
Hi, I've Had Severe Sensory Burning In My Legs With

Question: Hi, I've had severe sensory burning in my legs with random bladder disturbances and pain in my buttocks for well over a year now. I had a MRI of my Lumbar which showed some degeneration but no apparent compression to cause my symtoms. I then had a thoracic and cervical MRI which showed a severe herniaition of the C5-C6 disc. I'm scheduled for a ACDF surgery next Tuesday. My surgeon seems to think my symptoms are caused from this disc herniation. However most of my symptoms are from the waist down. My lower back hurts often as well. I also get weakness in both legs and a sensation of heaviness. The symptoms come and go in severity but always exist. In your experience, have you seen cervical cord compression cause lower body symptoms without much symptoms in arm or shoulder. The doctor did say the herniation was very centrally located pressing right in the middle of the cord. I'm searching for reassurance that this surgey is needed and the disc is likely the cause.
Brief Answer:
I agree with the opinion of your Surgeon.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to 'Ask a Doctor' service.
I have read your query.
It is true that central cervical herniations that compress the spinal cord, cause symptoms in the lower body parts and legs.
Symptoms in the hands, arms, and shoulders depend on the level of the herniation and are seen in herniations that are located laterally compressing mainly the nerve roots.
Since symptoms come and go it is necessary to consider and evaluate the instability of the cervical spine with dynamic X-rays.
In conclusion, I agree with the opinion of your Surgeon.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Let me know if I can assist you further
I agree with the opinion of your Surgeon.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to 'Ask a Doctor' service.
I have read your query.
It is true that central cervical herniations that compress the spinal cord, cause symptoms in the lower body parts and legs.
Symptoms in the hands, arms, and shoulders depend on the level of the herniation and are seen in herniations that are located laterally compressing mainly the nerve roots.
Since symptoms come and go it is necessary to consider and evaluate the instability of the cervical spine with dynamic X-rays.
In conclusion, I agree with the opinion of your Surgeon.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Let me know if I can assist you further
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee

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