These past few months I've had this burning/stinging/itching sensation on my upper back, shoulder and neck [similar to sunburn] it feels heavy or pressurised
also my neck in general feels very stiff and sore lots of discomfort, stiffness, pain in my lower back also
just wondering what do you guys consider the best form of testing I could have done for this
would it be musculoskeletal ultrasound, CT Scan, or MRI [with or without contrast]
Posted by SickSam (Member # 45330) on :
If it's neurological damage, an MRI with contrast will show the issue the best.
However, I have bad lumbar spine pain and burning/stinging sensations from Lyme, and despite multiple MRIs and CT scans, no abnormalities have ever been found.
As bad as I hurt, I was sure something damaged would show up eventually, but nothing ever does.
Posted by TF (Member # 14183) on :
Sensations in upper back, shoulder, and neck sound exactly like the neuropathy I got from lyme disease.
This is a false sensation coming from lyme which is attacking your nerves. If this is what it is, nothing will show up on any tests, but good lyme treatment will get rid of it, perhaps even in 30 days. (But, you can't stop at 30 days or the neuropathy will just come back.)
Low back symptoms sound like an actual back problem. I have low back trouble including degenerative disk disease, herniated disc, dry flat disks, etc.
An x-ray or an MRI without contrast can show this problem. I'd start with the simple low back x-ray and see if it can be diagnosed that way. Otherwise, you will need an MRI.
I got epidural injections to solve my low back problem, but if you currently have lyme, you don't want to do that because the injections are steroids.
Posted by sammy (Member # 13952) on :
I would start with a tissue biopsy. This could easily & quickly reveal cause. A dermatologist or PCP could do this.
If no answer from above, I would see a neurologist. Get recommendations for a trusted one near you. After thorough history & exam they will know best what test you should get next.
Posted by purplehaze (Member # 40385) on :
SickSam, TF and Sammy,
thank you very much, these are exactly the thoughts I had too and I guess I just wanted to hear someone else say it
I've actually gotten all kinds of X-rays, ultrasounds on lower back but nothing ever shows even though I'm bent over in pain- urrrahhh so frustrating....