What does notalgia paresthetica look like?
Symptoms of notalgia paresthetica include: itching on the back, usually on a specific patch of skin. itching under the left shoulder blade. itching that does not get better with time and that does not appear after an injury or allergic reaction.
How do you treat notalgia paresthetica at home?
What are the treatment options?
- High-dose capsaicin cream. This helps desensitize the nerve endings that make you feel itchy.
- Local pain relievers. Lidocaine 2.5 percent and prilocaine 2.5 percent cream twice a day may help reduce symptoms.
- Corticosteroid creams and injections. These may also help with the itch.
What kind of doctor treats notalgia paresthetica?
Proper evaluation and management of notalgia paresthetica (NP) may involve a multispecialty cooperative effort including dermatologists, radiologists, orthopedic surgeons, neurologists, pain management specialists, acupuncturists, massage therapists, and physical therapists.
How common is notalgia paresthetica?
The condition is characterized by neuropathic pruritus and episodic pain occurring on either the left or right side of the middle to upper back. Notalgia paresthetica is 2 to 3 times more prevalent in women than men, and usually occurs after 50 years of age.
How do you get notalgia paresthetica?
The cause of the itch in notalgia paresthetica may be due to the compression of spinal nerves by bones or muscles as the nerves emerge through the vertebrae to the back muscles. Sometimes degenerative changes in the area of the vertebrae that innervate the affected back muscles can be seen, but not always.
Does exercise help notalgia paresthetica?
Although pharmacologic intervention may be beneficial in many patients with notalgia paresthetica, strengthen- ing and stretching exercises could be considered a reasonable first-line or adjunctive treatment. This intervention was applied to two individuals who were motivated to stretch and strengthen their muscles.
What do you do if you have notalgia paresthetica?
Common treatments for notalgia paresthetica that have provided variable relief to patients include local anesthetics, topical corticosteroids, and topical capsaicin; however, results with these treatments have been inconsistent at best.
Why do I have notalgia paresthetica?
Is there a cure for Notalgia Paresthetica?
There is no current treatment for notalgia paresthetica (NP) that is consistently effective. Evaluation and treatment of NP will often involve a multidisciplinary team of specialists.
How does notalgia paresthetica affect your shoulders?
Notalgia paresthetica may affect the shoulders. Notalgia paresthetica is a common medical condition that causes a small area of skin to constantly itch and tingle. Most cases are isolated to a region on the middle of the back just to one side of the spine, but notalgia paresthetica can also affect the lower back, shoulders, or chest.
Are there any physical therapies for notalgia paresthetica?
Exercise or physical therapies. One of the causes of notalgia paresthetica is systemic disorders such as degenerative diseases of the spine. The symptoms of these diseases such as pain, rigid and difficult of motion in some parts of your body can be reduced through physical therapy.
What causes the itch in notalgia paresthetica?
Amyloid deposits (a collection of a specific type of protein ) may be found in skin biopsies, but this is thought to be a secondary event. The cause of the itch in notalgia paresthetica may be due to the compression of spinal nerves by bones or muscles as the nerves emerge through the vertebrae to the back muscles.
Who is most at risk for notalgia paresthetica?
The condition is most commonly seen in men and women between the ages of 40 and 80, though symptoms can emerge at any age. Patients suffering from notalgia paresthetica may find relief with over-the-counter anti-itch creams.