Back pain question

[Shel]

Over the weekend I zigged when I should've zagged. All of a sudden I got this really bad pain just above my left butt cheek (sorry!!). It lasted about 2 hours or so, and after taking much Bayer aspirin for back pain, it subsided long enough for me to fall asleep & the muscles to relax. What I'm left with is a ankle/foot that's numb & tingly. I walk like I've had too much to drink, and it's been this way since Saturday morning. Has anyone else experienced this, and if so, how long does the numbness last? Thanks!!

 

[Evil Genius]

Sounds like you might have pinched a nerve. I would call the doctor leg numbness is nothing to mess with.

 

[hiwaygal]

I would have that checked by a doctor...my back doc is a neurosurgeon, but you can also see an orthopedic surgeon.

Typically back pain associated with foot numbness is the sign of something pressing on the sciatic nerve (herniated disc, usually). Prolonged numbness/tingling could be a sign of permanent damage to the nerve.

 

[ChrizJen]

Oh My Gosh!!

It is so funny that you should post this! I am absolutely MISERABLE right now! I went bowling on Saturday night, and I've been in pain ever since!
My pain is also right above my left cheek, and it radiates down my left leg. I had a little numbness in my left foot this morning. But I sit at a desk all dyay for work, and when I get up from a sitting position, I am unable to straighten my back, so I have to hunch over when I walk!

I had this happen a few years ago, and I was diagnosed with Sciatica. This is when there is a misalignment in your low back which pinches the sciatic nerve, which serves the entire leg on one side (in this case, our left side). I was given some really good meds, and eventually it worked itself out.

I'm thinking of either going back and getting more meds, or calling a chiropractor. But I'm miserable, so I will have to do something. You'll probably want to do the same.
Good luck!
-Christal

 

[mamacatnv]

If you're okay with a Chiropractor that is the direction I would go in. I throw out that exact spot every once in awhile, it hurts like a son of a gun and causes the leg/foot numbness.

My Chiro gets in there and puts those little puppies back in their place. The adjustment itself can be very uncomfortable as that spot gets really sore really fast. He usually sends in the massage therapist when he is done to loosen up the muscles ( again uncomfortable ) but within a few hours I am generally on my way back to walking normally. Sometimes it takes a visit or 2 to get them to stay in place.

Hope you feel better soon..........

 

[TinkNH]

I had the same issue..pain in lower back and one buttock then radiating down one leg and numbness...ended up in the Er several times. Mine was also sciattica...I had issues with my alignment that wouod set it off. I used to only be able to sleep comfortably in the recliner when it happened..and advil is my friend. I ended up in physical therapy cause it got to a point where i couldnt do much and it hurt to walk. (and ironically the pain would seem to get better if i kept moving and worse if I stayed still)
The PT helped a lot, and I keep doing the streches to make sure it does not happen again!

 

[Redbudlover]

Yes, definitely sciatic from a herniated disc... I ended up having to have a lumbar injection before mine went away. Tried a chiropracter, but it just got worse. Tried meds but that didn't help much. My hot tub did!!! My orthopedic surgeon said the only way to prevent that is to work out and keep my core strong for the rest of my life - sorry gotta run am meeting my trainer in a few minutes! Not going through that again!