Question 1

Early signs of a herniated disc in the lower back: what should I look at first?

Accepted Answer

Numbness that travels down the leg is a more important sign than the back pain itself. If the numbness runs from the buttock to the back of the thigh and down to the calf, we suspect a pinched nerve.

Question 2

Numbness from the buttock down the leg: what causes it?

Accepted Answer

If you have trouble holding or passing urine or stool, numbness around the groin, or weakness in both legs, go to the emergency room immediately.

Question 3

Acupuncture for spinal stenosis: how far does the research go?

Accepted Answer

There is no conclusive evidence yet. One study pooled 6 randomized trials with 582 people, but the authors concluded that they could not find conclusive evidence on its effectiveness and safety.

Question 4

Exercise for spinal stenosis: what can I expect?

Accepted Answer

Exercise cannot widen the narrowed space. But it does genuinely help increase how far you can walk and lengthen the time between rests.

Question 5

Back surgery rates and acupuncture: what did the research find?

Accepted Answer

A study of Korean national health insurance data found that people who received acupuncture had about a 37% lower risk of lumbar spine surgery. But this does not mean acupuncture prevents surgery. It means that when the two groups were followed, that difference appeared.

Question 6

If I can walk shorter distances and now use a cane, what should be checked?

Accepted Answer

If your leg is so weak that your foot drags, you have trouble controlling your bladder or bowels, or both legs are numb, see a neurosurgeon before coming to us.

Question 7

My leg feels weak. When should I get a neurosurgery exam first?

Accepted Answer

If your leg is so weak that your foot drags, it is hard to lift your ankle, or an area has lost feeling, a neurosurgery exam comes first.

Question 8

How do you tell when back surgery should come first and when it shouldn't?

Accepted Answer

We sort that out first. There are clearly conditions where surgery comes first, and conditions where it doesn't. Our job is to check with you which one you are in right now.

Herniated disc (lower back) · Spinal stenosis