Tinker- I have a post on this portion of site titled "knee pain 2nd time around" which describes my current symptoms. Yours is a bit different since you have back pain per se but the focal pain in the knee is the same. I have previously had 2 knee surgeries and most recently-almost 3 years ago now- disc surgery on L4-L5. My pain prior to that surgery never presented as typical L4-L5 pain but mostly in knee with mild trunk pain sometimes. To this day the docs are not sure why but the surgery did provide relief. Has now re-appeared twice in under a year - last time did Medrol dose pack which of course helps with inflammation etc. Going to local doc tomorrow to see what he thinks.

Can't figure out why your doc started with big pain meds and MRI then went back to do plain films.The pain doc will likely want to do epidural steroid injection-might help. I had 2 previously- 1 worked for about 3 weeks- the other not at all. I think that comports with the studies-about 50% success rate. Anyway, best of luck . Keep us posted. James

Well last Friday went to neurosurgeon because that is who I was next referred to - he claimed my MRI was blurry was 90% positive it was a pinched nerve and wanted to redo MRI; after I said no because I didn't have anymore money, he now went back to his 90% it was pinched. I advised I was not doing surgery at this point and he now has referred me to pain management whose first appointment is 8/31 (this being only a consultation). I sure hope that someone is able to relieve some of this pain as pain meds and relaxers only dull pain for a few hours. I am depressed that this has happened. The neuro said there was a 40% chance it will go away - anyone have had this type of experience and it went away????

for taking the time to respond.

Your symtoms mirror mine exactly. My primary physician initially diagnosed my sciatica, gave me some anti-inflammatory meds and sent me on my way. I was concerned that the pain was also in my right pelvic and knee area, and after two weeks, I went back to him. He then told me it sounded like I had a stress fracture in my pelvic area and then sent me to an Orthopedic Surgeon for further diagnosis. I did an exam with the OS, which was 90% sure it was a stress fracture in my pelvic area. He also sent me for an MRI. I had the MRI done, the OS reviewed it and found no evidence of a stress fracture. He then told me about the MRI showing some fibroids and cyst in my uterus and urged to to see my gynecologists, because that could be the reason for the pain in my groin! Well off the my gynecologist I went, and sure there were a few fibroids and cycst but was told that that would have no bearing on my groin pain since the pain is excruciating with movement. Well--I am now at my wits end. Since then, my insurance is now non-existent and I am suffering with this pain which does not seem to be getting any better. My symtoms: pain in lower right quad in hip/buttocks area, pelvic pain in where the range of motion to turn foot in or out is excruciating, and pain that seems to shoot down to my anterior right knee. I now have numness/tingling in my small and next small right toes. Help..I am usually very active, and would like to get back to my LIFE.

I understand the MRI is fuzzy and the NS is 90% sure it is a pinched nerve but how could he give you an idea that you have a 40% chance or recovery without surgery. Did he recommend the surgery?

I can not believe he would give you any diagnosis or recommendation based upon a blurry MRI.

Can you go back to the radiologist and get a new MRI down for free. I would have the NS write a paper explaining that the first one is too blurry and my NS needs a new one.

I would also go back to the NS and ask him to explain his findings again. Where is the nerve being pinched? How bad is it? Get details...

Surgery should not be taken lightly and you need to go in there if needed with eyes wide open and complete understanding. I am not getting that picture here.

-js