Concerns about a Potential Spinal Tumor
I am a 16-year-old grappling with health anxiety. For the past five months, I've experienced an unusual tingling sensation on the left side of my spine. While it isn't painful, it's difficult for me to describe. This feeling compels me to stretch, twist, or lie down to alleviate it, but nothing seems to help. Initially, it would subside for a while, but now it's a persistent issue. Just yesterday, I noticed it radiating towards my left ribcage, and this morning I woke up with discomfort in that area. Recently, I consulted an orthopedic specialist due to weakness and localized pain in my right leg. They performed X-rays on my knee and lower back, but the results were normal, and they prescribed medication. I regret not mentioning my spinal discomfort during that visit, as I initially thought it was related to my posture. However, the issue has not improved. Additionally, I've noticed a change in my ability to urinate; it has become somewhat difficult, particularly when around others, although I don't usually have trouble in private. Moreover, I've been feeling more awkward lately, often dropping my phone and keys, and having moments where I lose my balance. Despite understanding how rare such conditions are, I find it challenging to convince myself that this isn't something serious.
Answers (1)
8/15/2025, 12:41:22 AM
OpenHealth AI
It’s understandable to feel anxious when experiencing unusual physical sensations, especially those that have persisted for several months. Your concerns about tingling, discomfort, and changes in balance and urination could stem from various benign causes, but they also warrant careful attention. It's vital to ensure you can address these sensations while managing your health anxiety.
Explanation:
The symptoms you've described, including tingling along your spine, changes in urination, and coordination issues, can arise from multiple sources. They could relate to nerve issues, muscle tension, or anxiety, but it’s essential to rule out more serious concerns like spinal conditions or neurological disorders.
Given that you’ve already seen an orthopedic specialist, it’s positive that they performed appropriate diagnostic tests. However, since you didn’t discuss all your symptoms during that visit, it might be beneficial to reassess your situation comprehensively.
Next Steps:
-
Document Symptoms: Start a symptom diary where you clearly note when you experience tingling, discomfort, changes in urination, and balance issues. Include details about any triggers or factors that make the sensations better or worse. This will help you articulate your concerns more thoroughly in future consultations.
-
Health Professional Visit: Schedule an appointment with a healthcare professional, preferably a neurologist or your primary care physician. Prepare to discuss ALL of your symptoms, including the changes in urination, tingling, and loss of balance. Bringing your symptom diary can help provide a clearer picture.
-
Engage in Relaxation Techniques: Practice techniques to manage anxiety, such as mindfulness, meditation, or yoga. Stress can often amplify physical sensations and concerns about health, so finding ways to relax might help reduce anxiety and improve your overall emotional well-being.
-
Avoid Self-Diagnosis: While trying to identify potential causes of your symptoms, avoid jumping to conclusions about serious conditions. Instead, focus on relaying your experiences to professionals who can provide accurate evaluations and guidance.
-
Stay Active but Cautious: Gentle physical activity, such as walking or stretching, can help maintain mobility and reduce stiffness, but avoid any movements that exacerbate your discomfort. Ensure to listen to your body and rest as needed.
These steps prioritize addressing your physical symptoms while nurturing your mental health. It's natural to feel anxious about uncertainties in your health, but taking proactive, informed steps can help ease your worries and guide you toward clarity and relief.
Related Questions
Seeking Answers for Unexplained Skin Irritation
COMMENTS WITH IMAGES. 29-year-old female of Caucasian descent. Previous medical history includes bilateral salpingectomy and right oophorectomy. Psychiatric background features bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety. Current medications involve Zepbound, Bupropion, Wellbutrin, and Lamictal, which has been a consistent part of my routine over the years. Additionally, I take Hydroxyzine and Trazodone. I’m dealing with some perplexing bites, welts, or a rash that I've noticed, localized solely on my ankles and shins. It’s important to mention that these areas are not warm to the touch, and I've observed no alterations in the appearance, size, or shape of these lesions over the past couple of days. The only symptom accompanying this is an intense itch. The itchiness is quite severe! I've thoroughly inspected my living space, including my bed and furniture, searching for any indications of bed bugs, which happens to be my biggest concern. However, I’ve come up empty-handed, checking even behind the outlet and vent covers. I also sleep without any clothing. My roommate has pets, so there is a possibility these could be flea bites. But is it common for reactions to fleas to appear this way? I can’t recall ever experiencing a flea bite before, at least none that left a significant impression. I do recognize that there are certain plants or insects in my backyard that result in a rash and welts that bear some resemblance to what I have now, although they are not identical. Last year, I encountered a similar situation that led me to suspect a Lamictal-induced rash, although multiple doctor visits confirmed that was not the case. Above all, I am looking for reassurance that this isn't associated with bed bugs. If anyone has alternate theories, I’d greatly appreciate your insights. Skin issues can often be quite ambiguous. Thank you for your assistance!
Concerns About Possible Meningitis in My Toddler
I’m seeking some insights regarding my daughter, who is nearly two years old in September. My child, a 23-month-old girl weighing around 24 pounds and measuring approximately 35 inches, has had no significant medical history aside from experiencing ear infections previously. Recently, there was a troubling incident that started on Monday night, and it continued into Thursday. She was unusually upset, crying for about three hours—a behavior that’s quite out of character for her. Although she seemed to recover somewhat on Tuesday morning, showing signs of fatigue, I decided to send her to the babysitter. Later, I received a message indicating that she had been intermittently lying on the ground and appearing very tired, with her temperature reaching 99.9°F. Concerned, I asked my mother to pick her up and ensure she received medication for her fever, especially since my son has a history of febrile seizures, which makes us vigilant about managing fevers early on. I promptly contacted her pediatrician’s office to rule out another ear infection as the source of her fever—a frequent issue for her. Fortunately, the doctor found her ears in excellent condition, though her throat exhibited slight redness. The diagnosis was viral, and we were advised to alternate between Tylenol and Advil to assist with her recovery. However, her condition seems to be worsening over the past couple of days. Tonight, her fever climbed to 103.6°F, and she has shown no interest in eating or drinking. Her energy levels are extremely low, and she seems disengaged, often crying and pointing to the same spot on her head—something she has never done before. Upon further reflection, I recalled some unusual behavior from earlier today. While drinking her milk from a straw cup, I noticed that when she tilted her head forward, her body would stiffen, and there was an almost jerking motion. Initially, my father and I attributed it to her being tired, but now I can’t help but wonder if it might be indicative of neck stiffness or discomfort. Additionally, her walking has become somewhat unsteady, with moments of trembling while standing, which I previously assumed was due to her fever and weakness from not eating or drinking. This current state of my daughter is genuinely worrying, and I deeply wish she could express her feelings to me. I’m torn between the fear of overreacting, considering taking her to the emergency room to voice concerns about bacterial meningitis, and the potential risks involved if I ignore my instincts. Am I overly anxious, or are my apprehensions about her health justified?
Concerned for My Mother after Her Overindulgence
My mother, who typically enjoys only an occasional glass of wine, found herself unexpectedly intoxicated after having several whiskey sours about four hours ago. This situation has left me extremely anxious. Lately, she has been grappling with significant chronic pain and decided to prepare some whiskey sours today for a treat, something she hasn’t indulged in for a long time. Her intention was purely for enjoyment, as she drinks for the flavor rather than for the buzz. However, she jokingly remarked earlier about getting tipsy and possibly passing out due to her discomfort. A couple of hours later, I discovered her leaning over the sink, vomiting. It took about an hour to assist her in getting to her feet, and I had to practically support her as we made our way to her bedroom because she was struggling to stand upright. Her speech was heavily slurred and she was barely making sense. Now, she’s been dozing intermittently, but she just got sick again, expelling a significant amount of liquid. After nearly three hours since her worst moment, she hasn’t improved at all. I’ve positioned her in bed on her side, but she continues to babble incoherently, her speech slurred, and she’s feeling extremely nauseous. Despite being under multiple blankets, she is still ice-cold. This is truly worrying me; how has she not started to recover yet? In my experience, I’ve only ever seen her slightly tipsy, as she rarely drinks heavily. Now, she keeps expressing that she has never felt this intoxicated before. I’m completely sober; I didn’t partake in any drinks, so I’m uncertain about the potency of the cocktails she made. Normally, she doesn’t concoct them to be overly strong. My anxiety is palpable. I need to rest for work in the morning, yet I am consumed with fear at the thought of going to sleep while she might require help.
Exploring Health Concerns: Pitting Edema and Biatrial Enlargement
A 36-year-old male, standing at 5 feet 8 inches and weighing 178 pounds, has been experiencing severe swelling in his legs since May 20. The edema has now extended to his feet, ankles, knees, and hands. He has undergone multiple evaluations, including blood tests, ultrasounds of the abdomen and legs, an echocardiogram, and an MRI of the heart. Recent tests revealed a strep antibody titer exceeding 1800. Blood analysis indicated low levels of albumin and high levels of globulin, while kidney functionality remains normal. The latest MRI findings indicated enlargement of the biatrial region and a right atrial pressure (RAVI) reading of 60. Ultrasound examinations of the legs showed no evidence of blood clots, while the abdominal ultrasound appeared normal, although there were potential gallstones or polyps in the gallbladder that may need to be reassessed in six months. Additionally, he has reported joint discomfort affecting his knees, ankles, and elbows, along with back pain. Comprehensive autoimmune tests returned normal results. **Inquiries:** 1. Can a high ASO titer combined with swelling suggest a post-streptococcal immune reaction such as post-strep reactive arthritis or rheumatic fever? 2. What might explain the presence of low albumin and elevated globulin levels in the context of normal kidney function? 3. Is it feasible that both atrial enlargement and increased right atrial pressure are solely the result of volume overload? 4. What additional assessments would you recommend for further clarification?
Numb Extremities
F22, 5'7", 56kg Over the last few days, I've been experiencing a peculiar problem. Just minutes after I fall asleep, I'm jolted awake, often finding that one of my arms, my leg, or even both are incapacitated. To remedy this, I have to vigorously shake and move them around until the blood circulation returns to normal. I've experimented with various sleep positions, yet none seems to alleviate the issue. The occurrence is unsettlingly unpredictable; there are nights when I wake several times just to redistribute sensation to my limbs. At this point, the thought of going to bed fills me with dread. The plethora of online resources doesn't seem to resonate with my experience. It feels surreal, as if I'm losing my grasp on reality, and honestly, I’m beginning to feel like I'm losing my mind. A visit to the doctor is on my agenda, as this happened again in the early hours of the morning—2 A.M. to be exact. Apologies for the jumble of thoughts; my mind is quite fatigued. It’s worth noting that while I’ve experienced numbness in my limbs before, it has never persisted for more than one or two nights over the course of an entire year. Furthermore, I should add that I also suffer from night terrors, particularly when I'm under stress. I often find myself awakening in a state of panic, shouting, about thirty minutes post-slumber, with no recollection of the trigger. This has become increasingly common as well.