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What Causes Pinched Nerve In The Lower Back?

Posted on Fri, 23 Oct 2015

Question: I am going to my primary physician in two hours hoping to get a referral to a specialist who can check my back for pinched nerves or reason I fall asleep when sitting and lean against a chair's backrest even though I don't need sleep. I am 80 and in good shape otherwise. What kind of specialist should I see...an orthopedist?

Answered by Dr. Dr.Albana Sejdini (24 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
neurologist to consult first & following lab tests

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

I understand your concern.

For pinched nerves, should see a neurologist who might advised to run MRI of the spinal cord to rule out respective problems.

For your problem of falling asleep and being always tired, can discuss with:
- neurologist
- run some blood testing : complete blood count, electrolyte/hormonal balance, kidney /liver function test?
- diabetes testing

Orthopaedist to consult if something wrong is noted.

Foods you consume are also important in precipitating the symptoms.

Hope it answered to your queries!
Dr.Albana

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr.Albana Sejdini (40 minutes later)

I am NOT always tired but pressure on my back makes me feel sleepy even when I am watching an exiting football game on TV or enjoying a soul stirring sermon in church. Several years ago I had a sleep apnea test in lab conditions overnite and they didn't find anything wrong. I went to a neurologist and he said I had carpel tunnel syndrome. That was wrong also. When I sleep at night and often through the day my arms and hands from elbows down tingle and get numb. Do I need injections in my spine pads in my neck which crunches when I move my head?

Answered by Dr. Dr.Albana Sejdini (26 hours later)

Brief Answer:
depends on mri results

Detailed Answer:
Hi back,

Sorry for the late reply due to my XXXXXXX clinical overload.

Now, the treatment will be decided depending on the tests results (MRI of the spine).

Physiotherapy is definitely a great alternative in all cases.

With regards to injections, again it will depend on MRI results.

All the best!
Dr.Albana

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar