Numbness in the back after a herniated disc
Deafness in the back after a herniated disc
Examination by the radiologist:
MRI of the lumbar spine on 17.09.2012:
Steep thoracolumbar alignment. Older Schmorl's node at the base plate of TH11. Small hemangiomas at L1 and L3. No vertebral slippage. The three upper lumbar disc compartments are completely inconspicuous.
At the transition L4/L5, there is an intervertebral chondrosis with a smooth, slightly left-leaning median protrusion, the dural sac is impressed, but there is no compression of the L5 root pockets. Mild facet degeneration.
At the transition L5/S1, there is a relatively extensive subligamentous median prolapse, with a width of 13 and a depth extension of 8mm, it has contact with the S1 root pockets on both sides. Neuroforamina not stenosed on both sides. Only slight facet degeneration. No bone marrow edema in the coronal STIR sequence, unirritated conditions in the sacroiliac joints.
Assessment:
Relatively extensive subligamentous median prolapse at L5/S1, also chondrosis intervertebralis and smooth-bowed protrusion in the L4/L5 segment. No significant facet degeneration, normal width of the spinal canal.
Based on this finding, the treating orthopedist has suggested not taking any action and hoping that the herniated disc will heal on its own.
At that time, I only had pain in my right buttock and leg. Now the pain is in my left buttock and leg. Since Sunday, I have suddenly had numbness in the lower part of my back down to my buttocks. And occasionally a slight tingling in the genital area.
On Monday, I went to see my primary care physician, who took the symptoms extremely lightly and only prescribed physiotherapy. This morning, I went to physiotherapy. However, the physiotherapist was more concerned when I told her about the numbness.
Should I be worried?
