Medical Questions » Nerves Questions » Question No. 731
| Question: | I have a numb patch to one side of my spine. I often feel a twinge or burning sensation in this area, i have noticed the numbness for some time, and it seems to be getting worse. Your advice on this matter would be appreciated. |
| Answer: | Almost certainly the small nerve that supplies the area of the back that has become numb, has been pinched as it emerges from the spinal cord, and has now ceased to function. The pain or burning that you feel at times will be caused by pinching of the nerves immediately beside the damaged one.
The problem should not be ignored, as it may be an early sign of a more significant problem. If caught early, treatment is easier and more effective.
There are a number of possible causes for a nerve being pinched, most of which are not serious, but occasionally a tumour may be responsible, and this problem must therefore be fully investigated. The first step is to have an X-ray of the back at the level of the numb patch to see if there is some damage to the vertebrae, or arthritis in the joints of the back.
Whatever the diagnosis, I doubt that the numb patch will ever regain its normal sensation, but this will be an inconvenience and not serious.
|
|
|
