What Causes Numbness From The Waist Down While Having IBS?

Posted on Fri, 24 Feb 2017

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

Fri, 24 Feb 2017 Answered on

Tue, 21 Mar 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : Hello, I'm 50 and I have had IBS for 15 yrs or so. Last year I had an infection in my lower bowel that was treated and cleared up. The past couple weeks, I have had unusual discomfort, bloating, not the greatest stools. Two days ago, I awoke with the feeling of numbness from my waist down, including my back, even as far down into my legs. Similar to when your foot "falls asleep" feeling but this is my organs from my stomach downward. Any ideas?

Answered by Dr. Shoaib Khan (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
?? More likely to be nerve entrapment or spine related issue

Detailed Answer:
Hello ma'am and welcome.

Thank you for writing to us.

I have gone through your query with diligence and would like you to know that I am here to help. From your presentation I do believe that your symptoms could be more in relation with a spinal issue than your IBS.

I believe conditions like nerve entrapment, disc herniation, etc; are more likely to cause numbness from the waist down. I would thus recommend you to visit a spine specialist who will conduct a few tests and help establish a diagnosis or at the least rule out the spine possibility so we can move forward.

But in my opinion a spine related issue is most likely when such a presentation occurs ma'am. I hope you find my response helpful. Please feel free to write back to me for any further clarifications, I am always here to help.

Best wishes.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana