Cervical ribs are very rare and can cause thoracic outlet syndrome (symptoms in the arms). Extra lumbar ribs are generally benign and do not cause problems.
Toe numbness can be cause by local foot problems (compression of the sensory nerve in the toe) but would be characterized by numbness only on one side of the toe (unless both medial and lateral great toe nerves are compressed- very rare). The nerves that supply the foot can be compressed at the ankle or the knee and can cause numbness. Finally, nerve root compression in the spine can also cause these symptoms.
A normal MRI of the spine makes me think of the problems existing in the leg and not the back although there are instances where a small compressive lesion might have been missed by the radiologist.
If the numbness does not bother you other than occasionally noticing it and there is no pain, motor weakness, imbalance or any other neurological symptoms, it is probably OK to leave it alone. If it is disturbing, a visit to a neurologist would be the next step.
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.
