Orthopedist or neurologist?

[Deja Q]

Lately I've noticed periodic tingling and numbness down my right leg and foot. I also have near-constant lower back pain.

Exercise (elliptical trainer) helps the lower back pain and the eerie tingling/numbness, but only temporary -- but re: exercise I get way too fatigued after 9 minutes (walking, 1.5 minutes running top speed) and have to rest and drink a ton of water before the sweating subsides. Never mind the right leg feeling wonky on its own.

It also helps when I remember to sit up straight; I used to do a lot of sitting - now I feel I need to be walking quite often; and sitting in some positions really gets the numbness problem going.

Worse, the news said that 12 hours/week is necessary for FAT TEENAGE MALES to lose weight. I'm FAT myself, a lot of gut weight which does my lower back no favors too. If I can't handle 9 minutes, how the hell am I to handle 1.75 hrs steady exercise each day??

I don't mind death as much as I do mind becoming wheelchair-bound or invalid in other ways.

Should I see an orthopedist for the numbness, which could simply be caused by overly tight muscles due to not walking or running properly, which I genuinely need to do.

Any advice?

[Warpy]

1. Both orthopedist and neurologist will lead to the same place

I would strongly suggest the orthopedic surgeon. I would also suggest you try to get a referral to physical therapy if s/he doesn't think you're ready for surgery.

Physical therapy will show you how to move and which exercises will strengthen your back. If it's appropriate at this time, it can forestall the need for surgery for years.

In any case you'll need to get your diagnosis nailed down and treatment started so that it doesn't progress from here.

Good luck.

[Deja Q]

2. Will do - thx! Also,

given I am out of shape, my heart may be a factor in all this too.

I will be calling for a proper physical Monday, as I don't want to go overboard with starting a physical exercise program.

Having read up on hernias, I am certain I don't have one. :D

And I'm going to do what it takes because I want to live and prosper. :thumbsup:

[hedgehog]

3. This is about a week late, but see your family doctor first.

He or she is trained to diagnose these things and will either treat you or send you on to the proper specialist. For all you know, this may be a symptom of a vitamin deficiency or diabetes or something else that has nothing to do with pinched nerves.

[mopinko]

4. or fibromyalgia

a dx usually reserved for those who have had every test in the book.