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Suggest Treatment For Numbness In The Lower Extremities
Question: I am experiencing numbness in my lower extremeties-- I have had a circulation check and it showed I did notg have any circulation problems--- I do have been told that the 2 lower discs in my spine are gone--- also I can't stand or walk for more than about 6 or 7 minutes without my lower back killing me--- as soon as I can sit down the pain goes away
Brief Answer:
Spinal issue seems to be the origin of the symptoms.
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
Judging from your description it seems that nerve compression in the back from the changes in the disks is the most likely cause for your symptoms.
What can be done about it....first step is pain killers and physical therapy. Pain killers involve over the counter anti-inflammatories like Ibuprofen and medication for neuropathic pain like Gabapentin, Pregabalin or Duloxetin. Physical therapy is very important to strengthen spine muscles so that they provide more support to the spine.
If that is not enough steroid and analgesic injections are another method, but you seem to have already tried that with limited success.
So if conservative methods have been tried and failed then I am afraid that the remaining option is surgery. Of course its indication and type should be carefully considered based on imaging and clinical findings, hard to be more specific based with the limited information at hand.
I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Spinal issue seems to be the origin of the symptoms.
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
Judging from your description it seems that nerve compression in the back from the changes in the disks is the most likely cause for your symptoms.
What can be done about it....first step is pain killers and physical therapy. Pain killers involve over the counter anti-inflammatories like Ibuprofen and medication for neuropathic pain like Gabapentin, Pregabalin or Duloxetin. Physical therapy is very important to strengthen spine muscles so that they provide more support to the spine.
If that is not enough steroid and analgesic injections are another method, but you seem to have already tried that with limited success.
So if conservative methods have been tried and failed then I am afraid that the remaining option is surgery. Of course its indication and type should be carefully considered based on imaging and clinical findings, hard to be more specific based with the limited information at hand.
I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
I have heard about disc replacement with discs from a cadaver--- my accountant has a friend that had that done--- sounds a little morbid to me--- but what do you think about that.if this is the case what kind of a doctor should I go see --- a Neurologist ??
Brief Answer:
Neurosurgeon more appropriate when surgery is considered.
Detailed Answer:
In the case of surgery the most appropriate specialist is a neurosurgeon, even better if one with spinal surgery as a subspecialty. In some countries orthopedic surgeons may specialize in spine surgery as well. Neurologists do not perform surgery, they are involved only in the early initial stages during the process of diagnosis and prescription of medication. Once decision for surgery is being considered a spine surgeon is the specialist to go.
As for the type of surgery as I said that is considered depending on imaging results. The type you mention is a possibility, but necessarily. The disc may not need to be replaced, or if that is the case the replacement may be done with a small bone fragment taken from the patient's pelvis or in recent years with artificial discs.
Neurosurgeon more appropriate when surgery is considered.
Detailed Answer:
In the case of surgery the most appropriate specialist is a neurosurgeon, even better if one with spinal surgery as a subspecialty. In some countries orthopedic surgeons may specialize in spine surgery as well. Neurologists do not perform surgery, they are involved only in the early initial stages during the process of diagnosis and prescription of medication. Once decision for surgery is being considered a spine surgeon is the specialist to go.
As for the type of surgery as I said that is considered depending on imaging results. The type you mention is a possibility, but necessarily. The disc may not need to be replaced, or if that is the case the replacement may be done with a small bone fragment taken from the patient's pelvis or in recent years with artificial discs.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
so your best suggestion is to get imagery and go from there ??I don't know where you are-- but do can you give me a few Doctors in the XXXXXXX Al. I might seek out??
Brief Answer:
Read below.
Detailed Answer:
Actually since you said to have been told that 2 discs in your spine were gone I assumed you already had had imaging. If that is not the case then of course you should, MRI imaging of the lumbar spine would be the first step, the diagnosis must be confirmed first before considering further management.
I live in Europe so not sure I am the one to ask for doctor recommendations where you live. I can say that the University of Alabama at XXXXXXX Hospital is the highest ranked in your state. Among the highest rated spine surgeons would mention XXXXXXX R. Pritchard, as a neurologist Dr XXXXXXX Atchinson. Of course that is based only from internet research, living in Europe as I said I can't say to have worked with any of them.
Let me know if I can further assist you.
Read below.
Detailed Answer:
Actually since you said to have been told that 2 discs in your spine were gone I assumed you already had had imaging. If that is not the case then of course you should, MRI imaging of the lumbar spine would be the first step, the diagnosis must be confirmed first before considering further management.
I live in Europe so not sure I am the one to ask for doctor recommendations where you live. I can say that the University of Alabama at XXXXXXX Hospital is the highest ranked in your state. Among the highest rated spine surgeons would mention XXXXXXX R. Pritchard, as a neurologist Dr XXXXXXX Atchinson. Of course that is based only from internet research, living in Europe as I said I can't say to have worked with any of them.
Let me know if I can further assist you.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
and yes I have had a MRI DONE---- hate those things. BTW--- Thank you very much!!!
Brief Answer:
Hope you feel better soon.
Detailed Answer:
An MRI is usually all the imaging you need.
You're welcome, hope you feel better soon.
Hope you feel better soon.
Detailed Answer:
An MRI is usually all the imaging you need.
You're welcome, hope you feel better soon.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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