I will also be in the spine forum. My impression is that you have multipal issues going on. I am curious as to how old your MRI is?. The neruo symptoms do have me concerned as well, because you have nerve impingement. Those pins and needles, etc, do happen with PN:, but because of what your symptoms are, I would venture that it is due to your back. It would serve you well, if you could find another couple of doctors to talk to you about this. Loss of strength is showing there is a problem. Do you have a neurologist surgeon? Not all of them want to do surgery. They will be able to tell you if it is the nerves that is causing the PN like symptoms. Either way, doesn't feel very good. You don't want your spine to deteriorate, so evaluations really are the way to go. The more information you get from the doctors, the better off you will be when making a decision on what to do about it. It is your choice, so don't be talked into anything you don't want. Look up all tests that your doctor may want to do other than the MRI. Some of them just confirm that you have an issue, and just cause pain. I declined some of those painful tests. You did give enough information without the actual pictures. When nerves are compressed, this does indeed cause the symptoms you are feeling. Before consenting to my last fusion, I had multipal opinions that said it was absolutely necessary, All doctors gave same impression. I do wish you all the best. Get the help you need to get better. ginnie