Intermittent Lower Back Pain,tingling toes. Posted: 12-26-07 20:10pm
Hello all. First-time poster. I'm actually
posting this on behalf of my younger
brother. He's been having intermittent
pain in his lower back for about 6 months
now. In the past few weeks, he's also
noticed that it will sometimes be
accompanied by a tingling sensation in
either his pinky on his left hand or his
pinky toe on his left foot. I've been
after him to see a doctor after the
holidays are over, but in the meantime, I
wanted to post this here to see if anyone
could point him in a direction of possible
causes.
As for his health history, he's in his
late 20s, and has never had any health
issues, other than asthma (which developed
in his early 20s). Thanks in advance for
the advice.
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RichT
Active User, Really EHEALTHy
Joined: 22 Jul 2007 Posts: 910
Thanks: 21
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Posted: 12-26-07 21:20pm
Hello USAFPhoenix,
WELCOME to this great forum!
I commend you for wanting to try and help
your younger brother. A good BIG brother
you are.
With his lower back pain going on now for
6 months and that thingling sensation in
his left hand and toe, I would highly
recommend that he seek the advice of a
neurologist/spinal surgeon without delay.
Back pain is one of those things that
sometimes is difficult to determine what
ones self did "wrong" if anything.
I would suggest that he speak with people
he knows who have been to a neurologist or
spinal surgeon in your area. Find out
which doctor they liked and which ones
they did not like. He needs a spinal
doctor who is well respected. The best he
can find. He may also wish to call the
local hospitals and ask them which spinal
surgeon performs the most surgeries. (I'm
not saying that your brother needs
surgery, I'm only saying that you want a
very experienced doctor who is best able
to determine what is causing your
brother's pain. I am NOT a doctor,
however, from my personal experience, that
thigling sensation is an indication of a
pinched nerve which in my case was caused
by a bulging disc.
Oh yes, after he has determined who are
the best spinal doctors in his area have
him make an appointment with one. Then
immediately make an appointment with
another spinal surgeon on the list, and
preferably a third doctor. It is always a
good idea to get those second opinions.
I wish your brother well. Do stay in
touch and let us know how things go. If
he or you have any questions along the way
don't hesitate to ask.
RichT
P.S. - If he has a professional sports
team in his area I would suggest that he
give the team's office a call and find out
which spinal doctor or neurologist the
team uses for their player. With the
investment the owners have in the players
they don't want the cheapest doctor, they
want the BEST doctor. This approach sure
has worked for me.
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USAFPhoenix
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 26 Dec 2007 Posts: 8
Posted: 12-26-07 22:31pm
Thanks for the advice, Rich. I will
certainly convey your helpful words to
him. I was thinking it might be an issue
with a disc as well. While he doesn't have
any sports-related injuries, he has been,
for the past year, (against my advice)
lifting heavy weights without a spotter
and I suspect that may be the cause. I
will certainly let you know how it turns
over after he's been to see some
specialists. Thanks again.
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RichT
Active User, Really EHEALTHy
Joined: 22 Jul 2007 Posts: 910
Thanks: 21
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Posted: 12-27-07 00:23am
Yes, I agree with you regarding the
"cause". Our bodies are not made of
steel. When I go to PT for my ole back,
I'd guess a good third of those receiving
treatment are because of sports injuries.
Lifting weights is a "sport".
I really hope your brother takes "our"
advice and makes an appointment to see the
best neurologist/spinal surgeon that he
can find, AND to do so without delay.
RichT
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USAFPhoenix
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 26 Dec 2007 Posts: 8
Posted: 12-27-07 19:30pm
Thanks again, Rich. I forgot to ask
earlier. What sort of procedures can fix a
bulging disc (assuming it is that)? Would
he require surgery?
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RichT
Active User, Really EHEALTHy
Joined: 22 Jul 2007 Posts: 910
Thanks: 21
Thanked:0
Posted: 12-27-07 22:13pm
Hello USAFPhoenix,
"What sort of procedures can fix a bulging
disc (assuming it is that)? Would he
require surgery?" - Honestly, there are
SOOOoooo many variables that there is no
way of knowing until he has received the
advice from 2 to 3 MD doctors specializing
in the spine.
Here is the "rule of thumb" from what I
and others have been through. X-rays and
MRIs are taken and then reviewed by the
doctors. The patient is also told to try
and do this or that in the examining room,
and the doctor will also do a good exam to
better understantd the situation and what
is causing the pain.
Next step is to try non-surgical options
(epidural injections, physical therapy,
etc). If they work, GREAT!!!, If not,
then the next step is to determine whether
non-invasive surgery is an option, etc.
Basically it is a matter of slowly going
through the varies steps, with the hope
that the knife can be kept at bay.
This process takes time. Months. So
patience is needed.
I wish your brother and you the best. He
is most fortunate to have you as his
"BiIG" brother helping him through this.
You are a very special fellow.
RichT
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USAFPhoenix
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 26 Dec 2007 Posts: 8
Posted: 12-27-07 23:23pm
Thanks for the reply, Rich. I will
certainly keep you posted. He's due to see
his primary, and then some specialists
after New Year's.
Best,
Mike
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Jayres
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 30 Dec 2007 Posts: 5 Location: Grove City, Grove City United States
