Foot Drop? Need Advice

[staley]

I have had back pain for last 2 years, about 6" above my belt at the spine. The back pain is mostly a burning sensation.  Shortly before it developed, I can recall a pain that shocked by thigh when I was getting up off the couch, which over time has become intermittent pain and tingling on the front and side of my left thigh.  Both of my calves are chronically painful. Recently, when walking the toes of my left foot catch or drag the floor.  The worst instance was today, when the left foot toes must have dragged 5". It was like my foot didn't work for a second. If I tap the outside of my left ankle, I can feel an electric sensation in my little and next to little toes.  A neuro did an EMG/NCV last month which he said was normal.  One year ago, I had a lumbar MRI that showed mild diffuse disc bulge with small herniation at L1-L2 and mild diffuse disc bulge at L4-L5.  I can lift my foot toward the ceiling without problem. I really don't understand all this disc and nerve business, but is the foot thing caused by my disc bulges, or is it like a central nervous system issue? The neuro didn't have an answer.  Any input would be appreciated. Thanks.

[staley]

Thanks for your posts Anant10 and sandra905. I go to the spine specialist next week, i.e., the one who sent me for the lumbar MRI, referred to in my earlier post. My neuro didn't think it wasn't a central nervous system issue, which makes it sound like what Anant10 had indicated. The neuro did raise anxiety as a possibility, which I am not buying.  I will post again after I see the spine guy early next week, or earlier, if you post again. I hope you too will post any new info, Sandra905.

[sandra905]

I have been having some similiar symptoms. I scuff/drag my left foot and stumble. I also have tingling sensations in my left leg and left shoulder. My NCV & EMG also were normal. I don't have the results of the MRI of my left knee and lower back yet. My neuro believes it is in my leg or lower back even though she hasn't found a cause yet. I hope you will continue to post any progress made toward a diagnosis.

[Anant10]

Hi,

It's more likely that the symptoms you are having are due to disc bulge at L1-L2 and L4-L5 level.