All,
I fractured L2-L5 and got spondo as a result of being thrown by my horse. It has been almost 2 weeks since the accident. I have a brace and am trying to avoid the drugs although I do have flexeril, dilauded and vicodin for pain. I've developed EXTREME pain down the back of my left leg. It is especially painful in the glute and calf area. It gets so bad I can't put any weight on the left leg. Any idea why this is happening? I don't know if the docs can do anything about it but it sucks!
Thank you.
If you search for "dermatome map," you will see that specific spinal nerves innervate specific pathways in the limbs. It sounds like you are suffering from some nerve compression. This could be from the spondylolisthesis, if that's what you were referring to. Or, I imagine there is a lot of inflammation from the tissues surrounding the fractures which could be pressing on a nerve.
If you should develop any problems with the control of your bowel or bladder, call your doctor immediately. This is a symptom of Cauda Equina Syndrome. If it should develop into CES, you need to act fast so that you do not have permanent nerve damage. If curious, you can read about it here:
http://www.caudaequina.org/definition.html
I have no medical training. Comments are based on personal experience and lots of research and reading.
PLIF @ L4-5 with Peek cage, rods and screws Jan 2008
Lami-foraminotomy L5-S1 Jan 2009
Fusion L3-S1 coming up -- 1 June
I TAKE IT YOU ARE YOUNG. BE PATIENT. THE BRACE AND REST WILL HELP HEAL THE INFLAMATION AND SWELLING. A GOOD 70% OF THESE INJURIES HEAL WITHOT FURTHER INTERVENTION.
You said you have fractures, and I am assuming that was diagnosed with x-ray. This is probably a silly question, but did they do an MRI on you? The pain going down your leg is a symptom of something being compressed, and I think it is important that your doctor knows how extreme your pain is right now. Give him a call Monday. A round of steroids may help to reduce inflammation, which could relieve some of the pain, or there are other things the doctor could do for you. Be sure to alternate ice and heat while you are in this early stage. Oh, and don't go riding a horse for a few weeks, ha ha. (just kidding you) I'm sure that would hurt to go trotting along with a fractured back!
Protect your neck--you've only got one!
Click this link to read my story. http://www.spine-health.com/forum/new-member-introductions/cindys-6-year...
Thanks, everyone. I did have a CAT scan in the ER when the accident happened along with a zillion x-rays. No one mentioned compression. I am 44 so that is young but not young like a person in their 20s.