HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients
Book a video visit
HealthTap
Telehealth
A member asked:

Can upper back pinch nerve paralyze arms and legs if untreated?how long does it take if so?

A doctor has provided 1 answer

It is possible but: It would have to be a massive central disc herniation especially if the spinal canal is stenotic or smaller than normal. This can be immediate or over a variable period of time especially if it creates a condition known as a myleopathy with changes occuring in the spinal cord which can take weeks, to months or years.

Dr Bowen agreed

Answered 10/26/2012

5.5k views

Thank

Related Questions

A member asked:

Can pinched nerve cause tingles when looking up&numbness in rt arm and leg? I do a lot of stair running .1st started with pulled lower back and spread

4 doctors weighed in across 2 answers

A member asked:

Which one is most likely to make only my left side neck, shoulder, arm, hand & leg numb & tingly a pinched nerve in back or neck? I have no pain.

A doctor has provided 1 answer

A member asked:

Think i slept wrong left arm barely move pain across back tingling in both legs n left arm pain is intense. Pinched nerve or go to hospital?

5 doctors weighed in across 2 answers

A member asked:

I keep getting goosebumps on one side especially arm, back and leg and tingling in right leg sometimes left . I have a pinched nerve in lower back right side and have been tested for MS all clear. I do have hashimoto and hypothyroid can it be this?

A doctor has provided 1 answer

A member asked:

Pinch pain on back of head and other parts of the body (like back of knee, shoulder, arms, temple), it usually lasts like 10 seconds and just stops but I've been having it for two days now. Ive been having anxiety but might also be my backs nerve?

A doctor has provided 1 answer

Sponsored Content
HealthTap Medical Group does not endorse products or services. Sponsored content revenues support our mission to make health information free and accessible to all.Learn more

People also searched for:

I have essential tremors and head tremors. Lately, Ive been having my tremors and my arm and leg become paralyzed on one side. Then it goes to the other side. After it gets back to normal, its sharp pains. Makes me very tired. What is the cause?
Can bone cancer damage the nerves and paralyze the arm or leg with the tumor?
Is it true that people confined to wheelchairs because of paralyzed lower limbs have thin, weak bones in their thighs and legs?
Recvery % right side paralized mom started moving leg on scratching on 3rd day after strok & and arm feels but moves litle in how days she will walk?
Can a pinched nerve in neck cause lhermitte's down the back, arm and leg on one side?

Telemedicine

Primary Care
Manage Your Conditions
Women's Health
Children's Health
Men's Health
Senior Health
Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle
Sexual Health
Mental & Behavioral Health
Travel Medicine
Urgent Care
Ask your question
Didn't find what you're looking for?

90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions or offer you advice, prescriptions, and more.

Ask your question

More of what we treat

Allergies
Antibiotics
Asthma
High Blood Pressure
Prescriptions
Type 2 Diabetes
Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.
HealthTap
HIPAA logo
HIPAASecure
Soc 2 Type 2 logo
SOC 2 Type 2Certified
JCAHO Accredited
JCAHOAccredited
Member App

Download HealthTap

Video visit and message your doctor

Member App QR Code
Play Store Member LinkApp Store Member Link

Questions?

+1 (888) 828-0841support@healthtap.com
LinkedInTwitter
HomeTermsPrivacyCookiesDMCAHealth TopicsDoctors DirectoryDoctor Q&A by Specialty
Copyright 2026 HealthTap, Inc.