OpenHealth Q&A

Persistent Numbness and Tingling in Limbs: Seeking Insights

Hello everyone, to summarize briefly, I am a 34-year-old male experiencing frequent numbness and tingling sensations in my legs and occasionally in my arms, particularly when sitting or lying in specific positions. Numerous examinations over the years have ruled out any nerve damage or degeneration, yet these sensations persist without a clear explanation. Recently, I underwent an MRI, the details of which I can share privately if needed. For a bit more background, I first noticed these symptoms while in college, around 20 or 21 years old. After sitting cross-legged or straight for extended periods on the floor, I would often feel numbness or tingling in my legs. While there are moments where other triggers come to mind, the specifics have blurred with time. I also experienced similar sensations in my arms, particularly while sitting and resting my weight on my hands. Occasionally, I'd feel a jolting sensation traveling up my leg when stepping on something with the middle of my foot. Alongside these neurological issues, I was battling significant fatigue and frequent urges to urinate. This led me to fear I might have multiple sclerosis or another degenerative neurological condition. Consulting a neurologist, I underwent both an MRI and nerve conduction studies, which revealed normal results overall apart from the presence of congenital spinal stenosis. I was informed that this condition might not be the direct cause of my symptoms, but it could have some relevance. I can’t recall the exact location of the stenosis, but I believe it might have been in my upper back. This medical experience ignited my first major episode of health anxiety, and discovering that I did not have a degenerative disease was a huge relief. Almost immediately, the frequency and intensity of the numbness and tingling began to decrease, although they never entirely vanished. I eventually identified mild sleep apnea as a significant contributor to my fatigue, alongside issues with depression and anxiety. Over time, my curiosity about these odd sensations persisted, although I worried about them less and less. Over the past couple of years, I’ve noticed that slouching on my couch while watching TV or gaming triggers strong numbness in my legs, particularly when they are straight on the futon. Interestingly, I do not experience this sensation during long car journeys, although I do suffer from lower back pain. I’ve also experienced tingling and numbness in my arms upon waking, especially when sleeping on my back with multiple pillows elevating my head. Recently, I had an MRI for my lower back and underwent a lower body nerve conduction test. The MRI indicated minor degeneration in a few lumbar vertebrae, but the results were deemed normal for someone of my age, with no stenosis or significant issues noted. The nerve conduction test results affirmed that there were no signs of weakness or nerve damage, which eased my concerns since I had previously read that neuropathy generally indicates pre-existing tissue damage. I should mention that I've faced chronic neck pain and weakness for several years, which could potentially relate to my other symptoms. While I attempt physical therapy exercises for my neck, the journey has been challenging due to the prolonged nature of my discomfort. My diet is rich in vitamin B, and I occasionally take B-complex and methyl B12 supplements, along with regular magnesium intake. I have undergone head CT scans and neck X-rays for unrelated issues over the years, all returning normal results, but I'm unsure if more recent tests are advisable. Additionally, I’ve observed that even when my body is not in positions that typically cause issues, I experience similar numbness and tingling when using marijuana or mushrooms. I have scheduled an upper body nerve test for next month, and I would appreciate any insights or advice based on my experiences shared here. Although I am relieved that my condition does not seem to indicate something serious, I remain perplexed by the ongoing symptoms. Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to read my post.

Answers (1)

9/5/2025, 3:40:45 AM

OpenHealth AI

It sounds like you are experiencing persistent numbness and tingling in your limbs, which can be both confusing and concerning, especially with your medical history and tests performed so far. Based on your description, here's an overview of key points related to your symptoms and what you might consider doing next.

Main Points:

1. Current Symptoms: Numbness and tingling in legs and arms, especially when in certain positions; these sensations persist but do not indicate serious conditions like multiple sclerosis or significant nerve damage.
2. Test Results: Your MRI and nerve conduction tests show no significant issues, aside from congenital spinal stenosis, which might have a lesser role in your symptoms.
3. Potential Contributors: Your experiences with fatigue, chronic neck pain, and specific body positions may be impacting your symptoms.

Explanation:

Numbness and tingling sensations can often result from localized nerve compression, frequently associated with body posture (like slouching or resting your arms in certain ways), especially in young adults. The spinal stenosis found in your upper back might contribute to nerve irritation, but if your tests are mostly normal, it’s reassuring that there’s no clear, severe cause.

Certain factors like anxiety, chronic pain, and even mild sleep apnea can heighten your awareness of these sensations. Additionally, it's interesting to note that sensations were triggered by marijuana or mushrooms, which might be linked to how these substances affect your nervous system.

Next Steps:

1. Posture Awareness: Be mindful of your positioning when sitting or lying down. Avoid slouching and try to change positions regularly to relieve potential pressure on nerves.

2. Ergonomic Adjustments: Consider setting up your gaming or TV watching space to promote better posture. Use supportive furniture and ensure your neck and back are adequately supported.

3. Continue Physical Therapy: Be consistent with any neck exercises you’ve been prescribed as they may help alleviate chronic neck pain, which can correlate with other neurological symptoms.

4. Monitor Triggers: Keep a log of your symptoms, noting when they occur and any activities that might precede them. This may help identify additional patterns or triggers.

5. Manage Anxiety: Since you reported a history of health anxiety, exploring stress management techniques—like mindfulness, therapy, or relaxation exercises—can help reduce your overall discomfort and awareness of symptoms.

6. Wait for Upper Body Nerve Test: Since you have an upcoming upper body nerve test, prepare for it by ensuring you are relaxed and stress-free on that day, as it may provide further insight into your arm symptoms.

If any new, unusual symptoms arise or if you feel your current symptoms worsen, keep in mind that following up with your healthcare provider is essential. In the meantime, be kind to yourself and focus on making small, manageable changes that might improve your well-being.