Lower back pain, pain in shin. MRI shows sciatic nerve problem. Tingling limbs after taking steroid. Cause for concern?
Patient: Hello. Ive had lower back pain for a few days now. It s hurting in my lower back, butt and into my shin on my left leg. I went to the ER yesterday because I couldn t stand the pain anymore. He didn t do any exrays or MRI but he said it appeared to be my sciatic nerve and said I was having muscle spasms because my thigh muscle was jumping. He gave me a steroid shot and sent me home. I woke up an hour or so ago and both my legs and both my arms are tingling . Is this cause for concern? Do I need to go back to the ER? Doctor: Hi,  Thank you for posting your query.  The initial problem with which you went to the ER is suggestive of nerve compression in the lumbar (lower back) region. This is commonly caused by the prolapse (bulging) of the disc. Common symptoms include lower back pain, pain in the legs, tingling, numbness, etc.  It can be diagnosed with the help of MRI. If symptoms persist, you can get the MRI done.  Your second problem of tingling of arms is probably not serious and is due to compression of nerves while sleeping. It should recover in a short span of time and there is no need to go back to the ER.  Best wishes, Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM (Neurology) Senior Consultant Neurologist