What Causes Numbness And Weakness In The Arms, Fingers And Toes?

Posted on Sat, 26 Nov 2016

Question: 5 months ago I was diagnosed with spinal stenosis and a bulging disc (after close to a year of increasing pain). I went through pain management and physical therapy, neither has worked. In the last few days I keep getting random numbness and weakness in my arms, fingers, toes and thigh. It feels like I am cutting off the circulation but I am just sitting or lying down with all extremities free from pressure. I have to move or manipulate the affected area for a few minutes to get feeling back. Is this new symptom something I should be concerned about? My dad has suggested I go to the ER, but I don't know that it is necessary. I am scheduled to meet with a neurosurgeon on Monday for a consultation. Can this wait a few more days or should I listen to my dad and seek immediate help?

Answered by Dr. Olsi Taka (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Can wait till Monday.

Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.

I do not think going to the ER is necessary. Certainly after several months of issues with no treatment a neurosurgical consult is necessary, your symptoms may indicate myelopathy spinal cord compression from the bulging disc, but since one has already been scheduled you can wait for that one, it is a chronic condition and you won't be intervened any earlier if you go to the ER.

Symptoms which might indicate a more acute compression needing urgent attention would be severe motor weakness with inability to move and especially urinary retention (inability to empty the bladder).

I remain at your disposal for other questions.

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar