Question for anyone whos had thoratic and/or lumbar spine issues
 

Hey everyone,
I was just wondering if anyone who has had any trouble with the lumbar region of their spine has experienced neurological symptoms like numbess/tingling/cramping in both legs and arms sometimes face...frequent urination, forgetfulness, noticeable weakness in lifting foot, and hip pain..The reason i ask is because no one has been able to find out whats going on with me, ive had a head and cerv spine mri that came out clear (thanks to God) but am awaiting more MRIs for the thoratic and lumbar spine. They suspected MS and arent really suspecting it so much anymore but it is still a weight on my mind...im wondering if a spinal problem may cause the same symptoms? Anyone had any experience with this? Thanks :)

My symptoms (numbess/tingling/cramping in both legs and disrupted walking ability) are similar but not as widespread as yours; but they are certainly caused by damage to the spinal chord in the lower back region. MRI diagnosed this, with main underlying cause, I am led to believe, being pressure on nerve through bone spur growth and stenosis.

Generally, when there's a problem with the spine, symptoms manifest at and/or below the level of the problem. I don't like to say anything is impossible, but it's not likely (AFAIK) that symptoms in the arms, face, or with memory, would be caused by something in the lumbar region.

Here's a chart showing regions of the body affected by the different spinal nerves. It's specifically referencing areas of skin that are affected. Internal pain may or may not correspond, but it could be a starting point.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dermatome_(anatomy)
(from a post by mrsD)

Doc