L5/S1 nerve issues(?)

[joe66]

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,

Hi, I have just visited Dr Pell for a pinched nerve in my neck and he recommended an X-ray guided cortisone injection which I had. It's too early to say if this will work (have others had this procedure, and if so, was it effective/how long did it take?).

If surgery is the next step I'd like to know what the general feeling is about Pell's surgical skill and whether anyone has had a bony spur removed from their C5/6 to relieve a pinched nerve condition?

[tia-maria]

bad back Kev.
just a short note wanting to know how you are going? and did you find an excellent Neurosurgeon? as you sound in lots of pain and sleepless nights.........do understand how your feeling.
cheers mate

[lulurocks]

Much the same as the rest of you i have been recently diagnoised with a severe prolapsed disc at L5/S1. i dont know a huge amount about it or the available treatments yet but trying to find out what i can. Have been told that i need a nerve block injection with a view to cutting out the "slipped" bit of disc.

Any opinions, thoughts, suggestions or anything else you may have id love to hear. . . .. . .

[tia-maria]

Hi Lulurocks,
How are you going have you seen a surgeon? and have you had any MRI done on your back??and if you have done this what has your specialists recommended to you? and what state do you live in.
I have personally just had a fusion bone graft on L5/S1 and that was the best things decision that I have made I am free of Chronic Pain and suffering as I went on like this for 18 months until it got the best of me.
Most people have injection into the spine But for goodness sakes I have known others patients who tried injection anf failed.so think twice before going down that road and get a fantastic neurosurgeon and feel confident in him.
My operation was in March this year. I have a friend having one done very soon in Melbourne.
ps just realize your from overseas. hope I have help you and good luck my age group in 60s

[paul64]

Hi, i am 45 and had oongoing back and left buttock & left leg pain for at least 20yrs. Have tried Physio, Massage, Accupunture, Chiro. All for long periods with no long term relief. Finally after having another CT scan and a GP telling me it was not to bad. I insisted he refer me on to a specialist. Surgeon had MRI done June 09. Performed L5/S1 instrumented fusion on21/08/09. I am now just over 2 weeks post op. After operation i was up and walking after 12 hours. With walking aid. I am now walking 3 kms a day including small hills. Pain i had before op has gone tottally( i still think i,m dreaming. ) Pain from surgery will take time to subside due to swelling. First week was uncomfortable due to not been able to sit or lay for long periods. Apart from prescribed medicine i am only takin on average 4 nurofen a day for pain. I shoul have pushed for it years ago.

[timtestonline]

HI, about a month ago I had a sore back, after driving to Newcastle that night the pain was unberable so I went to Hostipal for pain killers.
The pain has mostly gone noe just a little stiff in the morning down the rear of the thigh and calves in the left leg.
But what concerns me the most is I have lost the use of my calve muscle. I am going for a MRI tonight.
Has anyone had simlair expences with nervres , do they take a long time to heal ?
Is a MRI the best tool ?

Thanks

Tim

[blakestar85]

Hi Trisha

If your accident happened while you were working then you will almost certainly have a workers compensation case. Regardless of if your work are unsympathetic or not, they have a legal obligation to provide you all required assistance in your ongoing recovery.

I suggest you speak to your HR department at work immediately regarding this... If you do not have sucess there, i would strongly suggest you seek independate legal advice. (If not seeking it as well as referring to your HR)

Best of luck.

[PhysioAdvisor]

Hi guys,

For those of you with lumbar disc bulges i would recommend seeing a physiotherapist for appropriate treatment, particularly one qualified in the McKenzie Approach. In the mean time, check out the following link for detailed information on a lumbar disc bulge including treatment:

Lumbar Disc Bulge

Hope that helps,

[Perth Physiotherapist]

This is common problem we see in our Perth Physiotherapy Clinic (http://perthphysioclinic.com.au). Have a look at a couple of the articles on our website, you will find them very useful!