I have suffered from low back and hip pain (different pain in both sides) for several years. The pain and associated symptoms (numbness and pain that radiates down my leg/legs) have continued to grow worse with every passing month. In addition, I suffer from chronic insomnia, sleep bruxism, and frequent headaches. I am afraid that if this continues, I will be unable to work full time. I have already severely limited my lifestyle to exclude all unnecessary physical activities. Simple chores such as cooking and cleaning have become exceedingly difficult to complete.
Diagnostically, I’ve had several x-rays and one MRI of my lower back. These have shown that I have a very minor case of scoliosis and my pelvis is tilted to the right. Additionally, I do have a herniated disk/degenerative disk disease at L4/L5 and bursitis in my right hip. I have also had a variety of lab work, which has ruled out Rheumatory arthritis and Ankylosing Spondylitis (negative HLA B27 blood test).
My doctors are unwilling to offer any further diagnostic tests, and seem to doubt some or all of my symptoms. Can anyone offer any additional possibilities, either diagnosis or tests? I have run out of ideas and am unwilling to accept that all this pain is completely unrelated. My current list of diagnoses contains about ten or fifteen different problems; some related, others are not.
I do not know if I can stress enough the severity of the pain, or the fact that the pain is not located in one place or limited to one type of sensation. Each diagnosis can explain only one part of the problem, but because everything is getting worse more or less together, I think there is some kind of overall problem. Forgive me for rambling, but I am desperate at this point. All conventional treatment has failed (physical therapy, chiropractic care, epidural steroid injections, pain management, etc.) and the only surgery that has been mentioned thus far is the possibility of a spinal fusion in the future, which I have been assured that it is not a guarentee and comes with its own list of permenant disabilities.
Any ideas are appreciated.
I can relate. Your disc is getting ready to blow. did the doctor take x rays from all angles, like bowed to the front, arched to the back? That’s the only way my doc found my unstable disc, from arching. Now, that being said, ice is a wonderful pain reliever. No heat, none. No hot tub, no nothing with heat. Ice for 15 minutes every other hour will help. Use bags of frozen peas. They form well and can be used over and over.
All the other pain can be caused from the change in your gait, movements, anything that is different from before your back went sour.
I can relate. Your disc is getting ready to blow. did the doctor take x rays from all angles, like bowed to the front, arched to the back? That’s the only way my doc found my unstable disc, from arching. Now, that being said, ice is a wonderful pain reliever. No heat, none. No hot tub, no nothing with heat. Ice for 15 minutes every other hour will help. Use bags of frozen peas. They form well and can be used over and over.
All the other pain can be caused from the change in your gait, movements, anything that is different from before your back went sour.
References :
Pain can be frightening…however, we must also be educated that pain does not always mean harm. Sometimes the brain misinterprets or overinterprets a signal from the nerves that are detecting a stimulus.
However, there are some cases of back pain that can be serious…namely: if you are experiencing profound neurological weaknesses (ie, you are loosing your balance, falling down, etc), are unable to urinate, etc. These are cases that usually require immediate surgical intervention.
Yet, it seems you’ve been through the gamut of conservative care. Without knowing more about your history and psychsocial influences, my best advise would be to discuss with your physician about a discogram. You are right that your symptoms (back/hip pain and numbness in the legs) may be related to the herniated disc…However, herniated discs are common findings and a discogram is a way of telling if the herniated disc is a source of your symptoms. It should be done at at least two levels to prevent a placebo effect.
At least if you know if you disc is the source of your symptoms, you can start getting some more guidance on treatment.
…the buxism and headaches are probably not related….the bruxism itself can cause headaches.
…my other piece of advice would be to see a PT who is certified in Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy (www.mckenziemdt.org) if your PT was not already certified in this assessment process.
Best wishes
References :
I am a PT