Sciatica, Leg Pain, Radiculopathy

Old Archived Threads for Sciatica and Leg Pain

Ben Parr — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 09:16:40 -0700

Here's a direct link to the old Sciatica/Leg Pain forum if you want to see topics that were made on the old boards:

Archives of Past Sciatica/Leg Pain Threads

Piriformis Syndrome

chantpa — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 18:22:05 -0700

Is the radiating pain from Piriformis Syndrome only felt in the back of the leg?

I'm wondering because everything else that describes Piriformis Syndrome is spot on to what I'm feeling, other than that. My leg pain skips my thigh, and zings out from the front of my knee and calf.

Could this still be Piriformis Syndrome or not?

Thanks!

18 with DDD, moderate stenosis, and 3 herniated discs, what do i do?

Grace44 — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 19:45:08 -0700

Hey,

19 year old male with minor hernaited disc L5-S1. NEED HELP AND ADVICE PLEASE

lev189 — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 17:33:39 -0700

Hi I'm a new member and I'm looking for any advice.
Here's my story. About 6 weeks ago, I lifted someone up about 130 lbs and held them on my shoulders while on a trampoline for about 30 seconds. After putting them down about five minutes later I began epxerienced pain in the lower right side of my back and extreme tightness. About 10 minutes after this I realized that when bending down to touch my toes I couldn't go passed my knees, and also my right leg was having pain/numbness. Anyway that is how I herniated my L5-S1 disc.

21 Yr Old with Bulging L4-L5, L5/S1 discs - Very Scared please advice

Matthys — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 05:41:32 -0800

Hi,

My name is Matt and I've been suffering from sciatica coming up to 6 months. It started very very mild, and gradually got more painful until the point where it was interupting my daily work. I saw a chiropracter for several weeks with numerous adjustments with no relief, the problem just continued to deteriorate. I then saw a Physio for several weeks with the same outcome. But on that note, some exercises I was instructed to perform gave mild relief.

6 1/2 weeks...

cgb728 — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 10:35:42 -0700

And OMG I am SOOOO ready for this to stop hurting! By the middle of the day my tushie feels like someone jabbed a railroad spike in it. By the time I get off work, I'm in so much pain I don't want to do anything but lay down flat on my back. I can't exercise, cook dinner, sit at the table... nothing without pain.

I THOUGHT this was improving, but now it's worse again. Grrr!

Ok,... done venting... sorry. Carry on!

? try sleeping while standing ?

Mmaem03 — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 21:40:27 -0700

I have no idea if I'll ever sleep again!

Ankle Weakness

Kai — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 09:31:57 -0800

I have had a problem for the past couple of weeks that is new. I will be walking and my left ankle will just roll. It's like I have no stability in the ankle at all. 95% of my leg pain goes down my left leg and has always pretty much ended at my calf. Sometimes down into the foot, but usually only when I do something stupid.

Has this happend to anyone else? I spend quite a bit of time at work walking around and as I walk even with no obstructions my ankle will just give out.

any one else have this problem ???

mkphi777 — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 16:11:35 -0700

i got injured at work when i was 18, the doctors hired by workmans comp didnt help me at all except for when they hired a chiropractor i told them he was helping so they closed my case and i'm 19 now still unable to walk normally from my herniated disc and my nerve pain in my legs is still the same and all the doctors i talk to say since i'm so young i should be healed so they say that i'm just looking for drugs.

anyone else have evil doctors that like to torture people like that?

if i wanted drugs i'd go downtown seriously!

I DONT WANT TO BE IN PAIN ANYMORE!

anybody wait it out?

discman — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 13:44:58 -0800

herniated disc L3/L4 at one year. Studies indicate most in same place in a couple of years with or without microdiscectomy. Anybody just lose the nerve pain with time?

Anyone develop leg pain after having foot surgery? My story follows.

jkerner — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 09:50:28 -0800

Hello everyone and thank goodness for this wonderful site!

Anyone else taking Suboxone for pain?

chgorich — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 09:19:12 -0700

My Pain Mgmt Dr. just started me on Suboxone on Monday afternoon for pain relief from DDD, Stenosis and sciatic flareup.

Is anyone else currently prescribed Suboxone for their pain? I was curious as to the level of pain relief you are having and also what if any side effects are troublesome?

At first I had some dizziness and general feeling of being "Out of it". Hard to focus. That is getting better each day. However, I still have a feeling of being high. Pain relief is very good....better than Vicodin.

Richard J.
Chicago

Anyone experience pain in their calf ?

Frustrated2008 — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 21:31:59 -0700

Hello,

I know that I have a herniated disc that is impinging on the right L4 nerve root. My symptoms have been moslty numbness, tingling, and cold sensation on the top of my right foot.

I also have pain through my right knee.

I have low back pain that radiates into the right butt cheek.

Where I have little oR no pain is my right thigh.

For the past five days I have had a constant pain in my right calf. It feels like a cramp, but nothing I do makes it go away.

I am wondering if this can be a symptom of the pinched nerve?

arachnoiditis

csp — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 16:19:25 -0800

Is anyone familiar with arachnoiditis or been diagnosed with it? Does anyone know what causes this and if it can get worse with time? My MRI showed scar tissue and CT/myelogram said, "possible arachnoiditis should be considered." ANY information is much appreciated!!

csp

Are Central Herniated Discs the worse?

massurfer1 — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 08:07:41 -0700

Hey Guys,

Back and Leg pain - recovery time

rapid_refill — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 12:12:24 -0700

Hello everyone.

I'm new here and have few questions for you guys. Questions that I can't get from my doctors.

I injured my 2 discs while practicing golf. Here are my MRI results:
1. L4-L5 bulging annulus, small central herniated disc, indentation of thecal sac, facet joint hypertrophy, and bilateral foraminal narrowing.
2. L5-S1 bulging annulus, small central and left paracentral herniated disc, indentation of thecal sac and the left sacral nerve root, facet joint hypertrophy, and bilateral foraminal narrowing.

Back Pain

magicboots42 — Sun, 07 Dec 2008 11:54:42 -0800

Hello, i live in east anglia and have had long term Sciatic pain & pain in my lower back. I had a discectomy on my L5, 12 years ago and have been having problems ever since. i have seen GP's and pain clinic consultants in that time and i have also had physio, manipulation & lots of different pain killers. The last couple of MRI's have shown that my nerves in & around the L5 area are being pinched. i have been told that this is probably due to nerve root impingement. i have now been out of work this time for nearly 5 months & i am getting desperate. does anybody have any advice???

Back Pain After 2 Surgeries

Sunflower — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 11:45:53 -0700

I am 6 weeks post laminectomy and discectomy. This is the second time for the same surgery in 1 year. I have just had another MRI as I have leg and back pain and I have been advised that I have 'pushed' more disc material out and I now have the same size disc herniation as I did before the first surgery. I have very painful leg pain when I first get up in the morning with reoccurring symptoms throughout the day. Has anyone else experienced this ?

Back Pain ans Surgery

rnippe — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 11:15:38 -0700

Hi, Recently injured lower back (ruptured L4-5) and had surgery to clean up disk debris 9/4/08. Pain level has returned, post-surgery, to a 9 consistently. New MRi shows nothing re-herniated. Have just had ESI procedure (several days ago) and pain is still 9. Can't sleep, am afradi of continued Steroid exposure, and can't function at employment while on Percocet and Vocodin. Can't handle the ongoing leg pain, weakness, numbness. I am male, had a been very active, great condition, 54 yrs young.

Back pain nerve pain burning pain.... Learning to live life is hard

Steven N — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 21:09:44 -0800

I got in severe car wreck 29 June 2007, fractured both vertebrae at L5 ( bilateral spondylisthesis ) knocked out. suffered head injuries.
Started epidurals and chiropractic treatment not for long, went into pain management.
In 11 weeks I had Rt knee surgery in August, left knee surgery 2 Nov 2007 and a L5-S1 with instrumentation PLIF with 4 screws and 2 rods 6" incision lower back walked into hospital on crutches had a 5 hour surgery almost needed a transfusion.

Back pain, Back surgery

Laura — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 02:12:25 -0700

Hello, I am new to this list. I have been diagnosed with a synovial cyst (L5). The cause of the cyst is facet joint degeneration. I had the cyst aspirated and have had several steroid injections but the pain comes back in about three weeks. My pain doctor is having me see a surgeon. Has anyone had a synovial cyst removed and if so, did your surgeon just remove the cyst or did he/she fix the cause?
A bit scared! How was your outcome?
Laura

BADDDDDD SCIATICA !!!!!

onlyonelucy — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 20:15:06 -0800

I had a microdiscectomy (sp?) last year on my lower back as well as a neck fusion with the steel plate and screws. JUST this past week I have been in the MOST horrible pain I have ever had. The pain is in my right butt cheek, down the back of the leg, the calf and into the foot. I can even feel it in the knee. It is soooooooo bad that 1500 mg of VICODIN doesn't even touch it. I can barely even stand on the leg. I have laid on the heating pad, legs propped up, used biofreeze, vicodin, percocet and icy-hot patches. I am guessing this is another disc problem?

Big thank you to user called Motif for sciatica help

sfabs — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 06:31:23 -0700

This message is for a user that used the old forum called Motif. I'm not sure if you use the new forum or if you have a different name now. anyway... a few months ago i was suffering some serious sciatica and with that anxiety problems, the problem was almost a year old and had drained me completely... i was at the end of my tether with all the investigations and money spent, and really thought my life might be over.

Burning Foot again

Formerfire — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 03:45:05 -0700

Ohhhhh.... i was doing real great, but this week i have noticed nerve pain flaring up again. I cant pinpoint it to any activity really...unless its just doing too much (maybe too much sitting??)

2months post op - i hope it goes away again cause its ticking me off.

I have had it on and off after a big day, but i would have to say its been persistent and getting worse the last 4 days.

burning in feet and lower legs continue after PLIF

kathyy — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 05:31:14 -0800

Hi everybody. I am 4 weeks out from a PLIF/instrumentation with decompression and removal of spinal cyst. Before my surgery, burning in my feet and legs was a big issue. Well, I still have it, pretty much like I had before surgery. It is especially bad, tho, when I sit too long or walk too long. It isn't quite as bad when I'm fresh in the morning.

Burning pain in both legs after microdiscectomy

jillbee16 — Sun, 10 Aug 2008 13:43:42 -0700

Hi all, I am hoping someone has some input here. I am 8 weeks post microdiscectomy surgery on L5-S1. In the past week I have noticed a burning sensation down both of the fronts of my lower legs. I wouldn't be as concerned if it were only the affected pre-surgery leg, but both legs? And why starting at week 7?

Burning pain to just tightness in leg?

cndgirl — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 16:15:48 -0700

I was curious if anyone has had their on going sciatic pain in their leg change in feeling?

I have sciatica down the back of my leg into my toes for over a year now. It was always a burning sensation down the leg and tingly toes.
Now for the past 2 months it has changed to a feeling of Tightness mostly down the side of my innner thigh (some days down the back of leg). I still have tingly toes.

Calf cramps

massurfer12 — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 11:18:37 -0700

Hello everyone, i am a 24 year old and am new to the site and just had a couple of questions i hope someone can answer for me.

First off, i was diagnosed with a herniated disc over a month ago in my L4-L5 region and had some spinal stenosis resulting from it. The disc herniated on the right side and has impinged my L5 nerve root. Also according to an SEMG I have lots of inflammation around it and that it is also irritating the S1 nerve root.

Can an MRI misdiagnose?

csp — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 04:52:23 -0700

I had an MRI done recently, and my doctor said that it looked great. When I read the report, however, it said something about an abnormal signal on the S1 nerve root at the L5-S1 disc - where I had surgery. (And this is exactly the dermatome that I have pain in my leg.) The MRI said also that there was scar tissue. Does anyone know if scar tissue could be mistaken for an actual rupture? Or if an MRI is 100% accurate?

Can anyone help me?

D_Johnny — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 21:45:46 -0800

I have a real problem and lack of people with the same problem as myself that I can compare myself to (in a general way). I have had 3 open back surgeries within a 16 month period. The first was a fusion at L5-S1. This doctor ran one of the 4 screws through the nerve sac on the right side. I didn't know what was going on, but knew my Dr. was not addressing what I was trying to tell him, which was I was obviously in worse shape after the surgery than before.

Can foot drop heal on its own?

mekenn — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 17:50:06 -0800

Anyone heard of this, have any research on this? I have a large L5 herniation per 11/20/08 MRI and foot drop. 3 Docs all say no surgery since I am not in dramatic pain. I don't know what to do and haven't heard any case of foot drop every "healing" without surgery.

Thanks!

Can't lay on my back?!

Lena Rose — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 21:39:11 -0700

Why is it that I can't lay on my back, to quiet the sciatica I have to lay on my side.
When I am on my back it keeps zinging me...
Is anyone else like this?
It makes it so difficult, for reading watching TV etc...

car accident and sciatica

jelakishca — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 08:43:02 -0800

okay... long story, try to make it short. I was in three car accidents. The first in Oct 2005. After the first car accident I reported a sore lower back and numbness to my leg - immediately. I have had progressively worsening of symptoms after every car accident since. Have been on gabapentin and lyrica along with numerous narcotics off and on since. I am now in settlement talks with the insurance company and have read over doctors reports. Which appear to be merciless. MRI shows slight disc bulge at L5 not pressing on nerve, and disc bulge at L4 showing nerve pressure.

caudal epidural!! At last

dawniee — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 22:31:05 -0800

Hi am to have my caudal epidural today !!!! Finally after God knows how long I have convinced my work I am not fit for work. The pain Dr is also referring me for an urgent referral to neuro surgeon as in his view I need a decompression +/- a fusion as he says my lack of disc space is causing the foraminal stenosis and in turn the cauda eqina symptoms and more importantly the pain.

Hopefully the block will relieve my pain. My Gp has put me on temgesic wich has helped. My pain this week had been horrendous!

Changing Symptoms Worrying Me

massurfer1 — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 16:16:27 -0700

I have a moderate central disc herniation at the L4-L5 levels and was having constant leg stiffness, burning, cramping, and twitching, without much back pain. I saw my general doctor shortly after reinjuring my back going to a chiroprator that and he put me on 500mg Diflunisal pills for the inflammation, klonnopin for the twitching and anxiety, and told me to take it easy for a little while and ice 2-3 times daily. At work my boss also let me sit instead of standing for my 8 hour shift, and I totally stopped going to the chiro.

chiropractor question

massurfer1 — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 15:27:40 -0700

I went to a chiropractor for treatment on my lumbar herniated disc at L4-L5. They were also doing treatment on my neck because I have such a large curve from years of working on a computer so they were doing a lot of work on my neck as well.

Well after 2 months the treatment they were doing on my back was acutally making my disc symptoms worse in my lower back and the nuerosurgeon told me to quit going to avoid further damage.

Chiropractor? Laser Surgery?

rapid_refill — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 10:35:16 -0700

MRI results: small L4 and L5 disk herniation. The L4 is para central and L5 is herniation on the left side. I was playing golf in July, next thing I know I have back pain and herniated disks.

At first I had only back pain, than mild left leg pain and lately I have left butt cheek numbness when I sit or lay down on my back.
I did PT for nearly 4 months and that didn't seem to help. I'm on twice a day 500mg Naproxen for the past 2 weeks. If the Naproxen is helping at all, the effect is very limited as I'm still experiencing all the symptoms as before with slightly less pain.

chronic leg aches in calves

aeaasl — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 21:51:02 -0700

My daughter is 13 years old. For years she has complained, to the point of tears of leg aches. She is tall and growing fast so I just assumed it was growing pains, but after the years past and it seemed to worsen I took her to the doctor he told me that growing pains occur in the bones her pain is in her calf muscles even sometimes in her upper arms. The pain is intense aching not a cramp. It happens almost every night and even in the day. It is worse when she has been doing alot of walking or when she gets tired. We have tried a banana a day, it did not help.

clumped nerves

csp — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 11:20:31 -0800

I just got a CT/myelogram back and the nurse told me the report says "no herniated disc, but there is clumping of nerve roots and some inflammation." Anyone else ever have something similar? This is a first for me with the clumping of nerves. I've had 2 laminectomies in this area (L5-S1).

csp

Cold weather making sciatica worse?

cndgirl — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 21:21:15 -0700

Hello everyone

I was wondering if cold weather makes sciatic symptoms worse?
I was having prickly /tingling sensations in my toes constantly up until 4 months ago when it was starting to get better(less intense and somedays no symptoms at all). But now that the weather is starting to get cold it seems like the sciatica in my toes has gotten worse again. Does anybody else share this same experience?

Concrete finisher not ready to find another profession!!!!!

l3londee — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 23:13:23 -0800

I am a 46 yr old female concrete finisher. I recently was seeing my chiro for mild to moderate sciatica due to a long season of concrete paving (very labor intense, constant twisting and bending, 14-16 hr. days, 6 days week). I was relatively pain free until one day at work I had an unusually challenging task, where I had to climb on top of and straddle a rebar structure (waist high), hook my feet in the rebar, and twist to the side so I could reach down to the ground to shovel out and finish the concrete. During one of these exercises I felt a sudden sharp pain shoot down my leg.

Conservative Therapy outcomes

netmay — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 11:55:37 -0800

I went back to see the neurosurgeon today and he "excused" me from the surgery list. YIPPEE....
He wrote me orders to go through physical therapy (to include aquatherapy) for the next 6 weeks. It also has ultrasound, massage, and strengthening listed on there.
His major concern is my foot drop issues I am having on the left side. He said the EMG indicated significant weakness on that side. If I don't show improvement by the end of Jan, he will want to do surgery.

So...here are my thoughts/questions (PLEASE post if you have any experience)..

Could this be permanent or could i become paralysed??

fi — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 11:46:56 -0700

Hello. I had ACDF on C5/6 last Jan due to herniated disc and radiculopathy which still has some pain but is better somewhat.

Crazy Nerves

Taunz — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 11:36:25 -0700

I'm 14 DAYS post-op from a microdiscectomy, and I feel so much better already. I had L3-L4, L4-L5, L5-S1 operated on.

When I woke up I couldn't feel or move my left foot/leg. The doctor didn't seem to concerned. I had to stay an extra night in the hospital because I couldn't walk. Slowly but surely I have regained mobility in my leg/foot.

I have never been in any pain just nerve discomfort. I have tingling sleeping sensation which then turns into pins and needles. I wake up with burning in the leg. When I stand to long my leg goes numb and my foot tingels.

Ct Myelogram and Meniere's Disease

DelawareGirl — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 22:53:18 -0800

I am having nerve pain in my lower right and left leg. I had a Rt Lumbar Sacroiliac Block today. Unfortunately, it wasn't until this afternoon and the 14 hours of no water or food, set off the Meniere's - migraine, nausea, etc. I am pretty sure it was because the IV was a sodium IV. I have a CT Myelogram scheduled for Monday. Has anyone else had this problem and what did you do about it?

CT Scan shows small posterior facet spurs

Ming — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 10:49:07 -0800

I just had a friend look up my CT scan results. My doctor is supposed to review them with me on Friday but I wanted a heads up. It shows I have smal posterior facet spurs. Has anyone else heard of this?

Dad in need of Help!

cchcal — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 09:06:09 -0700

My dad has just been admitted to hospital. He can't exert pressure on his right leg as it will cause excruciating pain from his buttock right down to his leg.

I'm pretty sure that's sciatica but I would like a second opinion.

And for any suggested treatments as well!

I'm really worried about him.

The doctors in the hospital are taking things slow which adds to my worry.

Please Help!

DDD plus herniated disc

PricklyPear — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 08:21:58 -0700

I have had DDD for awhile, but recently I developed a herniated disc.

I will be seeing a surgeon that specializes in disectomies.

However, one of things I need to sort out is pain from herniated disc vs. discogenic pain. I know that a disectomy can't do much for discogenic pain.

The decision the perform surgery would need to be made based on pain from the herniation and I'm trying to figure out whether the herniation is bothering me or if it is discogenic pain.

My MRI shows herniated disc 3mm into the left lateral recess. The herniation is 1 cm wide.

DDD with Spondolithesis

Lyndas — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 13:53:36 -0800

Hi Everyone

Deep Ache into hip, groin and QL muscle

cndgirl — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 14:47:03 -0700

Hello,

I am 31 years old. I have a small disc bulg at the L5 S1. It has been 2 years now, and my lower back pain is better, but i still have sciatic pain down my left leg for 1 year now. It use to be a burning pain, but now it's just stiffness when i stand. I also can't sit for very long still, or stand before my muscles start to ache.
My pain is all on my left side. Since my disc bulge, my side muscles on the left have become extremly tight (QL and Paraspinal.)

Deep Peronial Nerve Block

luvuniformandcuffs — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 13:52:07 -0700

Has anyone had this proceedure done and ....

did it hurt

did it work?

Side effects?

Disc Inflation/Pressure Test???

luna_c — Sat, 27 Dec 2008 11:39:30 -0800

Disc Inflation Test?????

disc pain focal in knee

palmetto302 — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 05:37:44 -0700

Hi everyone- I have looked at this site some in the past as I have had 2 lumbar disc surgeries (L4-5) hemi- laminectomy and partial disc removal on my left side. The first surgery was about 4 years ago and followed about 6 months of PT,injections etc. I never really had sciatica but rather diffuse often severe pain around the knee . Anyway, surgery went fine-pain went away and 8 months later I re-herniated the disc. This time had more typical sciatia and the disc fragment was much larger. That surgery also successful and have had zero issues past 18+ months. Back to cycling etc with no pain.

Does anyone else pray?

csp — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 04:31:47 -0800

Just wondering if anyone else prays to God about their pain and their recovery. I try to pray everyday about what I'm going through, but I often get discouraged when the pain doesn't go away. I'm not a person to "push" religion onto others, but I am curious as to whether or not this is God's way of bringing us closer to Him. I'm hoping that by praying,getting information on here and being put into a situation that I "need" God, things will only get better.

csp

employment for back sufferers?

csp — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 10:39:55 -0800

Just recently, I have been thinking about getting out of my current occupation. All because of my back, of course (2 L5-S1 surgeries and continued leg pain to date). I run daycare and each and every "squat," "bend," "lift," and "sitting position" make my pain worse. I keep thinking that if I didn't have to do all that squatting to get down to the children's level. Circle time is impossible, being that I sit during it, and now I've been told by my P.T'ist that I should sit on a stool while doing floor activities.

epidural lumbar next week-Did anyone find improvement?

charry — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 15:24:47 -0700

Today I had trigger therapy with the epinephrine injections for the fifth week in a row. I told the Pain Doctor it's not helping, so he said I could have a epidural lumber with steroids next week. Has anyone had a epidural that has helped them? Thanks Charry

ESI post laminectomy

brynellen — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 13:56:07 -0800

I had my L5 laminectomy/ L5-S1 diskectomy in April. It was a huge herniation that I dealt with for a long time and through a pregnancy so I am not surprised that I still have nerve/pain symptoms. My doctor thinks that a 3rd ESI would help with the nerve pain. A lot of my pain (more 'swooshing' cold feelings) is in my foot and then some pain and burning in my front thigh. I am not convinced the ESI will help the front of my leg because isn't the root of that a different level?

ever hear of nerve wrap?

csp — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 13:46:25 -0700

My NS mentioned that if my leg and back pain didn't improve in 6 - 8 months, maybe he'd try a nerve wrap. (My MRI had scar tissue on it, but he said that was normal.) Anyone ever hear of that?

csp

Explain your L5S1 pain

tarheelgirl — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 13:23:56 -0800

Hi, I'm just wondering if everyone could share their pain and what they feel on an everyday basis with this type herniation. I am wondering if I am feeeling the same thing. It's truly the most excruciating pain I've ever felt. I've been thru labor (have 3 kids), felt both my c/s after the incisions (spinals wore off) and had acute gallbladder syndrome which was pretty bad but short lived b/c I had it taken out. I also have triple cervical DDD which I had been on Fentanyl patches for 2 years for that eased off a couple months before this L5/S1 herniation occured.

Facet Injections

TalsinC — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 17:49:13 -0800

I cannot begin to even describe the relief! After three surgeries and tons of pills, a few pricks with a needle and the pain is almost gone! Why of why was this not made an option months ago?

I know it is not permanent but the sweet, sweet relief is incredible. I have a myelogram next week so hopefully things are heading in the right direction.

Curt

Finally I found help

in2movyz — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 13:33:18 -0700

After 2 failed surgeries, tons of blocks, hours upon hours of physical therapy and 4 years of chronic pain I have found relief. I found a chiropractor in Solon Ohio who has changed my life I am almost pain free. I have done spinal decompression. I went 4 days a week for 5 weeks and I am able to actually stand and sit more than 10 minutes. I can go to a movie and go out to eat and take care of my kids.

Foot Drop / Scar Tissue removal surgery

zachback — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 12:46:41 -0800

I had a surgery last year MIS TLIF on my L5 / S1 Spondy. The surgery / recovery went well, but after 8 months, my back and leg pain came back, more chronic than before my surgery. The MRI and CT showed that the scar tissues have spread all over L4 / L5 / S1 region. It also showed an enlarged dosal nerve suggesting inflammation, and seemed that scar tissues are surrounding it. Doc wants to remove scar tissue that is causing chronic pain on the back and leg. My toe, foot, and ankle hurt real badly. At times, I can't feel my foot at all.

Foot Drop success stories ???

mekenn — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 09:35:07 -0800

Hello All,
I've been doing loads of research on my left leg foot drop and weakness after large L5 Herniation. I cannot find any data on successful treatment for foot drop related to disc herniation and would love to hear from anyone who can tell me otherwise.

I met with a Neurosurgeon, and two Orthopedic surgeons but none of them has hany treatment options for me. The disc pain is much better, and that is all they are concerned with.

Anyone out there have this expereince?
Thanks,
Mary

Foot numbness and Pain - saw Podiatrist

julie — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 18:12:26 -0700

Hi,

Foot Numbness...bad one day better the next

Cynthia — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 07:13:08 -0700

I had a laminotomy and discectomy at L5S1 on 3/21/2008. Have experienced no pain since the surgery but have been dealing with foot and toe numbness. The Dr. told me it could take 1-2 years for the nerve to heal if it heals at all. My question to you is somedays the numbness is to a mimimum and the next really flared up. Has anybody else experienced this. It's getting me pretty darn discouraged.

Cynthia

Front left thigh to left of shin pain

beeohio — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 07:04:59 -0700

Hello:

I had fusion surgery (L4-L5) six months ago. Went to see doctor who said my fusion was totally healed over and that the x-rays looked like someone who had surgery 2 years ago not just 6 months ago. Great news. Said I could start exercising again. Started exercising but now have such terrible pain down front of left thigh and shoots to horrible pain on the left side of my shin on left leg. Anyone else get this kind of pain. Feels like burning and bee stings.

Front leg numbness with occasional shooting pain in knee

Beastmaster1962 — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 16:02:24 -0700

I had a fusion of the L-4 Thru S-1 about 10yrs agon. I had a recent fall backwards while pulling on a release handle on my semi trailer. The numbness radiates from the top of the front leg down to just below the knee. It feels like I have a knee pad on when I kneel. I also get a sharp pain in the knee especially on the inside of it. I have seen a neuro and have had a MRI done. One doctor says I have a herniated L-3 L-4 disc with narrowing of the spinal column. The 2nd doctor who also teaches says he sees no narrowing or herniated disc and did not address the numbness.

Front leg pain, SI joint problems

brynellen — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 06:37:49 -0700

Hi,

good luck zach

csp — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 04:47:35 -0800

Zach,
Just want to wish you luck on your surgery tomorrow. I'll be praying for you to have a good recovery and positive results this time.

csp

Good News!

pnksapphire — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 09:08:05 -0700

I went to my PCP's clinic this morning. I have now got a MRI scheduled for tomorrow morning, instead of the CAT on Thursday, and an appointment with a Spine doctor on Friday, if my MRI results are back!

got my CT results

yona — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 13:25:37 -0700

Started PT

Was also asked to swim. But this is too painful.

I am not happy with my spine...

We'll see an ortho this week.

Had back surgery last year AND neck fusion.....bad pain!

onlyonelucy — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 17:35:13 -0800

Had my 2nd injection yesterday - NEUROSTIMULATOR?

onlyonelucy — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 10:30:37 -0800

While the injection hurts, it helped SO FAR. The doctor said if this doesn't last he wants to put in neurostimulator things. Anyone know about them?

Hamstring Problem

bigdev5000 — Sat, 20 Dec 2008 04:09:10 -0800

I was wondering if anyone could give me insight on a hamstring problem that is affecting me. To give you a background on what is going on, 3 years ago I fractured my 3 lumbar spine, it was a transverse fracture and that healed well and I started having SI joint dysfunction and I had to strengthen my back muscles.

Has anyone had injections months after L5 S1 fusion due to sciatic pain

Ming — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 16:57:37 -0800

I was just curious if anyone else has had to have injections shortly after a fusion because they are still having sciatic pain. I just had L5 S1 anterior discectomy and fusion 7/1/08 and the muscle spasms are gone. I am still having pain in my lower back towards S1 and facet area and pain down buttocks, legs, hips and now my legs and feet go numb or mostly get the pins and needles feeling. I just had a CT scan and the ortho surgeon said nothing shows up that would continue to cause me this pain.

Having Cauda Equina symptoms, but MRI says not much?

pamlee78 — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 21:26:09 -0800

I had 4 discs damaged last August doing heavy lifting. Since then I am having increasing symptoms of bowel bladder control vs retention problems, sciatic pain, numbness, gait changes, 15 pounds of weight loss without dieting, and no appetite besides being in constant pain.
I notified my doc who said to go to the ER and have another set of MRI's done. I did so, but the radiologist said the only thing he sees in the lumbar area is facet joint damage, L4-5, disc damage L2-5, Schmerl's SP? nodulesbut only slight impingement on the cord space. I have a notable hemangioma in the T1-2 area.

Head spinning around / trouble focusing..... now ....here!

chgorich — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 21:07:40 -0700

Hi everyone,

My Dr. started me on Suboxone for severe pain from stenosis, DDD, compressed nerve in L5S1 area. I started about 6 days ago and am having a bunch of side effects. I am experiencing relief in the pain in my butt and legs; and my Doc wants me to give a few more days or a week more to see if the side effects go away. Mostly dizziness, trouble focusing, feeling of being "high". I am a recovering alcoholic/addict and all my Docs know this upfront. But if these side effects don't away, I don't hink I will be able to continue it.

heel drop?

lucy lou — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 14:52:29 -0800

I have had both cervical and lumbar fusions. Haven't had any surgery in several years, and since being on Mobic have been doing very well. Recently, I have noticed that when I walk, my heels hit very hard. That is, I sound like a horse clippety clopping (as in sounds like 4 feet) when I walk. There is noticeable wear on the heals of my sneakers. I never walked like this before. Any ideas?

Thanks so much

Hello any one

zolenniaq — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 11:49:25 -0700

Hi would be nice if someone could actually talk to me on this site. Have I lost the plot or will here . What point is it asking and putting on my questions if no one responds. I feel totally alone . This forum was much better before the change I lost my friends and don't know where I am on here. I posted a question and put it on wrong bit . Then there is a n/a on my other anyone please?

Hello, new girl here

Becca — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 20:13:27 -0800

Hi, I'm new to site. I'm 35 years old and have an L5 disc herniation. It's a repeat injury. The first occured while I was 6 months pregnant 3 years ago. I had to wait until I had my daughter by c section until I could have surgery. It was torture while I was pregnant b/c i could not take anything for the excruticiating pain. It took about 6 months after the surgery but finally most of the pain subsided. Well, about a month ago I went for a light jog & the next day I literaly could not move.

Hello, newbie and frightened.

sunny — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 19:40:43 -0700

Hi everyone. I've been reading the forum for several days and I'm amazed at all of the info. here! Finally a place where I have something in common with others who understand! Looking forward to making new friends!

L5/S1 microdisectomy, hemilectomy. L4/L5 disc buldges.

help

phase — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 12:09:05 -0700

Wow, I just found this site and don't know whether to be encouraged or discouraged by so many other sharing my dilemna. I've had lower back pain before, but this time it's different. It's been going on for three weeks now constantly. Lower back pain with pain shooting down my hips all the way to my feet. Usually it feels as if my legs are being crushed with occassional lightening shooting down my legs. When it started (I just turned wrong when loading the dishwasher) it was so severe and on a weekend, that I went to an urgent care place.

Help I'm falling

semper — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 12:55:58 -0700

I need some input from anyone that can help please...I have bone spurs on 4 and 5 and I also have osteoarthris and a bulging disk. I have had 2 TFLESI and the last one being end of July. It has helped wonderful until about a week ago. I'm FALLING!

HELP-Need Advice

down and hating it — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 14:52:02 -0800

This may get kind of long but I would appreciate any insight you can offer. Here is my story....
About twelve (12) years ago, I was working at a job that required heavy lifting. At the time I strained my back. I was out of work for a while and saw the chiropractor for a long time. Finally work comp said I had to see a medical doctor. The doctor I saw said that I have a bad back, probably always will and need to learn to deal with it.

Help: New Pain..No response from Dr

angelanic — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 10:01:39 -0700

Hi all,

helpp me please!!!

crashh — Sun, 28 Dec 2008 07:54:16 -0800

ok so i am on my way to a fusion s1 down in about three weeks. I am on 50 mg percocet per day/2700 mg neurontin/10to15 mg valium/60 mg cymbalta. I am in so much pain, it feels like a knife is in my right leg and just ripping it apart. I have no feeling in my most of my right leg. I am reaching out to anything that would just knock me out so i can just sleep. a friend told me about trazodone 150 mg. is it safe to take with all the other pills i have listed above. if not please please please reccomend wha i might as my doctor for this pain. thanks in advance.

Herniated Disc

snickers — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 09:43:56 -0700

Does anyone have any comments on the ***EDITED*** for herniated discs ?

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Herniated Disc ? NEED INPUT PLEASE!!!

massurfer1 — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 07:17:42 -0700

My name is Andy and Im 24 years old. I was diagnosed 2 months ago with a central disc herniation at the l4/l5 region that was seriously compressing my theral/dural (whatever the name of it is) Sac. My symptoms started about 3 months ago with leg stiffness and spasms, twitching, and lower back stiffness and inflammation. What worries me is that I dont have much pain, just stiffness and discomfort in my legs that really bother me if I stand for a while which is what I have to do at work. The stiffness/twitching is mainly in my calf muscles and behind my knees.

Herniated disc and exercises

Anzhelika — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 00:04:05 -0700

Hi All!
I am a new member! I have been visiting spine-health.com for a year. I am 31-years old and I got my herniated disc last year.
I like to exercise and keep fit.
I have been exercising on my home cross-trainer for 2 months and doing some abdominal exercises.
Could you please let me know if it is safe to exercise on a cross-trainer for a patient with a herniated disc.
Re abdominal: can I do oblique crunches?
Thank you in advance!
Anzhelika Demchenko
Greece

herniated disc and pregnant

bluebell — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 21:51:22 -0700

Hi, I am looking for information about dealing with a hernitated disc while pregnant. I just found out that I am pregnant. Obviously it was not planned, as I wanted to wait until my back issues were under control. I am wondering if anyone else has dealt with this, and were you in severe pain during pregnancy? What did your doctors recommend? I have a young daughter already, and need to be able to function during pregnancy. Thanks for any advice you have! Below is some of my background info:

Herniated Disc and sciatica for 3 years - Have I left it too late for surgery?

Gav — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 16:16:58 -0700

After a recent MRI, my orthopaedic surgeon has told me I have a slipped disc in my lower back and has suggested surgery in the form of a microdiscectomy. Sorry that this will seem like a rant, but I've got so much confusion and many questions at the moment.

Symptoms and painkillers

Herniated Disk L5 S2 - The road to recovery....

jchamilt — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 13:00:14 -0800

Was diagnosed by MRI with a herniated disk in my l5 affecting on my S2 nerve.

just had a epidural about 3 hours ago.. still not getting much relief from it, and it was quite painful to receive.

anywho, I injured myself exercising, I think it was bad form doing squats about 12 weeks ago, and re-injured myself 2.5 weeks ago during my muay thai (thai kick boxing) workout..

My doctor is telling me it takes 4-6 months for the disk to totally heal itself and I was advised to lay of the muay thai for awhile..

he said I can return to light exercise a week after I am pain free..

Hi , Im new here and freaking out

mspam1165 — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 03:08:49 -0700

I have suffered from back pain since a work injury since 2000 ... I have tried everything in the past ,,,I even had the IDET which I dont think they do that anymore ,,

Now Im scared I went to the ER tonight because my left upper leg went numb ok I can deal with that , but then the burning pain came ..I went to the Er all they did was give me steriods . This pain is unreal and scary ,,,Has anyone had this before ..

Im freaking out ..I took 1 norco and 3 Motrin and 2 flexerils and still have pain in my leg , the burning pain /.///

I need some input please

Hi and advice sought after microdiscetomy

Kat326 — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 12:48:36 -0700

Hi - my partner had a microdiscetomy 14 days tomorrow. The sciatic pain has gone but now he is experiencing great pain and a feeling of coldness in his ankle. He had a bulging disc L5 S1 which I understand is pretty common. Is his pain and lack of mobility now common. Even though he was in extreme pain for 4 months before the op he still went to work - had to take painkillers and psych himself up every day. He was at work all day before the op. Now he struggles to walk less than a 1/4 mile and back. Any feedback would be welcome.

Regards

Katrina

Hip Pain

maryelleninnj — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 19:38:12 -0700

I have spondylolisthesis L4L5 and severe arthritis. My shooting pains have improved, but I still get bad hip pain when walking just 5 minutes. I had hip xrays before seeing ortho. They were normal. Do I need an MRI to confirm that my pain is from the spine problem? Or is it normal to have this type of hip pain? Sometimes my knee hurts too. It doesn't feel like arthritis.

Thanks,
Mary Ellen

Hip/Groin pain from a fall

jmbailey000 — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 15:18:56 -0700

On 2/26/08 while I was leaving work I fell down 14 stairs. When I woke up I found myself lying on the stairs with my left leg hyper-extended. My head was resting on my left calf with the foot and ankle twisted. I was “very lucky” and did not break anything.

How long does the tenderness last post op?

chris71 — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 13:30:24 -0700

Hi, i'm near 10 weeks post microdiscectomy now on L4 and L5 and have just returned to work.I'm swimming around 2000yards 3 times a week and walking.Everything seems fine so far with no leg pain as such just a light tingling sensation in the calfs sometimes .During the week at work someone bumped into me and i could feel like a bruised tender sensation in the lower back where the op was carried out.I was wondering how long does it take for this area where the tissue was cut to fully heal?

Hurts so bad - any help is good

raesunshine1 — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 19:01:25 -0700

Hi,

I am at my wits end. And please bear with me, I thought I had posted about this about 6 hours ago but it is not showing on this computer.

I have had successful treatment to my facet joints. The first selective nerve root block showed mild results and pain was getting really bad again so had a second a week ago yesterday.

Well!...........That one has put me into awful pain. On a scale of 1- 10 I am at about a 14. Down my leg to my feet - awful stabs and deep ache and shooting. All together.

I had surgery and my back shouldnt still hurt!

lal0vexc01 — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 16:52:27 -0700

I had a tethered spinal cord and it caused the nerves in my calfs damage and pain. we didnt figure out i had a tethered cord till a yr after my leg pain started (im 15)
So i go it released back in June.
I did good...six weeks rest they said.

I have a specialist appointment

raesunshine1 — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 22:15:54 -0800

It has been 22 months since my injury but I am finally seeing a specialist. The doctor is an ortho who only works with spines. At this point I have not results but am thrilled someone is looking at my problem.

My injury happened in January of 2007. It took till April to get an MRI and the doctor just gave me some long acting morphine. It gets worse when I not feeling well and has often felt like I had knives slashing down my legs, and electric shocks.

I have all 4.....DDD, Spinal stenosis, arthritis, sciatica

chgorich — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 06:37:20 -0700

I am starting to read these message boards again and find the information that all of you provide to be very helpful. Sometimes I don't know which "subject line" to go to first!?? I have DDD, lumbar spinal stenosis, osteoarthritis (in the spine as well) and sciatica!

I need some serious help in understanding....

sunjoymom — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 19:06:50 -0700

Hi my name is Heather and I am 32. I am a single mom of 5 children all under the age of 10. I just recently started a massage business with my current boyfriend. My life has gotten extremely hard. I can hardly work at all!

I survived 14hours in the plane

Formerfire — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 23:17:51 -0700

Hi everyone. Just a quick update for all of you who have been helping me so much since my L5S1 herniation in April - well 3 months after my m.d. I nervously boarded the plane to Hawaii.

I made it!

I took my trusty back support chair thingy and got up and did a few laps of the plane and survived without any sciatic pain.

I had a wonderful holiday (just didnt go sky diving or surfing or anything stupid).

I was a little bit more uncomfortable on the way back, but nothing a little Lyrica didnt fix.

I will have microdiscectomy on the coming friday

lotaitai — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 03:02:06 -0700

support me please

I'm a "lumbar Limbo Bimbo"

whinneey — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 10:59:41 -0700

Hi, I'm new to this. I never had a back problem and then had 2 days of unbearable pain in my right thigh and calf that left me numb from knee to ankle, unable to walk stairs due to weakness and with my knee-jerk reflex gone (but not forgotton!) I was told that the reflex would never come back, was on a course os steroids with a diagnosis of a herneated disk and pressure on a nerve. I have had no more pain, but the numbness and weakness have not left me. I went from "hale and hearty" to "fragile" in a day. It has messed with my head as much as my body.

Incontinence

Senji — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 16:18:38 -0700

Hello,
I started a new thread because I didn't see this topic discussed in the forum. (I've been posting to the thread I started, "Sciatica for over 6 mos.")

increased pain after epidural steriod injection

carolyoyo — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 19:47:40 -0700

I had a epidural cortisone injection for a 3-4 mm herniation at L5 about 2 months ago. It really increased my pain and the Doctor doesn't know why. I had an MRI and it show the herniation is now 2mm. Could the doctor have damaged the nerve? I show no weakness. I have pain going down the front and back of both legs and a little numbness in my right foot. Before the injection I just had a little numbness in one leg. I'm on nerve meds now and I wasn't before.

Anyone had this happen?

Carol

injection for scar tissue?

csp — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 12:59:53 -0800

Has anyone had steroid injections for nerve pain due to scar tissue? I saw an orthopedic surgeon that said "no surgery, but possible injection to relieve inflammation of nerve." I just am wondering if this has helped anyone. My thought is... if the scar tissue that's causing the inflammation isn't removed, how is a steroid injection going to help?