Should I Be Concerned About Neck Pain and Numbness in My Arm and Leg?
Subject: 34-Year-Old Male, Weight: 73 kg (Background Information: I had been undergoing testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) while my testosterone levels were normal, but I discontinued the treatment approximately three months ago due to experiencing vision problems and sharp headaches.) Three days ago, while taking a walk, I suddenly experienced intense pain in my neck. This discomfort was quickly followed by numbness exclusively in my left leg, which also felt weak for a brief moment, making it difficult for me to control its movement. Now, after three days, the neck pain persists but has slightly improved. However, this morning I noticed similar symptoms in my left arm; it became numb and also exhibited a short-lived weakness that hindered my ability to move it normally. Even after several hours, there remains a slight feeling of weakness, although I can now move my arm correctly. Should I consider this an emergency situation, or is it something I can approach without immediate concern?
Answers (1)

7/9/2025, 8:50:42 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to be concerned about your neck pain and the numbness in your arm and leg, as these symptoms could indicate a serious health issue. Given your recent history with testosterone therapy and the sudden onset of these symptoms, it's crucial to assess the situation carefully.
Key Points:
- Symptoms of Concern: Intense neck pain, along with numbness and weakness in one arm and leg, may indicate a neurological issue or a problem in your cervical spine.
- Previous Health Context: Your recent discontinuation of testosterone therapy and accompanying vision problems could complicate your condition, making it important to carefully evaluate your new symptoms.
Explanation:
Numbness and weakness in limbs can arise from various causes, such as nerve compression (often seen in herniated discs), cervical radiculopathy (nerve root issues in the neck), or even neurological conditions. While less common, your symptoms could also potentially relate to issues in the spinal cord or other nervous system functions.
Immediate Steps to Take:
-
Monitor Symptoms:
- Keep a detailed log of when symptoms occur, their intensity, and any accompanying changes (e.g., pain, vision issues).
-
Rest and Avoid Strain:
- Refrain from activities that may worsen your neck pain or numbness. Resting can help your muscles recover.
-
Manage Pain:
- Over-the-counter pain relievers (like ibuprofen or acetaminophen) can help reduce discomfort, but follow package instructions.
-
Seek Immediate Attention if:
- Symptoms suddenly worsen.
- You experience new symptoms like severe headaches, difficulty walking, problems with vision, loss of bladder or bowel control, or increased weakness.
- There's a chance of a more serious condition, especially with the combination of your symptoms and history.
While occasional neck pain is often not a cause for alarm, your symptoms appear to have increased in severity and complexity. Given these factors, it is advisable to reach out to a healthcare provider as soon as possible to evaluate the situation thoroughly. They may recommend imaging tests and a neurological examination to determine the underlying cause of your symptoms. Please prioritize your health and seek the necessary guidance.
Related Questions
My Experience with Barrett's Esophagus in Just Five Weeks
Age: 24, Female Asthma diagnosed alongside Barrett's Esophagus I’ll keep this brief, but I feel it’s important to share my experience. I met with my primary care physician yesterday, who discovered several lumps at the back of my neck; these were not causing me any discomfort. I’ve been feeling quite unwell lately; I keep experiencing fevers even though there’s no clear source of infection—last night, I visited the ER, and all my blood tests came back normal. Additionally, I’ve been struggling significantly with swallowing both medication and food. While I won’t detail every symptom, I can say that I’ve been feeling incredibly low, and it’s hard not to break down in tears because of how awful everything feels. I’m currently awaiting the results from my biopsy. On a positive note, I have a forthcoming appointment with the internal medicine department at MD Anderson, so I’m hopeful that I’ll find some answers and relief soon. I apologize for venting, but I really needed an outlet for how jumbled my thoughts are right now.
Managing Stepladder Anterolisthesis Symptoms
F27 - I was recently diagnosed by an orthopedic specialist with multi-level stepladder anterolisthesis, which is presumably linked to an existing hypermobility disorder. Currently, I am awaiting an MRI to determine the extent of the condition, along with some nerve assessments since there is a possibility of an upper motor neuron lesion as well. As I wait for these appointments, I am seeking advice on how to alleviate my symptoms. Unfortunately, my sleep has been quite poor because of persistent neck pain, despite using a soft neck brace while resting. Additionally, I experience significant fatigue after minimal activity, as I have spent a lot of time lying down. Are there any strategies or products that could help make daily life more manageable? Perhaps a different type of pillow, an alternative neck brace, or specific exercises? Moreover, could someone provide insight into the treatment options available for this condition? My physician prefers not to discuss potential treatments until after the MRI results are in, but I would appreciate any information in the meantime.
When Should I Seek Help for Ongoing Ovarian Cyst Symptoms?
I’m a 23-year-old woman living in the U.S., and I’ve been experiencing intermittent sharp pain in my pelvic region accompanied by swelling since December 2024. Early in December, I underwent imaging tests that revealed the presence of small cysts measuring about 2 to 3 centimeters on each ovary. The medical professionals informed me that these cysts would likely resolve without intervention within six months, especially since I can’t use hormonal birth control due to migraines with aura, and my previous attempt with Slynd was unsuccessful. However, by January, I was grappling with pain, pressure, and frequent urges to urinate, which ultimately prompted a visit to the emergency room for a CT scan. The results were similar; the cysts remained unchanged. Eight months have passed since my initial diagnosis, and even though the discomfort has lessened, I still experience various symptoms, including pain during sex, discomfort when I need to have a bowel movement, and severe ovulation pain that feels like stabbing. I've noticed that consuming alcohol exacerbates the pain and the sensation of pressure. I am contemplating returning for another imaging test, yet I suspect I might spend another $300 only to hear that the cysts are still non-complicated and will resolve naturally. Is it worth going back for another evaluation?
Reflecting on My Mother’s Undiagnosed Cancer: A Personal Journey
My mother, who was 77 years old, stood at 5 feet tall and weighed 107 pounds. She was of Filipino descent. Tragically, two weeks ago, she succumbed to a cardiac arrest while undergoing treatment in the ICU for a pulmonary embolism. Just prior to her passing, we received some disheartening news regarding a recent cancer diagnosis. Reviewing her radiology reports leaves us questioning how we had overlooked the severity of her condition and how long the cancer may have been present before it was identified. During her annual health screening in February, her blood tests were within normal limits. It wasn’t until May that she began to voice concerns about pain in her back and neck. By early June, her condition had deteriorated; she had lost her appetite, felt increasingly weak, and experienced difficulty with her breathing. On her third visit to her primary care physician, she requested a CEA blood test, which had previously been part of her follow-up since her breast cancer diagnosis in 2000. The results were alarming, displaying a CEA level of 800. Shortly thereafter, the discovery of a pulmonary embolism led her to the emergency room, and within a week, we lost her. It was shocking to witness her rapid decline from a state of relative fitness to being confined to a hospital bed. **Cervical Spine MRI with and without Contrast Findings** 1. Extensive metastatic cancer involvement in the spinal column, with no pathological fractures observed. 2. Suspicion of early anterior epidural neoplasm at the T11, T12, L5, and S1 vertebral levels. 3. Possible 4 mm leptomeningeal tumor versus a benign schwannoma located at the L1-L2 level. 4. Presence of cerebellar metastasis. **Brain MRI with and without Contrast Findings** 1. Multiple small enhancing lesions dispersed throughout the cerebral and cerebellar regions, indicating metastatic disease without significant mass effect. 2. Small linear area of enhancement in the left internal auditory canal, raising concerns for metastasis. 3. Enhancing lesions within the clivus consistent with bony metastases. This experience has left me grappling with an overwhelming sense of loss and confusion about how we missed the signs, and it has prompted me to reflect deeply on the need for thorough and ongoing medical oversight, especially for patients with a history of cancer.
Could My Discharge Indicate Desquamative Inflammatory Vaginitis? Testing Showed Negative Results
Age: 30 Sex: Female Height: 1.60 m Weight: 50 kg Ethnicity: Greek Length of Symptoms: Ongoing Residence: Turkey Are there any significant medical conditions? None Current Medications: None