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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Numbness In The Thigh Radiating To The Foot?

Good afternoon, I am a 22 year old female, 5 4, 140lbs, work in an office setting, and lead a relatively active lifestyle. I was involved in a car accident about 6 months ago. I was at a complete stop, and rear ended by another vehicle going approximately 30-40mph. I began having lower back pain immediately after impact, and went to the emergency room. The initial x-ray and CT scan showed nothing abnormal. I got home the same day, and when I sat down on the couch, it felt as if somebody had hidden a knife in the cushion, and it went directly into my tailbone. I purchased a donut pillow for home and office immediately. The pain has has been present constantly, and I have yet to feel relief. It has increased in severity over the last 6 months, and in the last month or two, I noticed that my left leg goes completely numb almost immediately when I sit to use the restroom. I still cannot sit on a flat surface without my pillow, sitting for long periods of time leaves me in tears because the pain becomes so severe, and I have trouble with bowel movements because of the pain. I have seen a spinal specialist who told me that I should google somebody else, because I don t have time for this kind of low level case and I am at a loss. This week, I noticed that the numbness is coming a lot more frequently and lingers longer, my thigh muscle feels tight, and the numbness has gone down to my left foot. Once my leg goes numb, my foot begins to feel so cold that I often have to soak it in warm water to gain feeling again. When it goes numb, the bottom of my foot turns extremely white. I have always had a protruding tailbone, but it has never been painful, until the accident. As I was showering this week, I noticed that it is protruding far more than it used to. I have not lost a significant amount of weight, or started any kind of treatment. Any suggestions on what may be happening, and what type of doctor I need to visit? I would greatly appreciate your help. (All numbness and pain is in my left leg and foot. Has not bothered my right at all) Thank you.
Sat, 26 May 2018
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Neurologist, Surgical 's  Response
Hello and welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.

I think that you have pain and numbness due to the compression of nerve. This compression maybe due to either prolapse disc or due anybony displacement(listhesis) compressing the nerve .you need an urgent MRI of lumbosacral spine to rule out the cause .accordingly further management maybe planned.After getting an MRI done ,you should consult a good spine surgeon. You may require operative intervention to stabilize the spine.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
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What Causes Numbness In The Thigh Radiating To The Foot?

Hello and welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice. I think that you have pain and numbness due to the compression of nerve. This compression maybe due to either prolapse disc or due anybony displacement(listhesis) compressing the nerve .you need an urgent MRI of lumbosacral spine to rule out the cause .accordingly further management maybe planned.After getting an MRI done ,you should consult a good spine surgeon. You may require operative intervention to stabilize the spine. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.