Question
Why when I lie down on my stomach, flat on floor, and place elbows to lift upper body, why do my lower extremities feel somewhat numb, or like "asleep"? Not a comfortable feeling.

Answer
Hi Lupita,

I am sorry to hear about your current situation.  Please help me with more information.  The numbness has a lot to do with one of the nerves in your lower back having a lot of pressure put on them.  This comes from either a disc injury with a "posterior or lateral bulge" a herniation, spinal stenosis and neurogenic claudication or other pathological problems (ie..tumors).  If there is a history of a car accident, slip and fall etc (some kind of injury to your back) it is time for an MRI of the lower back to get a more detailed look that an x-ray will not provide.  Below is most likely the culprit if you have no traumatic history, however you still should see a chiropractor, have the MRI ordered and start some basic treatment.  If you have relief great, it if worsens or you have no change, its time for an opinion by a neurosurgeon.

"Patients have pain with extension of the lumbar spine. Lumbar spinal stenosis syndrome involves lower extremity pain, numbness or weakness in the presence of low back pain.
Diagnosis of lumbar spinal stenosis syndrome requires the presence of characteristic symptoms and signs and radiographic or anatomic evidence of narrowing or stenosis of the lumbar spinal canal. The most common symptom associated with lumbar spinal stenosis is neurogenic claudication. Neurogenic claudication refers to pain or other discomfort associated with walking or prolonged standing, with radiation into one or both lower extremities and is typically relieved by rest or lumbar flexion. Neurogenic claudication is associated with radiating pain to the buttocks, thighs, lower legs, or feet. Improvement in pain associated with sitting or lumbar flexion and worsening with lumbar extension. " -adopted from Standardofcare.com

Best wishes, I hope this helps.

Dr. Kaldy
www.LasVegasChiro.com
[email protected]