Lumbar Spine

[ranice]

I had an MRI last year that indicated:  Degenative lumbar disk disease throughout the lumbar spine.  L1-2 shows only mild deslocationand narrowing.  All of the other intervertebral disks are moderatley narrowed and deslocated.  Broad Based disk buldg eis present to a mild degree at L2-3 ad to a moderate degree at L3-4, L4-5 and L5-S1.  Anterior marginal ostephyte formation is present at L2-3 and L3-4.  The disk bulge at L3-4 and L4-5 produce effacement of the thecal sac mild canal narrowing.  Annular tear at L5-S1.

I am starting to have numbness in my foot and fingers.  Sometimes I have a hard time lifting my foot.  Can this be related to my back?

[ranice]

I went to the doctor yesterday and he is ordering a nerve test to determine which nerve is causing the numbness.  He said it is either my back or carpal tunnel.  Keep you posted.

[Tuckamore]

Great! I'll look forward to your update.

Be assertive!

~Tuck

[ranice]

Thank you for the information and yes I see my doctor next week and will ask for referral or some more testing.  This numbness is really bothering me.  I will keep posting.  Thanks again.

[Tuckamore]

Hi Ranice,

Welcome to MedHelp's Pain Management Forum. Based on your MRI results, you certainly have reason for pain.

I am not an expert, of any sort. However in my opinion I do think that the numbness you are experiencing is most likely due to the degeneration of the discs of your spinal structure.

As you suspect nerves can become compressed, irritated or inflamed in you spine. These nerves run to all parts of your body and symptoms can appear in several areas of you body. In you case the numbness may be related to your spinal condition.

I encourage you to consult your PCP. You may want to request a referral to a neurologist. I hope you will let us know how you are doing.

Best of Luck,
~Tuck