A pinched nerve or something more serious?

[xburtonchic]

It's Sunday, and I'm wondering whether this is something that can wait until I can get in to see my doctor this week or if it's something that needs immediate attention.

Last week, there were about 4 consecutive nights where I fell asleep in front of my computer doing research - legs bent and my head resting on them. I always woke up with my neck being extremely sore (this isn't what the thread is about exactly, but it could be related? idk). The pain was somewhat excruciating at times, but always went away throughout the day. Around the third night, I started to notice an odd sensation in my left leg, seemingly located on the tendon on the back of my knee. When my jeans rub against the tendon area or I touch it, or when I move my leg a certain way, it's as though I can feel something moving around. It's sort of a "I hit my funny bone" sensation, which radiates about halfway down the left side of my calf where the tendon is. Aside from that, the area just below my tendon... and a pretty decent sized area, at that... is almost entirely numb. Anyway, it's a bit hard to explain, but I explained it as best as I could. I've been waiting for it to go away on it's own seeing as there is no visible injury, but it's been about 5 days now and is REALLY bothering me today... I don't think it's gotten worse, I think I'm just hyperaware of it today for whatever reason.

So basically what the title of the thread says - what does this sound like? Google search makes me think pinched nerve, but I've never had one so can't be sure. Also, could it be related to the way I was sleeping? I don't know if the affected area is actually ON my tendon... or even in my knee at all... or if it's originating from my neck or my back, because I know neck/back injuries can manifest themselves in other parts of the body at times...? My main concern though is whether or not this is something that can wait until I'm able to see my primary doctor this week, or if I should get it checked out right away. I'm not familiar with nerve injuries, and hell, I don't even know if this IS a nerve injury... it's just the numbness and tingling sensation that has me assuming that's what it is. I don't know for sure.

Sorry this is a bit long, but, what do you think about it? :/

 

[modern buddha]

Did you maybe overstretch it while sitting at your desk in that position for the long period of time?

It's natural that when you fall asleep on your hands like that, it tenses your neck up. I'd just stretch out your neck, making sure to keep it moving throughout the day. I've had many stiff shoulders, neck pinches, etc. It sucks, but you just need to be patient with it.

As for your legs, that might be something more serious. Make sure to massage it and see if anything's actually moving in there. If it gets worse, see your doctor.

 

[CHiLD-0F-THE-BEAT]

If it's been 5 days I would definitely see someone about your injury - whether it be a physiotherapist or a doctor. There may be something serious at play and you may cause it to get worse.