Differential Diagnosis for Left Lower Back and Sciatica with Bilateral Numbness in Feet
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Lumbar Disc Herniation: This condition is the most likely cause of the symptoms due to the compression of the sciatic nerve, which can lead to lower back pain, sciatica, and numbness in the feet.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Lumbar Spondylosis: Degenerative changes in the lumbar spine can cause narrowing of the spinal canal, leading to compression of the nerves and resulting in lower back pain, sciatica, and numbness in the feet.
- Lumbar Spinal Stenosis: Narrowing of the spinal canal in the lumbar region can cause compression of the nerves, leading to symptoms such as lower back pain, sciatica, and numbness in the feet.
- Piriformis Syndrome: Compression of the sciatic nerve by the piriformis muscle can cause sciatica and numbness in the feet.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Cauda Equina Syndrome: A serious condition caused by compression of the cauda equina, which can lead to permanent nerve damage if not treated promptly. Symptoms include severe lower back pain, sciatica, numbness in the feet, and potentially bladder and bowel dysfunction.
- Spinal Epidural Abscess: A rare but potentially life-threatening condition caused by an abscess in the spinal epidural space, which can compress the spinal cord and nerves, leading to severe back pain, sciatica, and numbness in the feet.
- Spinal Tumor: A tumor in the spinal cord or nerves can cause compression, leading to symptoms such as lower back pain, sciatica, and numbness in the feet.
Rare Diagnoses
- Diabetic Neuropathy: High blood sugar levels can damage the nerves, leading to numbness and tingling in the feet.
- Peripheral Artery Disease: Narrowing or blockage of the arteries in the legs can cause numbness and tingling in the feet.
- Vitamin B12 Deficiency: A deficiency in vitamin B12 can cause nerve damage, leading to numbness and tingling in the feet.