Ihave surface numbness on back of lft upper thigh, lft side foot and heal. EMG!


Question:
the numbness is not constant. The MRI states large cnetral and left lateral disc extrusion at L5-S1 with a marked effacement of the dural sac as well as posterior and lateral displacement of the proximal left S1 nerve root. I currently have no major back pain but I can not stand on my left toes from a flat footed position. My right foot I can. Muscles in the calve and thigh feel like i just rubbed out a charlies horse. Soft tissue message is helping muscle mobility, but with the negative emg i do not understand why I am experiencing numbness still. My current doctor does not know either. Now is is sending me to a podietrist to see about lifts in my shoes. I am confused and not sure where to turn. Thank you
Answers:
A negative EMG test means that your muscles and the nerves controlling the muscles are fine. However, the EMG doesn't tell you whether your sensory nerves are ok. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003929.htm

Sensory nerves are the nerves that help you sense touch, temperature, vibrations, etc. They are completely different from your motor nerves (the nerves which make your muscles move). If something presses on your sensory nerves or if your sensory nerves are damaged, then that part of your body will be numb.

The MRI test will show all the nerve roots (both sensory nerve roots and motor nerve roots) coming off the spinal cord. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003793.htm

So according to your test results, it seems like your doctor proved that your motor nerves to your left leg are ok, but your sensory nerves in that leg need help, and that's why you feel numb in that leg. It may be due to a herniated or damaged disc at the L5-S1 part of your backbone, or changes in the vertebrae (bones) of your spine (backbone) that would press on your sensory nerve roots at the L5-S1 part of your spinal cord. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000442.htm

Your doctor is sending you to the podiatrist to protect your leg from injuries. Now that your leg is numb, it would be hard for you to know if you hurt your leg when you're walking or not, because you won't feel any pain even if you cut your foot. So the podiatrist will give you things to physically protect your leg. I'm sure your doctor also is still deciding the best way to help you fix your spine and nerve problem, and probably will refer you to an orthopedic surgeon. Be sure to talk to your current doctor and ask all your questions and concerns. They're there to help you, so don't feel alone and confused about this, just talk to your doctor. You can also get a second opinion from another doctor if that doesn't help.

Other Answers:
Sounds like a herniated disc compressing your sensory nerve roots. But I recommend you talk to your doctor, as he/she knows the most about your case. Herniated discs can recover if you rest the area and take anti-inflammatory medications. Your doctor might be waiting to see if your body will recover on its own, before recommending you to surgery.
Answers:

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