@dlydailyhope

My full-body MRI last year showed some spinal issues (summary pasted below), mild overall, but since it was whole-body I guess might not have been detailed enough to show spinal cord or nerve root compression that may affect a finger, like a more detailed cervical MRI might.

The tingling/numbness on all fingers in morning was very rare, like 1-2 times in the past half year, and went away within 5 minutes of getting up; I think may have just been due to going to sleep in a bad position. Last occurred in late March.

Otherwise no noticeable tingling/numbness, just the splinter sensation that randomly popped up which I'm having a hard time finding sources confirming localized contact-only pain like this could be neuropathy since the vast majority of sources seems to suggest it would be tingling/numbing and/or ongoing.

But I agree with going to a neurologist if it's there by next week without noticeable improvement, and/or ask for imaging (x-ray, ultrasound, MRI). I guess I may show them the spinal results below in case it makes a difference to their analysis. Ideal scenario is this is just a very old non-infectious splinter slowly making its way to the surface.

SUMMARY OF SPINAL FINDINGS IN FULL-BODY MRI EARLY 2024:

Multilevel degenerative changes seen in spine, as described in following, without significant spinal canal or spinal canal narrowing:

Spondylolisthesis identified in spine: retrolisthesis of C4 on adjacent inferior vertebral body (consider flexion extension X-rays to see if there is active slippage with positioning, and a consultation with a neurosurgeon particularly if symptoms consistent with finding).

Mild scoliosis of spine: curve is centered in thoracic spine, convexity to right, compensatory minor curve centered in lumbar spine (No action if asymptomatic, otherwise talk to doctor about physiotherapy treatments to prevent degenerative changes from developing/progressing. Scoliosis series standing Xrays are the best way to quantify the extent of spine curvature by reproducibly measuring the Cobb angle between affected vertebrae; MRI-measured Cobb angle is not as accurate and reproducible when patients are lying down).

Degenerative spondyloarthropathic changes in cervical spine (no follow-up needed but prevent these changes from progressing via good posture and spine care): C5/C6 level: central disc herniation detected, mild hypertrophic degenerative changes visualized in right side facet, mild hypertrophic degenerative changes visualized in left side facet; C6/C7 level: symmetric disc bulge detected.

Moderate degenerative spondyloarthropathic changes in lumbar spine (if progressive constant symptoms, discuss with doctor; if intermittent, use good posture, physiotherapy, and spine care to prevent progression).