The beginning - an introduction

This is a blog related to my experiences as a chiropractor dealing with the condition called notalgia paresthetica (NP).

Notalgia is derived from the greek palindrome "noton"  and "algia". Noton means "back". The Greek god of south wind is called Notos. "Algia" is greek for pain. Hence notalgia.

Most most autocorrect features on computers as well as Google searches for "notalgia" returns the word "nostalgia". Nostalgia in greek literally means "pain from an old wound".


"Paresthesiae" relate to a skin sensations, such as burning, prickling, itching, or tingling, with no apparent physical cause. This comes from a combination of latin "Par" meaning like or equal to, and the Greek word "aisthesis" for sensations.


My first clinical experience with the condition was a person seeking my advice for a patch of numbness that had developed on a persons back. He perceived this as possibly spinally-related.

Being a reduction in sensation, clearly there had to be some nervous system involvement. Since this patch was limited - just to a patch across his back, the most likely site of compression is in the peripheral distribution of the spinal nerves. A problem affecting a nerve root would distribute symptoms along all of or any part of the nerve root. I knew this had to be what is called the "posterior primary ramus" which has several small branches that give nerve supply to the spinal facet joint, local spinal muscles as well as to the skin.

I didn't know that this portion of the nerve could be compressed, but recalled Janet Travell (famous for triggerpoint therapy, myofascial pain syndromes and being JFK's physician) making reference to muscles being the causes of nerve compression. Low and behold in the myofascial pain bible was reference to 'notalgia paresthetica'. Even though this didn't explain the numbness in my patient, it began my research interest in this condition and explaining such symptoms in other patients who have by luck or design crossed my path.

If you think you might have notalgia paresthetica read more pages of my blog to understand more about the condition.