L5/S1 nerve issues(?)

[bad back Kev]

Since January I have had what appears to be nerve issues from either the L5 or S1 nerves (or both). I have accute pain in my glute and associated pain in my calf and numbness/pins and needles in my foot, mainly under my big toe and the ball of my foot although it does extend across the whole foot to the little toe. Unlike previous issues the pain reduces when I sit and gets worse when I walk and I am not able to walk long distances at all before I need to sit down. When sitting I hit a point where it really hurts at almost 90 degrees and then when I sit completely the pain is significantly reduced. It also hurts (sharp pain) when attempting to roll over in bed.

So far I have had chiro treatment, some massage and osteo treatment. none of these are really doing a lot. Each person says they can see it is really inflamed in that general area. I am using a TENS machine on it too and it does offer a small amount of relief.

Given it has been (3) months now and I am beginning to show signs of "madness" from the constant pain and lack of quality sleep I am contemplating a cortisone injection to see if it will offer some relief. Not sure about this though.

Other than that if someone can recommend a "quality remedial massage therapist" in South Canberra I would be greatful. I have had it hinted that I may have actually torn my piriformus or other muscle in that area??

I want someone that will pay attention to my needs rather than me paying their BMW lease etc.

Any advice appreciated.

[kjwilkin]

Hi there,

I would actually go to a sports physician/doctor to get your problem diagnosed correctly. There are a few good ones in Canberra. Let me know if you want their details.

Good luck !!!

[bad back Kev]

Well, I ended up going for a CT Scan on my spine and the results of which have come through. I have a "Focal disc protrusion at the L4/5 level significantly narrowing the central canal" and "L5/S1 disc osteophyte complex more pronouonced in the right paracentral location where it abuts the decending S1 nerve root to the right. There is also additional bilateral moderate neuroforaminal narrowing at the L5/S1".

So, at least it confirms that there is a problem and it's not "in the head". Will be checking in with my doctor - and more than likely one of the recommended sports docs to see what the verdict is.

[richard parkinson]

I'd recommend an MRI to sort out the precise area of nerve compression. If you don't have constant weakness of numbness then a "periradicular" cortisone injection may be of benefit.
Richard Parkinson
Neurosurgeon
St Vincent's Clinic

[arabesque]

Hi! I was just wondering why wouldnt a cortisone injection be of benefit if numbness is constantly present? Thanks.

[shannon]

i have suffered from back pain for several years until 6 weeks ago suffered sever pain from my right buttoks down to my toes for three days on the fourth day total numbness from middle of my right buttock down the back of my leg and calf under foot into 3 toes scans indicate nerve compresson have little to no pain now only weekness in leg walk with a limp as a result, dr pell from st vincents in sydney is operating to relieve pressure off the nerve to reduce weakness said numbness may still remain,

[bad back Kev]

A bit of an update.
I consulted my Chiropracter based on the fact he a person I trust immensly. After a long discussion about progressing further and getting an MRI and consultation by a Neurosurgeon I opted for some manipulation to see if that would relieve the pain etc. Having had one 'bad' experience with a surgeon in Canberra (since retired but was in the news for nothing good) I am reluctant to head down that path unless completely neccessary.

Well, over a period of several weeks/months Things are 95% better. I still have a slight 'feeling' in the hip/glute area but other than that I am back to ful strength and able to ride, walk etc with little discomfort. I am still very cautious but optimistic all the same.

If I do have to see a surgeon (eventually) I will go to Sydney or Melbourne.

[tricia]

HI
I was in a car accident 18 months ago, hit from behind while in a Taxi stopped at lights.
I have never had back pain before and have always been very fitness orientated.
Now I live in constant pain. At first it was just whiplash but after 6 weeks I began to experience foot pain. Luckily for me the foot specialist I went to identified injury to my spine as causing the foot pain.
To cut a long story short, I am very incapaited by this injury and it really affects my work which involves travel in Australia.
My Physio and Osteo are now recommending a trial block of L5 S1. Last year we tried L4L5 but as the major symptons are now in both feet perhaps this will help.
Seriously I know this pain drives you crazy!! I used to walk 8 km a day and swim 6 km a week.Now I struggle to get out of bed. The big thing is to stay positive.
I do get up it just takes longer.
I manage a team of medical reps and have to be out and about.
Work is very unsympathetic which is really hard as I have been there 8 years and never been sick. Plus this accident happened at work.
For me it is physio, osteo and pool.
My border collie misses the long walks.

At least now I feel we have isolated which nerves so when my pain specialist returns next week I think I will go with the Marcane injection.

Hope this helps
Tricia

[cervus]

I have severe l4 l5 s1 pain into my left but - thigh and legs - pain when I stand too long and more when I sit in office chair - CAT scan 15 mths ago shows slite disc bulge onto nerve at l5 s1 - 15 Mths later I have had another attack - this one seems more severe, had chiro - osteo doctor and pain killers ( valium - endone - panadine forte - panadiene - nurofen -) also 2 weeks off resting - but still in severe pain????
Is surgery an option - or other therapy?? has any one any suggestions ?
A family member has had cauda equina recently - so this is a real worry!

[ChristineBellairs]

I had the same thing. Mine turned out that I had injured my back previously and as my body had tried to repair the damage it had caused a calcium build up which was pressing on the sciatic nerve.

I ended up having surgery to remove the lump and the result was instant. No pain in my leg when I woke, the only pain was surgical. This was 4 years ago and now it look like it's happening again but this time the pain is radiating down my other leg.