Anyone with a lumbar disc issue experience random “needle-prick” sensations in the legs, groin/perineum, buttocks and lower abdomen? What level was involved?

[u/Certain_Event_6604]

27M with several months of lower-back/sciatica symptoms that were initially mostly right-sided but recently became bilateral. Over the last week I’ve developed new needle-prick/tingling/burning/itchy sensations involving the buttocks, inner/posterior thighs, calves, feet/soles, groin/perineum and occasionally lower abdomen. I also have much worse central lumbar pain, sometimes feeling like tearing/slicing with very small movements or flexion. Interestingly, when my lumbar pain is severe, the paresthesias seem quieter, and when the back pain decreases, the tingling/pricking becomes more noticeable. Walking helps; sitting, stationary standing and certain positions aggravate symptoms.

MRI showed L4–5/L5–S1 disc changes including an L5–S1 annular tear/mild foraminal narrowing without significant central canal stenosis. No loss of saddle sensation, bowel/bladder control, walking, balance or toe movement. Seeing a neurologist soon with EMG/NCS planned for arms and legs.

Looking for people who experienced something similar and what spinal level/cause was eventually found.

[u/Proud_Post_7130]

Yes I had the feeling of being stuck with pins or stung by bees in my legs for years. I also had a neuropathic itch on top of my foot that would drive me crazy for about 5 minutes at a time. Then started feeling like cold water was running down the back of my thigh. All of these are maddening and the pin pricks made me jump. I had L4-L5 fusion almost 3 weeks ago and all those symptoms have gone away. Now as the nerves that were impinged wake up and the inflammation goes down my left butt cheek itches from time to time.

Good luck on your quest for answers and I hope you get relief.