Partial lower body numbness

About a month ago my mid to upper back started hurting pretty intensly on left side.  About a week later that whole region hurt (in a line horizontally across my back) to the point that I couldn't lay down, sitting was actually more comfortable.  Around the same time every time I coughed, hiccupped, sneezed, breathed to deeply, or moved wrong it would feel like electricity going through legs for an instant.  Now, about a week ago my back has started to feel a little better but it feels like my lower body is partially numb (particularly my legs).  I can tell the difference between a pinch or a touch, but pinching doesn't hurt, neither does a punch or anything like that.  I've also had difficulty walking and especially going up or down stairs.  I originally thought my back pain and leg problems may be related just because of proximity of time, but I'm told that pain in the mid to upper back is not related to leg numbness or leg anything.  So I'm wondering what the problem is.  Also, I included the information about my back because I think it would definately be an odd (not impossible) coincidence that they both happened roughly the same time but aren't related.  All info is appreciated, thank you.

[Sweff]

Your symptoms sound very similar to mine
contact me please and give me and update of your situation if you can.

[kgreene]

I have the same problem you had. what was the results?

thank you. kgreene