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Notalgia Paresthetica help
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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Has anyone tried electrostimulation for the notalgia?
@erie
Hello @erie and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I was not able to find another member with that experience, however, thought I would share this article that I found.
- Serratus muscle stimulation effectively treats notalgia paresthetica caused by long thoracic nerve dysfunction: a case series:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2758879/
Has your doctor shared this as an option with you?
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2 ReactionsThank you for your response,
No, my doctor did not mention this. I read about electrostimulation in the 2013 article mentioned in the 12/22/2020 post by Erika, Connect Moderator. Thanks also for the link to the article you cite in your post.
I have suffered for years. This sounds weird, but the only thing that helps is Bath and Body Works Twisted Peppermint lotion. My skin is dark because of all the scratching I do.
I have experienced nostalgia parasthetica for 15 years now. Last year I was diagnosed with small fiber neuropathy. I wonder if related or this was early signs.
What type of provider specializes in Notalgia paresthetica - thanks!
Michelle, since notalgia paresthetica (NP) is a nerve disorder, you may wish to start with a neurologist. Proper evaluation and management of notalgia paresthetica may involve a multispecialty cooperative effort including dermatologists, radiologists, orthopedic surgeons, neurologists, pain management specialists, acupuncturists, massage therapists, and physical therapists.
What specialist have you seen? Who made the diagnosis for you?
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1 ReactionI’ve experienced this for years. Dermatologist recommended some steroid cream but my dad who was a pharmacist didn’t like the steroid aspect of it. I also experience under my shoulder blade. I’ve scratched so much my skin is discolored. So embarrassing. This is so strange but the only lotion that takes the edge off is Twisted Peppermint by bath and body works. I can only find on eBay or Amazon now. They didn’t sell it this year. It’s so miserable. If you find something let me know
I am seeing my neurologist in October. I will ask about this
My dermatologist suggested ice packs and a cream called Sarna. The Sarna only helps for a few minutes. The ice packs help but it is hard to get them tight against my back. The best one was REVIX Large Ice Pack for Shoulder and Back Injuries but I still needed to use 4" velcro to make tighter. All the plain ice packs have to be left out of the freezer for 20 minutes to thaw enough to be usable - they are rock hard straight out of the freezer. If anyone has found one that doesn't do this, I would love to know.