[chicagogirl]

#10694

Dr. Corenman, thank you for the terrific web site.
At the end of October, I bent over and “threw my back out”, causing severe pain alleviated gradually by a week’s steroid pack.
Afterwards, I began having strange symptoms which don’t seem to match with classic “sciatica”. Primary problem is pins-and-needles “burning” feeling bilaterally in nerves of my inner thighs, especially when driving and often when sitting. Gets a lot worse when driving for longer periods. This alternates with, or is accompanied by, mild-to-moderate numbness in bottom of both buttocks, sometimes in the groin. I also sometimes have mild ‘sensation’ in tops of both feet and ankles. Rarely, some tingling in left calf.
These symptoms “move around” and vary in strength but the thigh burning almost always disappears when I stand up. Changing my position while sitting can also alleviate symptoms at times but they will often shift to another variation.
I do have some stiffness in my lower back at times and sometimes achiness.
MRI findings were as follows:

L3-L4 1 mm generalized disk bulge,
L4-L5 – broad-based central disk protrusion measuring 2-3 mm in AP extent, effacing the ventral thecal sac, no evidence of nerve root compression. Mildly hypertrophied facet joints.
L5-S1 – broad-based right paracentral disk protrusion measuring approx. 2 mm in AP extent, this is slightly effacing the ventral thecal sac and is in close proximity to the right S1 nerve root but nerve root does not appear displaced or compressed. Mild bilateral facet hypertrophy.

I did have a few episodes of the inner thigh burning sensation prior to throwing my back out. I have no bladder or bowel function issues.
Any feedback on how I might resolve these symptoms is appreciated. Thank you.

[Donald Corenman, MD, DC]

#10766

“Pins-and-needles “burning” feeling” in the inner thighs does not sound to be spine related in regards to nerve compression. Normally, a nerve compression will be unilateral (one sided) and involve pain along with paresthesias (pins and needles) and numbness.

The MRI does not note significant compression of any nerve structures.

You might have a pudendal neuropathy or a sacral neuritis but it would be unlikely that the symptoms stem from the disc degeneration of the lumbar spine.

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.

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