That pins-and-needles sensation creeping up your leg, the glove-like numbness in your hands – it can be unnerving, to say the least. I see patients every day with these symptoms, with the question: “Could it be nerves, or something in my spine?”
Imagine your peripheral nerves as intricate cables relaying sensory and motor signals between your brain and limbs. When these cables get pinched, inflamed, or damaged, you get the party of paraesthesia – tingling, numbness, weakness, and even burning pain.
Now, let’s move to the command center – your spine. Herniated discs, bone spurs, and spinal stenosis can impinge on nerve roots as they exit the spinal column, mimicking some of those same nerve-tingling symptoms.
So, how do we figure out what is causing the tingling and numbness? A detailed history, thorough physical examination, specialized tests and spine imaging are used. The good news? Early diagnosis and intervention can often put you back on track.
If you’re experiencing these unsettling sensations, don’t hesitate to contact my office. We’re here to help you find the root cause of your symptoms and get you back to feeling like yourself again.
Dr. Darakchiev is a board-certified, fellowship-trained neurosurgeon skilled in diagnosing and treating a variety of brain, spine and peripheral nerve disorders. To schedule an appointment, please call 631-690-9080.
