Lower Left Back Pain And Sharp Pain In the Left Foot

Let me just dive right into the problems here. First of all i'm terrified of going to the doctor. Don't know why. Just always have been. I just wanted to see if anyone else had any similar symptoms so I could get a general idea of what was wrong before heading on in.

I have pain in the center of my left side back. The pain is most focused in the center of my back (still left side). If someone presses on certain areas it feels as though there are small spikes underneath my skin (in my mind I picture a round ball of boney spikes :d). I also do not have full sensation on the left side. For example I can stand with scolding hot water aimed at the left side of my back and have no idea how hot it is until I shift to the right.

In the past hot water has temporarily alleviated the pain and deep stretching will help a small amount.

Recently the pain has started becoming more persistent and when I wake up in the morning I have severe pain in the my left foot. I'm guessing the two are connected.

I have also had bowel problems over the years and after going to a gastrologist recently he suggested that it may be back related.

Does anyone have any idea what could possibly be causing this? Pinched nerve or some such?