Notalgia Paresthetica - Medtick
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Notalgia Paresthetica

What is it?

Skin of the upper back (between the shoulder blades and/or one side or back) becomes itchy, and there is often a darker patch of skin on the itchy area.

  • It is believed that the spine/tumours/viral infection may press on a nerves in the back providing feeling to that area of the skin, which leads to itching.
  • Pressure on the nerves restricts blood flow, makes the nerves swell up, and leads to nerve damage.
  • Swelling and damage causes the nerves to overreact and send messages to your brain that you’re itching or in pain when you aren’t.

Healthline 

Cause

  • Problem with the nerve cells that provide feeling to the skin of the upper back (sensory neuropathy)
  • Spinal disease/injury on where the rash is present
  • Back injury
  • Tumors pressing on spine
  • Herniated disk
  • Shingles

Symptoms

  • Well-defined patch of darker skin (hyperpigmentation) over the affected area?
  • severe Itching?
  • Pain, tingling, or a change in feeling (sensation) in the affected skin?
  • Increased sensitivity to heat, cold, touch, vibrations?

Complications /Information to beware of/General tips:

Treatment

Treatments include to help with spine:

  • Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), which uses a low-voltage electrical current to relieve pain
  • Acupuncture
  • Ultraviolet B (UVB) light therapy
  • Osteopathic manipulation

Please talk to your healthcare professional (i.e. Medical Doctor/Pharmacist) for further advice

Detailed Information

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