What Causes Lower Back Pain And Numbness In Both Legs?

Posted on Fri, 13 Jun 2014

Question: Trying to find out what I have so much lower back pain, numb saddle area, pain and numbness in both legs and trouble starting and stopping peeing. I have had all blood work done, all came back within normal limits, an MRI and a visit to the nuero surgeon and nothing really showed up in MRI which she could identify as causing my symptoms. i have a degenerative L5 but shouldnt be in this much pain all the time. Prostate, Kidney stone/function, LFT all came back negative as well. I have a high pain tolerance and a combat vet but I can tell something is not right. Pretty bad knee and foot pain as well, both sides.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
I want to see your MRI report

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I have studied your case. I will try my best to help you. But before I advise any thing I want to see your MRI report. So please send me your MRI as early as possible. I am waiting for it.
Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (2 days later)

I can seem to upload the MRI, all I have is a disk as they wrote no impressions. How do people normally send the images. Mine are Osirus format. I have upper back pain as well and constant pressure/pain at the back base of my skull. Like right where neck attaches to skull. Also my numbness in the saddle area has turned to pain especially my taint and ball sack area. I have palpated by no pain triggers just a general soreness/ ache all the time. I'm getting to the point of going to ER and not leave until they can pinpoint the problem. For now if just been sucking it up and eating tramadol 100mg but i know it's just a band aid for the problem. Also I have increased frustration and anger in general, even over small things and I have trouble keeping up what day it is. Also the other day I was driving and all license plates and road signs has double vision when trying to read them. By late afternoon I am completely fatigued for no reason and I am tired yet I can only sleep for 4-5 hours XXXXXXX Please help!

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (37 hours later)

Brief Answer:
It can be serious problem

Detailed Answer:
Hello sir,
I am very surprised to know that your MRI is not showing any nerve compression. Saddle anesthesia or pain and difficulty in bladder function are sign of nerve compression . It is also called cauda equina syndrome.I have following suggestions for you.
1. Please visit a orthopaedic surgeon and repeat your MRI. It should be done without delay.
2. If there is a disc herniation you might need a surgery.
3. For your anger and frustration, and lack of sleep: all I can say is you need to see a psychiatrist. As some time these frustration and anger can harm you.
By the way if you want to send me your MRI, there is no need to send whole CD , you can just scan your MRI report and send it like a image. Let me know if you want to ask any thing else.
Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D