Ask:
nerve damage
I have a herniated disc in my lower back( L4) which after 1 1/2 yrs still acts up periodically. Over the last couple months I have experienced a burning sensation in my toes and forward feet. The last few weeks I have a tingling sensation over a maybe 12" area when I scratch my right calf or my outer thigh and lower buttock region. In some spots my skin feels a little less sensitive if I scratch or touch the skin. Are these symptoms of nerve problems due to the back injury?
Answer:
nerve damage
I should have stated that I also had cervical fusion of c4-5 and c 6-7 10 yrs ago. Also, in my lower back, is a piece of cartilege which the doctor said settled in a spot not causing any problem. He said it would take care of itself, though not telling me what that meant. I had no lower back surgery.