Disc issues or something else?

[Fleedom]

In the last few months I’ve been getting headaches almost every day, I have pain and weakness in one arm and one leg (both left hand side) sometimes my hands are numb or have pins and needles when I wake up.

I am also experiencing diarrhoea and urgency if I try to go running and have had to stop. When this happens I feel a lot of pressure down below (like when you are bearing down when having a baby).

I have a herniated disc in my lower back, ‘wear and tear’ in my neck and arthritis in my toes. I’m quite active with walking and running but am around 2 stone overweight. Does this sound like a spinal issue or just a load of random unrelated stuff 🤣. Currently trying to get GP appointment but really worried what’s going on. Should I ask for an MRI?

I've had very similar recently, along with all sorts of neurological symptoms. I'm waiting for an appointment with the spinal team. Definitely needs checking out.

Yeah see your GP.

Just to add, best asking your gp for an MRI in the first instance as I went a sort of roundabout route by getting sent to A&E due to my symptoms. The Dr's there referred me to the spinal team.

Thank you both. I’ll keep ringing them tomorrow until I get through. My GP is a good listener and is very thorough so will see what he says. It’s definitely not normal whatever is going on.

What was the outcome of this. I similar started a week ago?

Hi @NorasMum22 I’m so sorry have just seen your message. How are you feeling? The GP was great and referred me to the orthopaedic team at the hospital to check what’s happening in my back. Long wait for that though. I have also been to a physio specialising in women’s health who was able to check my pelvic floor which is fine. I’ve reduced my hours at work and my headaches and the numbness etc have lessened.

I have experienced a lot of stress and trauma in my life so my working assumption is that these symptoms are a combination of the herniated disc alongside chronic stress rather than something like MS. But if it flares up again I will ask for an MRI. Hope that helps! Let us know how you get on.