Toe and foot numbness from L5/S1 herniated disk

[demtlard]

Is there anything I can do to manage the numbness in my feet? Or for that matter managing the numbness anywhere?  I am assuming not.  

Recently I found out I have a herniated disk in the L5/S1.  I bent down to pick something up the other day, and after two months of feeling better my waste felt like it was jelly and I just about fell over from the pain. That part has pretty much subsided now, more quickly then it had before, which is odd. But I started having big toe numbness about 2 days prior to this, and I still have it now, it has been about 6 days. I had an acupuncture treatment today which helped for about 4-5 hours.  

My numbness is slowly spreading throughout my foot and it is especially noticeable when I lie down. Walking and standing are better then sitting or lying.

I take Solaxin 200mg and Naposin 250mg, once a day, they want me to take it three, but I do not think I need so much, I take it during my busy times of the day only.  I dont have much pain my back, it is tolerable, but the numbness really worries me as I do not want to have surgery.  The strength in my toes are fine so far. Both are equal.

Any suggestions?

[fb2812]

I've had problems with L5S1 since Oct '08,have tried various pain killers and anti-inflammtory drugs with nothing really relieving the pain/discomfort. The pain started just above bottom of spine causing numbness to left leg travelling down to left foot, 2 outer toes and line back from them to heel has been permanently numb since then. Although the limp i had did subside the numbness/prickly heat/burning sensation i have has never left me, at times i cant bear for my foot to be touched and cannot walk on cold floors without the burning sensation returning. I did for a while lose sensation around my left buttock and felt like i had been kicked in the privates. After a course of pilates classes last year i did find some relief but this was short lived and had  Epi last year that caused more pain to area,i am now waiting for my 2nd Mri as back has 'given out' again and now looking towards surgery.

[DJ828]

I don't have any suggestions, but it sounds like were go threw the same crap.  I got another MRI last week which showed the herniation is worse than before, I talked to a PT and he suggested surgery as the only fix for me at this point. I saw a surgeon today who also pointed me in that direction.  They say its an easy surgery but, no  guarantees. Any success stories out there?  

[Ceedub11]

Same old stuff had pain so bad couldnt stand and after a week or so I was left with a numb right leg and a right calf muscle that is pretty weak.  Stuck with a limp.  Just waiting for the pain to say my turn again.  I havent read or met anyone not one person who has pulled out of this crap 100%.   Anyone who has please tell.

[JPS869]

I had the same occurence; herniated L5 and during the first of two epidurals, the Dr. hit something and I felt sparks shoot down my leg to my big toe.  That was about 3 weeks ago.  Had the 2nd epi one week later and have been doing PT.  Back and sciatic pain is 90% gone and the only remaining significant issue is numbness, tingling, and pain in my right big toe and along the top of my foot.  It is affecting my ability to walk and hurts the most when lying down, haven't had a full night sleep in 6 weeks.  The Dr. said it would go away but the sensation has not changed since the epi.  I am taking Lyrica, Flexiril, and Percocet, with no noticeable relief.  I have a high tolerance to both pain and medication and have considered upping the dosage, but I'm more concerned that the Dr. did the damage and from what I am reading it could be a long time before the pain and numbness sibsides.  Anyone else have any suggestions?

[opus88]

Lryica is in the same category of medications as gabapentin, some get relief and some don't but its sure worth a try for you!!
2 days isn't long enough to evaluate this med usually takes 3 weeks to feel the full effect, so don't give up hope..wishing you success!

[DJ828]

Thanks for responding. I taken mussel relaxers and anti inflammatory meds, they didn't seem to work. Now I'm taking Lyrica (for nerve damage) for two days now, but no relief. I don’t think any drug will help at this point.
Dan