Expert: Dr. Timothy K. Durnin - 11/25/2007

Question
Dear Dr. Durnin, I am 43 years old, weight 65 kg, height 159 cm, and mother of six kids. I started to have problems after I began driving 3 yrs ago. Before 3 months I had numb feeling in 2 and 3 toes of my right foot. this happens when walking, driving, or sitting. and now I feel that my left leg ( middle) is numb and it is more on front side than the back side. Please tell me what is the cause of my problem because I`m waiting for my appointment in DEC which is late for me. Thanx alot for your time and I really do appreciate your help.

Answer
Hi Sonia,

Sounds like a pinched nerve in the low back due to a disc herniation or nerve entrapment in the inguinal ligament or proximal fibula. Without direct examination, there are many possibilities, I strongly recommend seeing a Chiropractor for these complaints since most can be resolved non-invasively. I really need more specifics besides "leg" and "2nd and 3rd" toe. This nomenclature needs to be verified as to exact location to properly diagnose the problem. Unless you know anatomy, I really need to speak to you one on one to nail down the problem. I am sure you can find a DC to see you Monday to get it diagnosed, waiting for an Orthopaedic Surgeon takes longer and will only send you to a Chiropractor or Physical therapist. You might as well go there first and skip the middle man because no surgeon worth his weight in sand will tell you surgery is the first option. Try a DC (Doctor of Chiropractic) first, then seek more invasive options if needed. Even trying many different DC's until you find a good one is better than surgery since scar tissue will cause permanent disability at best and can be fatal at worse.

Good Luck and feel free to ask follow questions if needed.

Dr. Timothy Durnin