Can the cervical spine really cause leg numbness

Posted , 5 users are following.

Hi everyone. Went to the ER yesterday where they did an MRI of lumbar spine which showed no nerve entrapment but both of my legs are experiencing numbness and a tight sensation. I read that a cervical problem can actually cause pressure on the spine causing lower extremity numbness. I have had problems with my arms being numb for years but lately also have burning on top of shoulders. I had carpal tunnel surgery ten years ago and at that time they stated that I would eventually have to have the ulnar nerve done also.

I also have two very sore spots in approximately the same spot on each side of my bottom. Today I took my deep tissue hand massager and was massaging these areas and noticed while I was doing so the muscles in my legs were being activated. Could I possibly have the nerve being irritated by a muscle? Any suggestions would be appreciated.

1 like, 6 replies

6 Replies

  • Posted

    Yes your sciatic nerve runs through the piriformus muscle, if you are doing deep massage I'd avoid those areas.

    Google piriformus, it will help you understand it more, its complex.

  • Posted

    Have you had some one check your SI joint? i only ask because i have had the same issue along with problems in my lumbar, i just had a nerve trial but before i did, i had a SI joint injection done and it helped for a few days on some of the same symptoms. Is it also commonly mistreated as lumbar or sciatic nerve issues in the spine. i have included a link to give you an idea of where its located and a few things to help, since you said it was on both sides. i hope this helps, and im not sure if were allowed to share links but im sorry if its against policy. https://si-bone.com/patients/si-joint-pain/symptoms/

    • Posted

      No but I took a little internet quiz and my symptoms don't match up. I really think it could be the performs issue. Have referral to neuro so hopefully appt soon and more importantly answers. My daughter has postponed planning her wedding until I am able to help. Makes me feel terrible but she wants her mom with her.

  • Posted

    Yes, I suffered from numbness and unsteady gait until fusion between C4&5 which it corrected.

  • Posted

    I'm sorry it wasn't the SI joint, i hate to say this but ER docs aren't specialized in spines. I have had ER images and wasn't happy with the report so i took them to a spine surgeon to review and he found many things they missed. Which in future months i had to have a L-4, L-5  laminectomy. Most ER docs are doing the best with what they do but, they do many things, Have you thought of taking you images to a doc who specializes in spine care? A second opinion is sometimes for the best. I have had an ER doc miss 2 broken toes and my Ortho found them right off the bat and even showed me where on the MRI images.  

  • Posted

    Samantha is right, ER docs are taught a little bit of everything and a whole lot of how to handle trauma patients.  You can't depend on them to diagnose spinal and neurological problems.  Take your MRI to a specialist!

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