Concerns About Spinal Cord Symptoms
I’m a 39-year-old male, standing at 6 feet 3 inches and weighing 195 pounds, with no notable history of significant injuries to my head or neck. It might be worth mentioning that I’m in recovery from alcoholism, and it’s been nearly four years since my last drink. Each summer, I participate in triathlons. While swimming is my strongest event, I have dedicated the past six months to enhancing my running and cycling skills. Due to a problematic shoulder that has been particularly troublesome, I had completely avoided swimming and was focusing on physical therapy instead. Just a couple of days ago, I decided to jump back into swimming. Unfortunately, only a few hundred yards in, I began to experience tingling sensations in my hands, followed shortly by similar feelings in my feet. Additionally, when I extended my neck, I felt shooting pain radiating down my back and into my limbs. This prompted me to leave the pool. Throughout the day, I noticed that extending my neck would reproduce the frightening symptoms, which I then took care to avoid. Even after stopping, the tips of my fingers remained partially numb for more than a day. Interestingly, I had a massage scheduled the following day, and the therapist noted that my neck and upper back muscles were in poor condition. I recalled an episode from about 8 to 10 years ago when I would also experience muscle spasms in my arms if I extended my neck excessively or encountered axial pressure on my head. This issue had faded from my memory, as it hadn’t occurred for quite some time. Overall, I’m feeling quite anxious about these developments. Does anyone have insights into what might be going on?
Answers (1)
3/29/2025, 7:01:06 PM
OpenHealth AI
It’s understandable to feel anxious about these troubling symptoms, especially considering their sudden onset during an activity you enjoy. The tingling in your hands and feet, along with the pain radiating down your back, suggests that there may be some neurological involvement or strain related to your neck and upper back. This combination of symptoms can sometimes indicate a problem with the spinal cord or nerves, such as cervical radiculopathy, which can occur from issues like herniated discs or spinal stenosis.
Explanation
Your symptoms, especially the tingling and numbness following neck extension, could result from irritation or compression of nerves in the cervical spine (the neck area). The fact that you also experienced similar symptoms years ago suggests a potential recurring issue. Poor muscle condition in the neck and upper back, as indicated by your massage therapist, might contribute to this problem by creating tension that affects nerve function.
Next Steps
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Limit Neck Extension: Try to avoid movements that cause pain or reproduce your symptoms, like extending your neck or putting pressure on your head.
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Gentle Stretching and Strengthening: Consider introducing gentle neck stretches and strengthening exercises aimed at your neck and upper back, focusing on reducing tension and improving stability. A physical therapist can help guide this process safely.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of when the symptoms occur and any changes over the next few days. Note the activities that seem to trigger or worsen them.
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Rest from Swimming: While swimming is great for fitness, it may be best to take a break from it until you feel confident about your neck and back stability.
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Consider Heat or Ice Therapy: Applying heat may help relax tight muscles, while ice can reduce inflammation if you experience any swelling or acute pain.
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Seek Professional Evaluation: Since you’ve experienced symptoms that are concerning, it’s advisable to see a healthcare professional for a comprehensive evaluation. They may recommend imaging studies or further assessments to understand the condition of your spine.
Keeping a proactive and attentive approach will help you address these symptoms effectively. If symptoms worsen or you experience new ones, especially related to coordination, balance, or bowel and bladder control, seek medical attention urgently. Remember, you’re not alone in this, and it’s important to take care of your body as you recover and continue to participate in triathlons.
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