Persistent Numbness in Neck and Limbs: Seeking Answers and Solutions

Numbness in the neck and limbs has persisted for one month?

A month ago, I went for rehabilitation to stretch my neck (this was my second visit), and I weigh 67 kilograms.
I pulled with 8 kilograms; although it was uncomfortable, I could tolerate it.
Later, I developed numbness in my upper limbs, which started from the left side of my face, chin, neck, hands, and feet.
Half a month later, it extended to the right side.
The numbness is persistent and sometimes feels like tingling.
During this time, I took B12 and muscle relaxants, but there was no improvement.
I underwent somatosensory nerve conduction studies, and the doctor said there were no issues with the upper limb conduction.
However, there seems to be a slight problem in the lower limbs related to the lumbar region, but it is only a minor abnormality, and I should continue exercising and monitoring it.
Over the past month, the numbness has shown some improvement, but every time I meditate and maintain the posture for over an hour (once a week), the numbness returns completely.
I would like to ask the doctor what other tests I should undergo to confirm the cause.
My meditation posture involves sitting upright with a straight back, and I often sit for more than an hour at work.
Why does the numbness keep recurring? The numbness has not disappeared in the past month; how can I achieve a complete cure? Thank you.

Xiao Lu, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/01/02

Dr. Lan Shengxing reply Neurology

Dear Little Green, if there are no other issues but only with your meditation posture, I recommend consulting a rehabilitation physician or a physical therapist to assess your meditation posture and duration to prevent beneficial practices from becoming a burden on your body.
Best regards, Blue Saint Star.

Reply Date: 2016/01/02

More Info

Persistent numbness in the neck and limbs can be a concerning symptom, and it’s important to understand the underlying causes and potential solutions. Based on your description, it seems that you have been experiencing numbness that started after a physical therapy session and has progressively affected both sides of your body. This numbness, along with the tingling sensations, can be indicative of several conditions, including nerve compression, cervical spine issues, or peripheral neuropathy.

Given that you have undergone nerve conduction studies and the results indicated that the upper limb conduction is normal while there are some abnormalities in the lower limbs, it suggests that there may be some involvement of the lumbar spine or peripheral nerves. The fact that the numbness worsens after maintaining certain postures, such as during meditation, could indicate that certain positions may be exacerbating nerve compression or irritation.

Here are some potential avenues to explore further:
1. Imaging Studies: If not already done, an MRI of the cervical and lumbar spine can provide detailed images of the spinal structures, helping to identify any herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or other abnormalities that may be compressing the nerves.

2. Physical Therapy: Continuing with physical therapy focused on strengthening and stabilizing the neck and back may help alleviate symptoms. A therapist can provide specific exercises to improve posture and reduce nerve compression.

3. Ergonomics: Evaluate your work environment and posture. Ensure that your workstation is ergonomically designed to minimize strain on your neck and back. Consider using a chair that supports your back and allows your feet to rest flat on the ground.

4. Lifestyle Modifications: Incorporating regular breaks during long periods of sitting can help. Stand up, stretch, and move around every 30-60 minutes to promote circulation and reduce nerve compression.

5. Alternative Therapies: Some patients find relief through acupuncture, chiropractic care, or massage therapy. These modalities may help alleviate muscle tension and improve nerve function.

6. Further Neurological Evaluation: If symptoms persist despite conservative measures, a referral to a neurologist for further evaluation may be warranted. They may consider additional tests, such as an electromyography (EMG), to assess the electrical activity of muscles and the health of the nerves.

7. Medication Review: Since you mentioned taking B12 and muscle relaxants without improvement, it may be worth discussing with your healthcare provider whether other medications or supplements might be beneficial, especially if there is an underlying condition such as vitamin deficiencies or nerve inflammation.

8. Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Since you practice meditation, consider incorporating mindfulness techniques that focus on relaxation and reducing muscle tension. This may help mitigate the recurrence of numbness during prolonged sitting.

In summary, persistent numbness can stem from various causes, and a comprehensive approach that includes imaging studies, physical therapy, ergonomic adjustments, and possibly further neurological evaluation is essential. It’s crucial to maintain open communication with your healthcare providers to tailor a treatment plan that addresses your specific symptoms and lifestyle. If the numbness continues to affect your quality of life, seeking a second opinion or further specialized care may also be beneficial.

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