Experiencing Weakness and Tingling in Left Foot Alongside Severe Lower Back Pain
Hello, I’m reaching out for assistance because I’m feeling quite lost and finding it difficult to obtain guidance or solutions. I’m a 23-year-old female dealing with intense lower back discomfort that feels like a burning sensation, radiating into my buttocks and hips. Additionally, I experience a tingling sensation in the soles of my feet as well as my toes. After being diagnosed with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, it took significant time before anyone agreed to request imaging for me. A recent CT scan of my lumbar spine revealed the following findings: **Findings from the Noncontrast CT scan:** - The alignment appears normal, and the heights of the vertebral bodies are intact, showing no acute or aggressive abnormalities in the bone. - There are initial degenerative changes in the disc space, including small Schmorl's nodes at the T12/L1 and L1/L2 levels. No defects at the pars or significant degenerative facet joint disease. - A CT scan does not indicate any definitive soft tissue masses in the spinal or paraspinal areas. - The identified sacrum and iliac bones show no urgent abnormalities, and the SI joints don’t exhibit significant degenerative changes. - A partially calcified protuberance is noticed at T12/L1, which does not seem to cause considerable spinal stenosis. - The L1/L2 level is unremarkable, while L2/L3 shows a generalized bulge without significant narrowing of the spinal canal or foramina. - At L3/L4, a generalized bulge is evident, causing slight narrowing of the lateral recess but no notable spinal stenosis or foraminal narrowing. - For L4/L5, a broad-based protrusion contributes to mild lateral recess narrowing with no marked neural foraminal narrowing. - The L5/S1 area shows a focal protrusion that may affect the traversing left L5 nerve root without significant narrowing of the subarticular recess or neural foramina. **Impression:** Multilevel disc space spondylosis is indicated, with potential nerve root compression, particularly at L5/S1. A follow-up MRI is recommended for clearer evaluation. Following the CT, an MRI was conducted and the results stated: **Impression:** - At T12-L1, a mild annular disc bulge is observed, but there are no signs of herniation, central or foraminal narrowing, or nerve root compression in the lumbar spine. My general practitioner reassured me that the MRI results were normal and suggested physical therapy without any need for concern. However, my symptoms persist—tingling has intensified, sciatica is spreading from my calf to my foot, and I’ve been experiencing more incidents of tripping. I'm uncertain about the next steps and would appreciate any advice you might have.
Answers (1)
7/9/2025, 4:31:25 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you’re navigating a challenging situation with your back pain and the associated symptoms, including tingling and weakness in your left foot. It’s understandable to feel lost after receiving complex medical information, especially with the additional challenge of dealing with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS). Let's break this down and focus on actionable steps to help you manage these symptoms.
Key Points:
- Nerve Root Compression: The CT scan and MRI imply potential nerve root compression at the L5/S1 level. This could explain the tingling, weakness, and sciatica symptoms you're experiencing.
- Physical Therapy: Your doctor suggested physical therapy, which can be very useful for strengthening muscles, improving flexibility, and alleviating nerve compression.
- Monitoring Symptoms: Given the persistence and worsening of your symptoms, it’s crucial to keep track of any changes and reactions to therapy or self-care measures.
Explanation:
- Degenerative Changes: The findings indicate mild disc degeneration and bulging, which can happen as we age or due to conditions like hEDS. These changes can affect nearby nerves, leading to pain, tingling, and muscle weakness.
- Role of Physical Therapy: A physical therapist can design a program tailored to your needs and limitations, especially considering hEDS, which can affect joint stability and flexibility.
Next Steps:
-
Initiate Physical Therapy: If you haven’t already done so, start physical therapy as soon as possible. Discuss your specific symptoms, such as the tingling and tripping, to develop a targeted rehabilitation plan.
-
Keep a Symptom Journal: Document your symptoms daily, noting factors such as:
- Levels of pain or discomfort
- When tingling occurs or worsens
- Activities that trigger or relieve your symptoms This record can help identify patterns and inform your healthcare team about your condition.
-
Practice Self-Care Techniques:
- Posture & Ergonomics: Make adjustments in your workspace and daily activities to maintain good posture and reduce strain on your back.
- Gentle Stretching: Engage in mild stretching exercises or yoga, focusing on the lower back, hips, and legs to alleviate tension.
- Heat/Ice Therapy: Use heat (like a heating pad) to relax tight muscles, or ice packs to reduce inflammation, especially after physical activity.
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Consider a Follow-Up with a Specialist: If your symptoms continue to worsen or don’t improve with physical therapy, it might be beneficial to consult with a spine specialist or neurologist who has experience in treating nerve-related pain and conditions like hEDS.
Final Note:
It's essential to listen to your body and advocate for your health. Continue communicating with your healthcare providers about your symptoms, and don’t hesitate to seek further evaluation if things don’t improve. Remember that you're not alone in this, and there are steps you can take to find relief. If you have more questions or need further clarification, feel free to ask.
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