I developed some pins and needles in my hands a couple of months ago. I went to visit my PCP and he said it appears it’s a case of cervical radiculopathy but since I did not have pain or muscle weakness, he did not see value in an MRI unless I developed those symptoms. I still have not, but the pins and needles remain. It’s far worse when I sleep or am reclined, during my normal day to day when I’m up and moving about there are very little symptoms. I’ve tried changing pillows, softening my mattress and while there seems to be some improvement, the pins and needles are still there.
My question is, what is typical resolution time I’d be looking at? When should I seek further advice from my PCP or look into getting an MRI? Should I be looking at lightening my training load to see if this would have a positive effect? It’s not affecting my day to day as there is no pain or weakness, it’s just an annoyance waking up with both hands numb. Appreciate your time.
crayniac - thanks for the question and sorry to hear about your situation. Generally speaking in these scenarios I expect to see improvements over the coming months (rather than weeks). Each individual is likely to have a different course but several months is a good expectation to have regarding improvement of symptoms. We need a consultation with you to give individual advice but based on what you’ve said here, I typically would not recommend an MRI unless symptoms intensified (numbness/tingling spreads, motor weakness develops, etc). The reason being, it is unlikely to alter course of the issue or recommendations for management. Unfortunately one of those situations we have to modify activity accordingly and allow time to pass.