numb toe lady- MRI back and found something

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Shelby_36

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I'm the one with the two nurab toes. The nurse called back and said the MRI showed I had protruding discs- disc protrusion. I thought she said plural but I asked her for more info and she said thats all the drs note said.

So from the people here that know everything about back stuff- What does this mean- what options do they typically give or is it totally dependant on the degree? They are sending me to a back specialist in the area(I know him hes actually an eccentirc neurologist- I may change the appt)

I don't have constant pain. I do have constant nurabness in the 2 toes and intermittant hip pain, a grinding feeling, and occasionaly sciatic or a "catch" type feeling. Usually every few weeks for a few days at a time.

Any ideas are helpful. Personally my feelings are I don't want to do anything to just feed the drs vacation account but I don't want to NOT do something I need to- does that make sense? Any guide to this would be helpful.
 
Hi, I am very new at this, how do i start my own message?????????

Please help.

Thank you:confused::confused::mad:
 
Hi Shelby.. you need to do the follow up and see what a spine surgeon thinks in the findings of the MRI, and your symptoms. You sound like you are experiencing sciatica and probably from the disc(s) mentioned by the nurse.

Ask for a copy of the MRI report. You need to start a folder and keep any and all reports as you go along. This way you have a history of this right at your fingertips.

It sounRAB like you are aren't thrilled with the neuro that they were sending your stuff to, so change that. You have control over who you see. If this is a workman's comp issue, your control field is less, but you have the right to see another one in the group if you choose to.

You must be your own advocate and its essential that you have a take charge in a nice way attitude when you speak with the specialists. I found when I was a wallflower with a doctor, I got nowhere.

Depending on what the report actually says, what your body is doing and can do, will depend on if you can heal on your own or with a little medical intervention or need more. Most surgeons today take a totally conservative approach (some too conservative) to treating patients with spine issues. Surgery is a last resort approach and that may not even be mentioned as an alternative for you at this early stage, and I would think it wouldn't be.

More likely... some meRAB, rest and/or PT will be called upon and see how your body responRAB. If that doesnt work, then possibly some injections to see if they bring you relief.

Hope this helps some.
 
Before you click on a thread to read there should be a button on the top left of the list that says- Post new thread. good Luck.
 
What causes this in a 40 year old woman that doesn't have a strenuous job and have not had any injury?

Does this kind of stuff just happen spontaneously?

I pulled my back out as a kid 25 years ago- surely that wouldn't cause a problem this far into the future?
 
It is more likely just the way you were made. It takes no trauma or event to have spine issues. Just like anything else, such as arthritis, etc. This is really no different, if no trauma creates the problem.

I was 18 when my first disc went. So it can happen to anyone anytime, at any fitness level. BUT having said that.. you are more in a prime age range for degenerative disc disease to be more evident (for lack of a better word).

Generally it begins with drying out of the discs, known as degenerative disc disease (but is actually a condition). This happens to all humans. Many have no negative signs as this occurs, but for some, it can be anything from a back ache, to it causing weakness and leading to other spine issues.

Then some of us have true spine deformities of course.

Unfortunately for most of us.. there is absolutely nothing we could do to prevent what happened.
But keeping fit and healthy and exercising, to include your core muscle group will help to ensure you get the best possible prevention though. It's not a guaranteed ticket though.

And an injury that long ago for you, could indeed have resurfaced now. It happens. Doesnt mean that is the case. But it could.

That disc I injured at 18, still exists in my spine today. It is still bulging but up to the fusion surgery that disc was causing me no pain. But now since the disc above it is now fused.. that bulging disc could begin to start causing me trouble from having to work so hard to compensate for the one that is fused above it. Time will tell.

I think you will benefit from the follow up and can then know more about what's happening and what they recommend for you to help you.

Hope this helps some.
 
Yes, your information is very useful. I am starting at near zero understanding here. My husband herniated one or two discs a few years ago but his was flat out on his back, can't tie his shoes, crawl to the bathroom kind of pain. Mine is very different as I explained.

But thank you for the info. I go in for a B12 shot Monday and they will make the appt with the neurologist- if I can find one. It looks like in my town there is only one- the loon. I may go to the next town over.
 
Hi Shelby,

There are several excellent websites where you can learn all about your back and the various problems that can arise.

Perhaps there is an ortho in your area that specializes in spines. S/he could help you, too.

There are so many parts to the spine. Likewise there are that many things that can and do go wrong. Some are mechanical; some are a result of the nerves. Generally speaking, the nerves do not act up on their own. Usually something is pinching them off, like a herniated disc. In this case the problem is in your lurabar spine, but the pain is referred to your toes. If you're interested in learning more about this, search for dermatomes. Referred pain from the toes and the outside of the foot comes from lurabar vertebra 4 (L4) of possibly L5. If you have tingling in your hanRAB, the doc would immediately know there is a problem in your thorasic spine rather than your lurabar spine.

It is important to learn as much as you can about your particular problems so you can discuss your treatment options with your doctor. Some will immediately try to talk you into injections or even surgery. The more you know, the less you have to blindly follow whatever your doc says.;)
 
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