Numbness/Tingling/Pressure in Spine

[xmelax35]

I have quite a long history but I won't go into all of it. Let's just say that I have Chiari Malformation, had surgery for it back in Nov 2007 and now I was told I have cerebellar ptosis and a form of tethered cord (some doctors agree, some don't...but I understand that it is just not some doctor's specialities so there will be some disagreement there).That is a long story short.

Anyway, for a little while now, I have had this horrible horrible pressure in my lower spine (like a fist is in there just squeezing away) and it is very uncomfortable. (I also have pain too in my lower back - but the pain is not why I am posting this it is the pressure and other symptoms). Last few days I have started having numbness and A LOT of tingling (we are talking big time tingling - pins & needles) in my spine - the mid point of my back - spine. I just wondered what can cause this? It kind of worries me. The pressure has increased and that is when the tingling and numbness started a few days ago.

Any help/ideas or what it could be would be appreciated!

Thanks ahead of time.

[longstreetr]

what would cause pressure and numbness

[selmaS]

That is where mine is as well.....lay on ur side and have a pillow or a rolled up blamket behind u...it helps hold u in that position and helps support ur back and the muscles that hold u on ur side......

Let me know if that helps : )

"selma"

[xmelax35]

Yeh I have POTS also.  It is strange that it is in the spine though. Mainly when I stand, like I said. Having trouble going to sleep because of the pressure in my lower spine. :(  It is just so uncomfortable trouble getting in a position that I don't feel that pressure and the position I get in that is okay, is still uncomfortable but not on that pressure.

[selmaS]

  I have to add that I also may have POTS and that can add some of these symptoms too...so do have that checked as well. ( I do have Ehlers-Danlos)

"selma"

[xmelax35]

I too have some stenosis.  I have had a lot of MRI's and CT's on my Lumbar, Thorasic, and Cervical Spine.  They all say the same stuff.  The last ones were December 16th when Dr. Di did them. That's when he told me about the type of Tethered Cord I have. Still awaiting my records. I sent in for them several weeks ago.  I haven't heard anything from them. :(
Anyway, that is interesting. My back is feeling horrible and that pins and needles feeling and numbness is really irratating (as well as the horrible pressure).  I will mention that it is worse when I sit or stand. Then it bothers me a certain way I lay too.

[selmaS]

Well I was told pretty much the same, but now post op I am being told my disks have shifted and r causing a CSF obstruction.....
The bowel and bladder issues r due to the TC and can add to the issues in the area when bloated.....Have u had a MRI of the disks post op?( I should mention I also have stinosis in the area too) My NL AT TCI told me I had to have an orthopedist take a look at my disks and possibly have surgery.

U may want to have this reviewed

  "selma"

[xmelax35]

Yes I have bowel and bladder issues. Also I have been told I have some buldging discs but only because I asked about them because of my copy of the test results. They said it is nothing, I was told by 2 doctors that everyone has them and that it is normal. That buldging discs are a normal finding.

Thanks so much! :)

[selmaS]

  Hi...I too have TC along with being decompressed for chiari and at times have issues with my lower back. I have to ask, do u also have ne bulging disks?...I do, and how is the function of ur bladder and bowel as it can get compromised with TC and affect the lower back, push on bulging disks right into a nerve and cause the tingling.....

Make sure u use a stool softener to avoid strain and to help keep things moving....drink plenty of water and get plenty of fiber.....this all does play a key role.Even the time of yr and the change in temp affects my natural rhythms....so take a good look at what may have gone on just prior to the tingling starting.

Keep me posted : )

  "selma"