numbness in groin/saddle area?

[ezekiel]

Hello everyone. I've been dealing with a back injury since 2001. I was diagnosed with HNP L4-L5 & L5-S1. I also have been diagnosed with DDD and highly suspect the level above L4-L5 is probably damaged as well since I've been having a considerable amount of pain further up my back and different pains radiating down my legs into my feet than previous. I have been referred to have a multi-level spinal fusion but declined because I have instead decided that I want a ADR. My situation is a bit complicated but I'm going to have an multi-level ADR out side of the U.S. in the very near future.

At any rate my question is that lately I have been having some numbness in my groin/saddle area. The numbess generally comes on when I am in a seated position and generally because somewhat painful when I stand up, but at which point the numbess begins to subside. I have not lost control of my bladder/bowel functions. Also I haven't noticed any signs of weakness in my legs (footdrop).

Every thing that I've read seems to say when you notice numbness in the groin/saddle region that the problem is severe and generally requires immediate surgical intervention. Again I'm going to be having a multi-ADR instead of the multi-fusion but I need to hold off a little longer if at all possible.

Is it possible to have this numbess in my groin/saddle region develop into total loss of control of that region with out other signs, such as leg weakness (footdrop)?

Thanks for any advice or input.

[Harrison]

Ezekiel,

It is possible to lose control of bladder function, but no one here can give you the odds. Your spine doc is the best person to provide advice in this complicated situation.

Before I had ADR in 2004, I was doing pretty well, but in the few months before the procedure, I started to get groin pains. It then started to move into my thigh, which added to my concerns. I confess that the "not knowing" part of the worrying was the biggest motivator for me to pursue surgery. It's a good thing I had it taken care of in June of 2004! All is well with the spine now, and I work out 5 days a week.

Back to you. Where are you off to for multi-level ADR?

[Justin]

Ezekiel,

I am sorry to hear about your spine problems.

It sounds like the genital branch of your genitalfemoral nerve and/or your pudendal nerve is being compressed/irritated when you are sitting. These nerves (especially the pudendal nerve) will illicit the symptoms you describe when compressed. The pudendal nerve originates from the nerves S2, S3, and S4 (also known as the sacral plexus).

Footdrop would involve your fibular nerve (which orginates at the bifurcation of the sciatic nerve in the middle of your thigh into the fibular and tibial nerves which run down your leg). The sciatic nerve arises from the lumbar plexus (L4 and L5 and also includes S2-S3-S4).

If your symptoms become worse and are severe, I would not hesitate to see a medical professional.

Justin

[rachie]

Hi,

Sorry to hear of your recent probs.
If you begin to have any kind of bowel or bladder probs such as not going as often or not going atall, seek professional advice.
I got the pain then numbness then bladder bowel stuff 2 days later. Surgery 1 week later for central disc prolapse. I am left in a mess now.
Just be aware of your symptoms, you can get numbness with syatica the nerves in that region are weird!
Take care and good luck
Rachael UK

[Lyndsay]

I have this too, the numbess seems to come & go but the pain is constant although sometimes worse than others. I keep working my pelvic floor as I tell myself that as long as that is ok then everything should be ok.

I personally haven't yet had a Dr take me seriously over this problem. I had to have a radical hysterectomy when I was 21 so I know it's not being caused by a prolapse (which is often suggested!)

Hopefully your Dr will be good & can help get you sorted out

[Nairek]

I started having numbness symptoms in the groin area after I had my IDET surgery. It usually only happens when I sit a certain way & it is always only on one side. After I get up & move around, I get the pins & needles "wake up" for about 10 minutes & all is well again.

You should definitely speak to your Dr. if you are having those types of symptoms. Please keep us informed on your progress!

[ans]

Sorry to hear this. This could be not a serious concern but for safety's sake, I'd see a urologist to rule out CES:

http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/fact/thr_r...category=Spine

Good luck ~ ans