies and electromyography came back, it showed that two of my nerve conductions were indeed slower, and it was bilateral.
The doctor then suggested scheduling an MRI of my lumbar spine.
I am still awaiting the results of that examination.

What I want to know is what could be causing the numbness and pain in both hands, along with weakness in my legs.
By the way, three weeks after my COVID-19 diagnosis on August 20, I began experiencing a foreign sensation in my throat and discomfort while swallowing.
Currently, my symptoms are as follows: 1.
In the morning, I wake up with swollen hands, but the numbness has decreased.
2.
I often feel my legs are weaker, including a soft feeling when standing for a while, and my muscles occasionally twitch without a fixed point, more so in my lower limbs.
3.
When my hands feel weak, I shake or bend them, which helps a bit; sometimes the numbness and pain are so severe that I need to take painkillers for relief, but the tightness persists.
4.
My cervical spine has always been uncomfortable and feels stiff.
5.
I have a foreign sensation in my throat (around September 12).

Could this be multiple sclerosis? Neuritis? An autoimmune disease? Diabetes? A herniated disc? Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis? CIDP? Sometimes I wonder… what is wrong with me? This has been ongoing for a year and a half now… I feel panicked and helpless about the progressive discomfort.
What other specialties should I consult to thoroughly identify and resolve the issue? Sometimes, the discomfort makes me think, "Maybe I should just have surgery to see if it helps," since my problem seems to be from top to bottom, and this sensation is something I constantly feel, with no one able to truly understand.
Of course, it’s not as simple as "thinking too much or just relaxing." I appreciate the doctors, and I would be immensely grateful for any response! I am a person who has lost hope and feels anxious… Sincerely.

Vicky, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/10/05

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology

Dear Miss Vicky,
You mentioned "Multiple sclerosis? Neuritis? Autoimmune diseases? Diabetes? Herniated disc? Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis? CIDP?...
Which specialty should I consult to thoroughly identify and resolve the issue?" You also noted that "the discomfort in my cervical spine has persisted, with a sensation of something stuck in my throat (around September 12)." This could potentially be explained by cervical myofascial inflammation and sympathetic nervous system overactivation.
From my clinical perspective, bodily ailments are dynamic and subject to change.
Medical treatment is adjusted according to these changes.
However, Western medicine tends to categorize diseases for efficiency in management.
The new generation of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is also adopting a specialized approach.
Traditional TCM, on the other hand, views various symptoms through a holistic lens.
If you are troubled by your condition, I recommend considering a change in your healthcare model.
As a principle, seek a nearby hospital with an emergency department that integrates medical information within the same facility.
Changing physicians and exploring different treatment perspectives can be beneficial, as well as understanding the purpose and timing of each medication.
Additionally, many muscle and nerve issues can be addressed by seeking professional physical therapy.
It is advisable to maintain ergonomic postures—lying down, sitting, and standing—to reduce nerve compression.
Thank you for your inquiry.
If you have further questions, feel free to discuss them!
Wishing you good health, peace, and joy.
Dr.
Jiang Junyi, Tao Medical Center

Reply Date: 2022/10/05

More Info

Understanding nerve pain and weakness in the hands and feet can be a complex journey, particularly when symptoms are persistent and multifaceted. Based on your description, it seems you have been experiencing a range of neurological symptoms, including numbness, tingling, weakness, and discomfort in both your hands and feet, along with neck pain and a sensation of tightness. These symptoms have understandably caused you significant distress and uncertainty regarding your health.

From a medical perspective, the symptoms you describe could be attributed to several potential underlying conditions. Given your history of cervical spine issues, including a diagnosis of a herniated disc, it is plausible that nerve compression or irritation in the cervical region could be contributing to the numbness and weakness in your arms and hands. The cervical spine houses the spinal cord and nerve roots that innervate the upper extremities, and any structural abnormalities, such as disc herniation, can lead to neurological symptoms.

Moreover, the presence of bilateral symptoms (affecting both sides of the body) raises the possibility of systemic conditions that could affect nerve function. Conditions such as multiple sclerosis (MS), diabetic neuropathy, or chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) could present with similar symptoms. MS, for instance, is an autoimmune disorder that affects the central nervous system and can cause a wide range of neurological symptoms, including sensory disturbances and motor weakness. Diabetic neuropathy is a common complication of diabetes that can lead to peripheral nerve damage, resulting in numbness and weakness, particularly in the feet and hands.

Your mention of experiencing throat discomfort and a sensation of a foreign body could also suggest a possible connection to your neurological symptoms. In some cases, conditions affecting the cervical spine can lead to referred sensations or discomfort in the throat area, especially if there is nerve involvement.

The diagnostic process you have undergone, including nerve conduction studies and electromyography (EMG), is crucial in identifying the nature of your nerve issues. These tests can help determine if there is nerve damage, compression, or other abnormalities affecting nerve function. Additionally, imaging studies such as MRI of the cervical spine can provide valuable information regarding the structural integrity of the spine and any potential sources of nerve compression.

Given the complexity of your symptoms and the potential for multiple underlying causes, it may be beneficial to consult with a neurologist who specializes in neuromuscular disorders. They can provide a comprehensive evaluation and may recommend further testing or referrals to other specialists, such as an endocrinologist if diabetes or other metabolic conditions are suspected.

In terms of management, addressing the underlying cause of your symptoms is essential. This may involve physical therapy to improve neck and spinal alignment, pain management strategies, and possibly medication to address nerve pain or inflammation. Lifestyle modifications, such as regular exercise, maintaining a healthy diet, and managing stress, can also play a significant role in improving overall well-being and potentially alleviating some symptoms.

It is understandable to feel overwhelmed and anxious about your health, especially when symptoms persist without clear answers. Seeking support from healthcare professionals, as well as mental health resources, can be beneficial in managing the emotional toll of chronic health issues. Remember that you are not alone in this journey, and there are healthcare providers who can help you navigate these challenges and work towards finding a resolution to your symptoms.

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