Nerve compression is mainly easy to ascertain with MRI images but there is a condition of discal instability where the nerve exits look “slightly tight” but not overtly narrowed. However, with motion, the nerve exit hole can narrow significantly and compress the nerve root.
“Tingles” are called paresthesias and normally occur with active nerve compression but can occasionally occur with nerve irritation without compression. Trying to wash your back or wipe yourself involves rotation and extension of the lower back, two maneuvers that might help indicate foraminal or lateral recess stenosis but this needs to be verified by examination.
Dr. Corenman
PLEASE REMEMBER, THIS FORUM IS MEANT TO PROVIDE GENERAL INFORMATION ON SPINE ANATOMY, CONDITIONS AND TREATMENTS. TO GET AN ACCURATE DIAGNOSIS, YOU MUST VISIT A QUALIFIED PROFESSIONAL IN PERSON.
Donald Corenman, MD, DC is a highly-regarded spine surgeon, considered an expert in the area of neck and back pain. Trained as both a Medical Doctor and Doctor of Chiropractic, Dr. Corenman earned academic appointments as Clinical Assistant Professor and Assistant Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, and his research on spine surgery and rehabilitation has resulted in the publication of multiple peer-reviewed articles and two books.
