I Have Been Having Terrible Lower Back/leg And Foot Pain.

Posted on Sat, 22 Aug 2020

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 22 Aug 2020 Answered on

Last reviewed on

Question : I have been having terrible lower back/leg and foot pain. After my doctor not taking me seriously for 2 months and me being almost crippled over I was finally able to convince them for a MRI. I have attached my results. I’m concerned that I will get the run around from the neurosurgeon and they will want to give me steroid shots versus doing the surgery and correcting the problem. My question is can someone decipher my results and based off these is surgery my best option? I’m in so much pain o want it fixed and not just “covered up” with a shot

Answered by Dr. Mirjeta Guni (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
About spinal canal stenosis:

Detailed Answer:
Hello and thank you for asking!
I have gone carefully through your concern and report attached.
Your symmptoms are totally explained by the finding in MRI, the spinal canal is narrowed and the nerves are pressed causing severe ache and probably numbness of the feet.
The shots can temporarly improve the ache but yes, you have indications for surgical treatment.
You need to consult a neurosurgeon.
Hope the information will help and wish you good health.
Best wishes,
Dr.Mirjeta

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Mirjeta Guni (2 days later)

My primary care doctor is only submitting a referral to a spinal doctor who does injections for treatments. I have requested that I be seen by the neurosurgeon and the response I got was pretty much a no. My left leg swelled out more today and once again I was in tears. What is the best way to approach my doctor to do a referral to who I think best fits my needs? At this stage steroid injection (which are proven to not be effective) is not the best and once again I am being dismissed. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks for your time

Answered by Dr. Mirjeta Guni (19 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Painkillers needed;

Detailed Answer:
Hi again,

As your doctor is not referring you to the neurosurgeon, then he will prescribe strong painkillers ( opioids are needed in some cases).

But if symptoms.persists for months, you can not take painkillers for ages, of course, he will refer you for surgical intervention.

Keep in touch with him until you find the painkiller that is appropriate for you.

Best wishes,
Dr.Mirjeta

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee