Definition:
Lumbar spine problems can cause symptoms of tingling and numbness in the lower extremities. One important function of nerves is to provide information about sensations from the body to your brain.
In many common spine conditions, these nerves that travel to your brain are pinched or compressed. This pressure on the nerve can cause abnormal sensations, commonly experienced as tingling or numbness. When the nerve that runs from your foot to you brain is pinched, you may experience a numb foot -- even if that nerve is pinched all the way up in your back. This is the same reason your hand experiences tingling when you bump your "funny bone."
Conditions that can cause nerve pressure leading to tingling and numbness include:
