Can thoracic spine issues cause leg issues?

[janieann]

For about 5 months now, I've had tingling/buzzing and the feeling of electrical current running in both my legs and feet.   When it's really bad, it feels like they're burning. It gets worse as the day progresses, and especially when I sit for long periods of time.   I also have this odd characteristics that if I touch any part of my body from about mid-torso on down, the sensation in my foot on that side of my body gets stronger.

I've had a full neuro work-up with brain, cervical and lumbar MRIs, lots of blood work to try to rule out MS, autoimmune disorders, Lyme Disease, vasculitis, etc..., and even a spinal tap.    Nothing showed up to explain these symptoms.

Probably not coincidentally, at about the same time my leg symptoms showed up, I experienced symptoms in my hands and my head which have been attributed to Thoracic Outlet Syndrome and cervical issue.  PT has helped the latter, but thus far, my TOS is still in full bloom.     I strongly suspect that a "planking challenge" I did in late October set something in motion to cause all this unpleasantness as the symptoms started the second week of November, but my neurologist doesn't think my leg issues are spinal in nature.  

So my question is this.    Could problems in the lower thoracic region of the spine be causing bilateral problems in my legs?    That's the only area of my spine that hasn't been looked at, and my entire back just hasn't felt right since November, and in particular my "high" lower back is newly sore.   Something even popped in my back right lower rib cage are that caused searing pain a coupld of weeks ago, and it's still sore.   My PT guy says it's referred pain from my spine.  

The docs are all focused on my lumbar region which I understand, but has anyone had leg problems that were the result of a thoracic spine problem?

Thanks!

Jane

[janieann]

Dr. Mathur,

Thank you so much for taking the time to respond.  

I know that the blood work run and spinal tap have ruled out most of the disorders you mentioned, although my TSH hasn't been checked since July.  

The premenopause/menopause possibility is something I'm pursuing now.  I know when I started on Estradiol the obnoxious PVCs I was having non-stop went away.    My neurologist has also mentioned the possibility of Epstein-Barr, Herpes Zoster or some other toxin being involved.   I'll need to pursue that as well.

Because I seem to be having new back issues higher up than normal, I was just wondering about thoracic spine issues.  I appreciate your feedback on that.

Jane

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hi Jane!

I am sorry to hear about your medical problems. The symptoms are unlikely to be due to pinched nerve in thoracic region. The symptoms could be due to dry skin, hyperthyroid states, liver or gall bladder dysfunction, peripheral neuropathies (as in diabetes, hypothyroidism, Lyme’s and lupus), pinched nerves, or decreased sweating as in Sjogren’s syndrome. In females above 40 years it can be a symptom of menopause or premenopause. Fibromyalgia is another possibility. Take care!

The medical advice given should not be considered a substitute for medical care provided by a doctor who can examine you. The advice may not be completely correct for you as the doctor cannot examine you and does not know your complete medical history. Hence this reply to your post should only be considered as a guiding line and you must consult your doctor at the earliest for your medical problem.