Numbness and Blood Flow Issues in Neck and Limbs

Numbness in the hands, feet, back, and neck, as well as concerns related to blood flow during turning?

Hello Doctor: From November 27 to 29, I often felt tingling in my fingers, palms, and soles, mostly very mild and barely noticeable, without affecting my activities.
Additionally, I sometimes felt slight tingling in my neck, back, and shoulders.
However, since the evening of November 29, I have frequently experienced a tingling and warm sensation in my neck, and the tingling in my shoulders and back has become quite noticeable and frequent.
Sometimes, I even feel it in my chest.
These sensations are more pronounced when I am sitting.
My hands rarely feel tingling now, and my feet have also experienced it less frequently.
Furthermore, since the evening of the 29th, when I lie flat and turn over, I often feel a rush of blood quickly flowing to my head.
Since the evening of December 1, I have also felt this sensation when turning while lying on my side (though it is less pronounced in that position).
Additionally, I have a slight S-shaped scoliosis, measured at 9 degrees and 11 degrees when I was 20 years old.
I often have poor posture, frequently slouching and exhibiting a "turtle neck" posture.
I would like to ask: 1.
Does the sensation of a rush of blood to my head when I lie down and turn indicate that my blood vessels are being compressed, preventing blood flow to the brain? Could this lead to cerebral ischemia? Also, if there is a large amount of blood flowing to the brain during turning, could my blood vessels potentially be unable to withstand it? 2.
What could be the causes of the aforementioned symptoms, including the tingling in my hands, feet, neck, back, shoulders, and chest? What examinations should I undergo? 3.
I experienced unexplained fever on November 29 and 30; could this be related to my concerns in questions 1 and 2, or could it possibly be due to my anxiety (I had trouble sleeping on November 28 and 29)? I am very worried that these symptoms may be due to a blood clot, bone spurs, or some compression of the carotid or vertebral arteries, which has caused me significant anxiety.
Thank you for your response!

Qing Chen, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/12/03

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology

Good morning, Miss.
You mentioned experiencing "numbness and tingling, particularly in the shoulders and back, which is quite pronounced and frequent...
and feeling a significant rush of blood to the head when turning over." This may warrant consideration of dynamic changes in blood flow due to cervical spine issues.
Typically, during a cold or when the body is relatively dehydrated and inflamed, muscle tightness is more likely to occur.
Generally, the blood vessels in our neck can withstand very high blood flow.
Blood pressure can tolerate levels of 220-240 mmHg concerning cervical vascular issues, and a carotid ultrasound examination can be considered.
You also mentioned "numbness in the hands, feet, neck, back, shoulders, and chest," which may relate to symptoms of hyperventilation.
Thank you for your inquiry, and feel free to discuss any related questions! Wishing you good health and peace.
Dr.
Jiang Junyi, Taoyuan Medical Center, cares about you.

Reply Date: 2023/12/03

More Info

It sounds like you're experiencing a complex array of symptoms that could be related to several underlying issues. Let's break down your concerns and address them systematically.

1. Blood Flow Sensation When Lying Down: The sensation of blood rushing to your head when you turn over in bed could be due to several factors. When you lie down, especially if you have poor posture or spinal alignment issues (like your S-shaped scoliosis), certain blood vessels may become compressed. This compression can lead to a temporary increase in blood flow sensation as you change positions. However, this does not typically indicate a serious issue unless accompanied by other symptoms like severe headaches, dizziness, or visual disturbances. It is unlikely that this would cause significant ischemia (lack of blood flow) to the brain unless there is a pre-existing vascular condition. If you experience persistent or severe symptoms, it would be wise to consult a healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation.

2. Numbness and Tingling: The numbness and tingling in your fingers, hands, and feet, as well as the sensations in your neck, back, and shoulders, could be indicative of nerve compression or irritation. This could stem from cervical spine issues, such as herniated discs or degenerative changes, which can affect the nerves that exit the spinal column. Poor posture, particularly the "turtle neck" posture you mentioned, can exacerbate these problems by placing additional strain on the cervical spine and surrounding muscles. A thorough neurological examination and imaging studies, such as an MRI of the cervical spine, would be beneficial to identify any structural abnormalities.

3. Fever and Anxiety: The unexplained fever you experienced on November 29 and 30 could be related to an infection or inflammatory process, which may or may not be connected to your other symptoms. Stress and anxiety can also manifest physically, leading to symptoms such as muscle tension, which might contribute to your discomfort. It's important to monitor your fever and any accompanying symptoms. If the fever persists or is accompanied by other concerning signs (like significant fatigue, weight loss, or persistent pain), you should seek medical attention.

4. Concerns About Blood Clots or Other Serious Conditions: Your anxiety regarding potential blood clots or cervical artery compression is understandable, especially given the symptoms you've described. While these conditions can cause similar symptoms, they are less common. A healthcare provider can perform specific tests to rule out vascular issues, such as Doppler ultrasound for blood flow assessment or CT angiography if necessary.

In summary, your symptoms warrant a comprehensive evaluation by a healthcare professional, ideally a neurologist or an orthopedic specialist. They can perform a detailed history and physical examination, order appropriate imaging studies, and help determine the underlying cause of your symptoms. Addressing your posture and incorporating ergonomic adjustments in your daily life may also provide relief. Additionally, managing stress through relaxation techniques or counseling could help alleviate some of the physical manifestations of anxiety. Please prioritize seeking medical advice to ensure a thorough assessment and appropriate management of your symptoms.

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