Notalgia Paresthetica help

Posted by lgerkin @lgerkin, Mar 19, 2020

Hi - has anyone been diagnosed with Notalgia Paresthetica? I've had the itch that comes with this condition for years, but it has worsened over the last year and is now very painful. The center of the pain is under my left shoulder blade. I'm also experiencing numbness in my left arm. I've had x-rays and MRIs but no doctor has been able to address it - or even acknowledge that it's an issue. I've been in physical therapy for months and tried acupuncture but neither have helped, although my posture has improved greatly. Any feedback is appreciated!

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mac05 | @mac05 | Oct 10, 2023

I’ve had NP for nearly a year and I have extensive heat in my body. The itching is not only in my back but in the front of my torso as well. Have you experienced any heat, as I have described. My neurologist is having me to an autonomic test to see if there is something that can be understood in relation to the heat in my body. I do not sweat, so not sure that is related. I’ve had many blood tests. All normal. I’m on valsartan for BP and not sure that could be causing this heat.
Your thoughts?

purpleturtle | @purpleturtle | Oct 10, 2023

I have not had any heat only severe itching and pain. My dermatologist prescribed a compound cream which helps alot. Mine is not all of the time just random flare ups with no explanation.

purpleturtle | @purpleturtle | Oct 10, 2023

In reply to @mac05 "I’ve had NP for nearly a year and I have extensive heat in my body. The..." + (show)

I have not any feelings of heat. Just severe itching and pain on my right shoulder. The compound cream my dermatologist prescribed helps some.

mac05 | @mac05 | Oct 10, 2023

None of the creams help. What do you use?

purpleturtle | @purpleturtle | Oct 10, 2023

In reply to @mac05 "None of the creams help. What do you use?" + (show)

It is a compound cream
Amitripyline 2% Ketamine 2%
It is quite expensive but it does help. My dermatologist prescribed it for me.

mac05 | @mac05 | Oct 10, 2023

In reply to @purpleturtle "It is a compound cream Amitripyline 2% Ketamine 2% It is quite expensive but it does..." + (show)

Thank you. I will look into it!

robis1947 | @robis1947 | Mar 8, 2024

Though nothing has worked effectively to alleviate my itching back for 3 years, I continue to try to find a remedy! Most recently I have been spraying my back with a solution called Pharmacaine which is 10% lidocaine. It helped a bit, but when one is desperate, "mind over matter" may come into play. I have used every possible ointment available - unless applied consistently 3x a day - none of them work. I recently applied Capsaicin - a BIG amount. That worked to relieve the itch, but it burned quite ALOT. I know that if I had COLD water running on my back all day, it wouldn't
itch. but I can't get much done in life living under a waterfall!!

smileyface | @smileyface | Jun 29 11:40am

In reply to @suejohnson1 "My dermatologist suggested ice packs and a cream called Sarna. The Sarna only helps for a..." + (show)

I am using a reusable cold/warm gel pack for this. The one I have that is about 5 inches by 9 inches. There are gel beads in the pack. It is perfect for my shoulder blade because I just put it on the shoulder blade and lean against it on the couch. Since you need a much larger one with straps I would check Amazon. I hope this information helps you.