Mine was a fairly quick onset. It started at the beginning of last November and in six weeks or so it spread like wild fire. It started with burning in my upper back, then to the side of my left leg, then the other. This is when I went to the neurologist. He took blood work and took an MRI of my lower back since I have back problems. The MRI was unremarkable, with some arthritis and such. He should have done my mid back and neck. Anyway after that he put me on gabapentin and that's it. It then spread to all over my body, burning, cramping, electric shocks, sharp pains. I'm trying to get a second opinion, but it's taking forever with the doctors. I wish I had some hope. I'm wishing the best for all of my fellow sufferers.