Back Problems= Neuropathy?

[mirrortime]

My first post folks. I've read alot of your posts. Thanks much for all the info. Here's Part #1
I have had a "bad" lower middle back for a few years. Pretty bad. (I'd say a 9 on bad days and a 7 on good days) About 3 years ago my feet started itching. (I have ruts in my wood coffee table to prove it). Then about 6 months later my feet started getting numb. Still itching too. I went to a pain/ nerve specialist. He started/ prescribed 1. Tons of different Meds. 2. Had my nerves in my back burnt. 3. Had injections galore. (Had a little relief for about a week from an epidural) 4. 5 different muscle/ nerve test's. So, Now 2 1/2 years later I've basically had no lower back pain relief. Then, in 2008 I was told by a acupuncturist it was related to my "bad" back. I was convinced for a long time that's what it was. I'm not sure now. (see Part #2) So...After $18,000 gone to the Medical community and now- bankruptcy. I am no better off than when I started. I am only taking some basic meds like Oxo-something, (instead of Neurontin) Pain meds.
Part #2 ...I am type 2 diabetic since this past March. Last year I was perfect in the blood sugar area. (Inactivity and overeating did this I'm sure). So, as far as I know 3 years ago I was NOT diabetic. But feet started itching and then getting numb. They have been numb and painful for 2 1/2 years now plus, full blown Neuropathy. Numb, burning, horrible stabbing pains, you know the rest.
MY QUESTION IS...Can pinched nerves (Like siatica) or worse lower back problems cause Neuropathy in the feet? Or do you think this all from Diabetes?
Thanks so much for any thoughts.

[FootDoc]

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Nerve pressure from a bad back CAN cause problems which are perceived or manifested in the feet, but so can peripheral neuopathies, including but not limited to those associated with diabetes. It is not possible for me to meaningfully tell you which is your situation, but a competent neurologist surely should be able to give you the answer to that question. I think that you need to sit down with your doctor(s) and have him/her discuss your complete diagnosis and treatment plan for which you are or have been seen.