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What Could Cause Tingling Sensation And Numbness In The Feet And Toes After Previously Having A Herniated Disc?

Posted on Mon, 27 Jun 2022

Question: I believe I have a herniated disk in my neck. Previously I had a herniated disk with pain in my neck and numbness in my hands. It did resolve over time. However, this time I have numbness in my hands and tingling and numbness in my feet and toes, particularly the bottom of my feet. Why the difference this time? Why do I have both? Email be at YYYY@YYYY

Answered by Dr. Dr. Gopal (34 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Could be polyneuropathy.

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

Earlier you had disc prolapse in neck which caused pain in neck and numbness in hands. Now you have numbness in your hands and tingling and numbness in your feet and toes.

In my opinion this kind of presentation would be diagnosed as polyneuropathy. Although Disc prolapse at multiple levels in neck and lower back can cause it , but it very unlikely. It Is also possible that you have deficiency of vitamin B12, which may cause these symptoms. Some associated diseases like diabetes ,hypothyroidism can also cause these symptoms.

I would suggest you get MRI screening of whole spine, serum vitamin B12 levels, Blood Sugar and thyroid function tests.
In the meantime start pain killers, muscle relaxants and a combination of pregabalin and methycobalamine.

Thanks for the question. Please feel free to ask any other question.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Gopal (33 minutes later)

Thank you, Dr. Goel, concerning my polyneuropathy with the numbness and tingling in both my hands and feet without pain. They both came on together. We were on vacation and driving in the car long distances, and perhaps some dehydration was involved here. I think this is the cause of my problem. I am generally healthy, take a multivitamin have a healthy diet. I am not diabetic or prediabetic and have a low BMI. I don't think the hypothyroidism applies. My question is, can I have the numbness in my feet and hands both stemming from a cervical disc herniation? I just feel that the polyneuropathy is not from both my back and my neck but just my neck. Is this possible?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Gopal (8 hours later)

Brief Answer:
I don't think that to be possible

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

In my opinion it is very rare to have only altered sensation if you have only cervical disc (problem at the neck). Since problem in the neck, to have altered sensations in legs and toes, Would involve Motor system also Like weakness in the legs and difficulty in walking.
So I do not think that both the problems could be due to neck alone.

Thanks.

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

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Gopal (11 hours later)

Hello, I just took a walk around the block and have checked your latest response to me. Besides the balance issue, on the walk I did feel weakness in the legs like you described. The feeling on the walk was like I was a little bit drunk, and it felt like my knees wanted to give out a little bit. I would appreciate your elaboration on this further condition and information. I am using posture correction and some PT exercise and a collar. Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Gopal (4 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Please see below.

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

In my opinion you should now go for MRI cervical spine to see and evaluate the disc. The feeling in your legs could be due to both cervical cord compression and early Parkinson's disease. To rule out cervical disc - MRI is needed.

Thanks

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Gopal (9 hours later)

Dr. Goel, Thank you for your reply. It is greatly appreciated. I will be calling my primary doctor and hope to get an MRI. Thanks again. XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Dr. Gopal (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Thanx

Detailed Answer:
thanx and let me know the report of MRI
get well soon

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

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