Since September, Ive Had Numbness In The Front Portion Of

Posted on Thu, 28 Feb 2019

Question: Since September, Ive had numbness in the front portion of both feet, followed by severe lower back pain which has subsided to some extent, but the numbness has been consistant.
In 2000, I developed drop foot in my right foot and severe pain along the top of the foot. An MRI and EMG studies disclosed problems in L-4 and L-5 consisting of bulging discs, some stenosis and arthritis. The problems resolved in about three months but since when standing or walking for a time, the muscles in my lower back spasm and hurt until I sit when the pain subsides. What would be the most likely diagnosis of the most current symptoms Thank you for any advise and information you can provide..I

Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Spinal spondylosis. Treatment possibilities listed below.

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to "Ask a Doctor" service.

I have read your query and here is my advice.

The symptoms that you refer and the EMG, MRI studies point towards lumbar spine degenerative changes (spondylosis) with subsequent nerves involvement.

In cases like yours, treatment with antineuralgic drugs, physical therapy should be tried as the first line of treatment.

If no sufficient improvement, then spinal (epidural or periradicular) injections should be tried.

Surgery for cases like yours (with the aim to decompress the involved nerves) is reserved only in cases of the conservative treatment fails.

Discuss with your Neurologist for these issues.

Hope you found the answer helpful.

Let me know if I can assist you further.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj