Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

Chronic sciatica w/ nerve pain spreading into upper body

Male 26 yrs, average weight

I have had nerve symptoms since falling onto a rock onto the side of my lower back 5 years ago. It started with tingling in both feet, worse in left and was aggravated by sitting. Now my left leg has burning sciatica from top to bottom and slight muscle weakness and my the left side of my back right outside the spine around S1 is burning intensely and radiating tingling and pins and needles. Also for the past year this tingling seems to have spread up my spine and my entire back, shoulders, arms, hands, and face have prickling and electric sensations all the time, made worse when moving my back at the corresponding locations. When my back is worse, these sensations are worse, so I see it as all related. My MRI showed no herniations and no MS lesions, also imaged sciatic nerve and no tumors, bloodwork is normal, and EMG showed marked denervation in my left leg. I took lots of neurontin and cymbalta and did not see a change.  What am I to do?? I have so much trouble sitting for my profession and am having the hardest time coping. Is there any way to uncover the source of my pain and release my nerve??? THanks,

Matt
5 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
Hello koomer22, I have the exact same symtopms as you yet no one can diagnose me with anything. Please tell me your ok and that you found the cause of our pain!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hi, I just wanted to know if anyone has any advice regarding my situation I went to see a chiropractor and had many neck and back manipulations for chronic pain in my back but after a neck manipulation I was in a lot of pain in my neck , it also swelled up and ever since I have had tinnitus also an mri then revealed c3- c7 has prolapsed disks degeneratve disks possible right sided nerve root impingement & narrowing of the c3 foriminal & loss of cfs space ? Could this be the chiropractors doing ? Im in constant pain and have to wait 3 months for an urgent orthopaedic referral any one else has any advice , went to chiro with a bad back & came out with chronic neck pain ? Please help.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
also I should add, I'm wondering if anyone has ever had what I am experiencing with their spine seeming to get inflamed upwards of the injury. I have neuropathies all the way up to my head that seem to have originated with an entraped sciatic nerve yet Dr.'s say this isn't possible. Thanks
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Thank you for your advice and encouragement Cindy. I'm praying like there's no tomorrow that someday I'll be in good health again and I'll do the same for you. It's tough to have a constant thorn in your side so I appreciate the kind words.

If anyone else has any insight into my condition or any type of nerve diagnostic testing, etc. it is still most welcome. Thanks again Cindy.  

Helpful - 0
387767 tn?1345872027
Hi, I just want to say I am so sorry.  I have a lot of back/neck problems with 4 herniations and know the pain and how debilitating it is.  But I'm 53 yrs. old, and you're very young to have to go through this.

I understand the sitting thing.  I can't sit, walk or stand too long.  It's very uncomfortable.  And if you have to do it all day at work, it must be terrible.  Do you have anything at all to take for pain?  Muscle relaxants, patches, anything?  How are you on the weekends when you're not working?  Is it any better?

First, I would say keep searching for a doctor who will listen and take you seriously.  I know this is hard, I haven't found one myself.   If whoever you are going to isn't helping, switch doctors.  Try a pain management place, maybe even a rheumatologist or orthopedist.   Just because the MRI showed no herniations, damage showed on the EMG so your pain has a cause.  Try a back specialist or surgeon.  I'm looking for a surgeon myself, not necessarily because I want surgery, but to get his opinion on how bad it is.

In the meantime, I will tell you what I do to cope because I don't have pain medicine since I have other problems and can't take a lot of it.  I use ice packs all the time, sometimes a heating pad, but usually ice.  When sitting I put a rolled up towel or a small pillow at the small of my back for support.  Also, make sure your chair is adjusted properly for you and don't sit on the end, always support your back.  

Get up and stretch or walk a few minutes just to relieve pressure.  Actually, try to do stretches of your legs, quads and hamstrings, also calves if you can.  If you're doing any exercise or cardio, you might have to stop that for a while.  You can take Tylenol or Advil, or even aspirin.  You can also try the arthritis creams they sell at the drugstore, although they might not help since it's nerve pain.  Sometimes I also use those little mini massager things on my back if I can take it just to move things a bit.  You can also try a whirlpool or hot tub if you have access to it.

Hope this helps.  Good luck, and don't give up!

Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Neurology Community

Top Neurology Answerers
620923 tn?1452915648
Allentown, PA
5265383 tn?1669040108
ON
1756321 tn?1547095325
Queensland, Australia
1780921 tn?1499301793
Queen Creek, AZ
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Find out how beta-blocker eye drops show promising results for acute migraine relief.
In this special Missouri Medicine report, doctors examine advances in diagnosis and treatment of this devastating and costly neurodegenerative disease.
Here are 12 simple – and fun! – ways to boost your brainpower.
Discover some of the causes of dizziness and how to treat it.
Discover the common causes of headaches and how to treat headache pain.
Two of the largest studies on Alzheimer’s have yielded new clues about the disease