Lumbar/sacral pain

[joyride1217]

I was diagnosed with mild DDD at l5 and s1 a little over six months ago.  However, since the diagnosis, I have had 3 episodes with my back (one I caught in time and was treated with steroids by mouth and rest, another was very severe, and now I am currently in one now that is not getting better).  I have had back problems for approx. 2 years and over time my symptoms have gotten worse.  It has now been a month and I have not gotten any better, which has forced me to miss lots of work and unable to perform every day tasks.  

My symptoms are as follows:
Intense pressure in lumbar/sacral region, pain that radiates down my hip into my bottom and down my thigh into calf, numbness in third and fourth fingers in hands, shooting pains that go up my spine, shooting pains that will occassionally go up my neck into my ear, occassional shooting pains in private area, and stabbing like pains in my lower hips toward my bottom.  These symptoms are mostly on the right side of my body, but have also been on my left side this time.  

I have been treated with steroids (by mouth and injection in hip, muscle relaxers, nerve pain meds, and narcotics (very sensitive to).  This time, I am not getting any better.  It is like the medications are not working.  I am using a cane to get around.  

I wanted to pose the folllowing questions:
1)  Is it possible that my condition has worsened since I had the MRI?
2)  Why are the medicines not working this time?
3)  What might this be?

  This episode with my back has been physically and emotionally draining.  I feel there is something very wrong with my back.  I really want my quality of life back.  I would appreciate any insight you may offer.

Lastly, my back problem is not a result of a previous injury.  It has just been a problem that has progressed over time.

[cole1983]

1)  Is it possible that my condition has worsened since I had the MRI? Yes, I have had back problems since I was 15yrs old.  I had an MRI done last April, it showed i had 3 herniated disc, by June two of the disc had ruptured, so it changed for me between MRI's so it could change for you.
2)  Why are the medicines not working this time? The pain could be to great for the dose or possibly you have built up a tolerance for the medication.
3)  What might this be?  I suffer from pain shooting through the groin area my doc says that it is from my sciatic nerve being impinged.

Good luck

[cat9841]

your symptoms sound like where I was last year at this time, and I had a disk that slipped out of place and was pressing on some nerves. the pain from this is very bad and nothing really helped till I had a spinal fusion last December. you need to go in and see a spinal dr and talk with him/her and get a consult about your condition. don't let it go on till more damage is done. it will get worse over time if not corrected. good luck to you.
CAT

[Zak_Han]

It sounds like what you're describing is degenerative disk disease in lower back and neck area, which can become worse over time. Given the severity of your pain ,numbness and the functional limitations it's now placing on you, it probably is time to consult with a orthopaedic physician. Basically,I don't think alternative med can completely help this condition.

But,sometime,inversion table may be good idea for you,if your blood pressure is ok.
Take care!

[Dalubaba]

I am 78 years.
Since last three years i am having tightness sensation on my soles of feet left sole is more tight than right one.I feel that i wearing tighy shoes or socks.It is not painful.i can move about and so exercise without any problem. somtimes slight swellin do occur on my feet.I also feel slight numness from my pC muscle to ankle.I feel it when i compare my upper body with lower body.
Perviious to this episode, I use to have slight transient burning sensation in my sole in summer and hot/cold sensation in upper spine just below the shoulder blade.This was continually for many years.As it was not very discomforatble. nothing was prescribed.Three years before i felt pulsation sensation( not pain) in the root of penis. for three days and subsequently i felt light numbness in my both legs. Again on third day  numbness precipitated in my soles causing a feeling of tightness. Intensity is almost same throughout.Tightness does not respond to any analgesic or muscle relaxant.
No diabetics ,no b12 deficiency and no iron deficiency. neurological responses are normal.Pleas guide me.
Any solution to this problem.Any wholistic therapy,?Please guiide.

[Zak_Han]

1)  Is it possible that my condition has worsened since I had the MRI?  A: No
2)  Why are the medicines not working this time?  A: medicine only work for nevers problem,basically, your condition is DDD and soft tissue injuries.
3)  What might this be? A: DDD+ Soft tissue injuries due to chronic unbalance problem of body.