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What is going on and how serious is this?
I need advice and answers. I have herniated disc. For the last week I have had numbness in right fingertips and left leg and foot. I am having trouble walking normal.
Hi Cindy,
Welcome to our Pain Management Forum. I'm glad you found us and took the time to post your question and concerns. I'm sorry to hear about your numbness.
Which disc is herniated? The reason I ask is that one disc shouldn't effect both your fingers and your leg/foot. The SX (symptoms) of a herniated disc is generally unilateral, not right and left and not upper and lower extremities.
Did you have MRIs of the entire spine - or just one section? Sorry, I have some questions to help me better understand your SX and DX (diagnosis).
Herniated disc can usually be treated without surgery. It depends on the severity. Are you having pain with the numbness? What if any treatment has your medical provider offered? Often PT can be beneficial along with NSAIDs, ultrasound treatments and ice or heat.
There are different terms used for the same disc issue. Herniated, ruptured or bulging can often mean the same thing and depends on the particular radiologist, where they were trained or even the region of the country. It can be confusing.
Sorry. This hasn't really answered your question with any specificity - that's due in large part because you haven't provide a lot of information.
The numbness you are feeling is most likely due to the disc herniation and/or the inflammation surrounding that disc causing compression of the nerves associated with the disc. Lower leg/foot SX would most likely indicate a disc problem in the lumbar "L" region of your spine.
Finger numbness usually indicates a cervical spine issue/disc but it can come from an upper thoracic disc too. Another thought would be Carpel Tunnel - especially if the herniated Disc is the low lumbar region which would not effect the upper body.
Surgery is always a last resort. Be leery if it is offered as a first option. Indeed if surgery is suggested I'd get a second opinion.
Can you tell us more? Location? Other SX? How long have you had these SX? What is your medical provider telling you? I hope something I've offered has been of help. I'll look forward to hearing more from you.
Take Care,
~Tuck
Welcome to our Pain Management Forum. I'm glad you found us and took the time to post your question and concerns. I'm sorry to hear about your numbness.
Which disc is herniated? The reason I ask is that one disc shouldn't effect both your fingers and your leg/foot. The SX (symptoms) of a herniated disc is generally unilateral, not right and left and not upper and lower extremities.
Did you have MRIs of the entire spine - or just one section? Sorry, I have some questions to help me better understand your SX and DX (diagnosis).
Herniated disc can usually be treated without surgery. It depends on the severity. Are you having pain with the numbness? What if any treatment has your medical provider offered? Often PT can be beneficial along with NSAIDs, ultrasound treatments and ice or heat.
There are different terms used for the same disc issue. Herniated, ruptured or bulging can often mean the same thing and depends on the particular radiologist, where they were trained or even the region of the country. It can be confusing.
Sorry. This hasn't really answered your question with any specificity - that's due in large part because you haven't provide a lot of information.
The numbness you are feeling is most likely due to the disc herniation and/or the inflammation surrounding that disc causing compression of the nerves associated with the disc. Lower leg/foot SX would most likely indicate a disc problem in the lumbar "L" region of your spine.
Finger numbness usually indicates a cervical spine issue/disc but it can come from an upper thoracic disc too. Another thought would be Carpel Tunnel - especially if the herniated Disc is the low lumbar region which would not effect the upper body.
Surgery is always a last resort. Be leery if it is offered as a first option. Indeed if surgery is suggested I'd get a second opinion.
Can you tell us more? Location? Other SX? How long have you had these SX? What is your medical provider telling you? I hope something I've offered has been of help. I'll look forward to hearing more from you.
Take Care,
~Tuck
1 Comments
Cindy,
I agree with Tuck. Likely you have both cervical and lumbar disc issues. And I also agree you likely won't need surgery for your issues. Suggest NSAIDS with trial with Rx -Lidoderm patch 5% (minimal system issues or interactions with meds). Maybe Rx trial of prednisone. But urge referral to a physiatrist or REPUTABLE, experienced, chiropractor. Upper and lower body toning and strengthening (Core strengthening), will likely be discussed by your mid level practitioner/MD/DO.
Best-
I agree with Tuck. Likely you have both cervical and lumbar disc issues. And I also agree you likely won't need surgery for your issues. Suggest NSAIDS with trial with Rx -Lidoderm patch 5% (minimal system issues or interactions with meds). Maybe Rx trial of prednisone. But urge referral to a physiatrist or REPUTABLE, experienced, chiropractor. Upper and lower body toning and strengthening (Core strengthening), will likely be discussed by your mid level practitioner/MD/DO.
Best-
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