Question Title: Radiculopathy

One year ago to the day of this posting I played basketball with a group of friends I was visiting and then the next day took a long plane ride back home. The day after I got home I felt a terrible pain in my back and ended up going to the emergency room in the middle of the night.

Over the next several days my left leg went numb and became very weak. I also had a tightness in my groin and down the inside of my thigh. This numbness later turned into "FIRE". Nothing could touch my leg without causing severe pain. The "FIRE" condition lasted for about one month.

I had an MRI done that showed nothing other than normal back for an active male of 33.

Its been a year and my back feels fine, but portions of my leg are still numb. I had a nerve conduction study about six months ago and it showed what I already knew that there is a problem with the nerves going to my leg.

I've been diagnosed with Radiculopathy of the Lumbar L3. My question is will this numbness/weakness ever end so I can get back to my normal active lifestyle? My doctor has not given me a clear answer. Also, what are some of my options other than surgery?

Thanks

---

=

---

Thanks for the question. Sorry to hear about your problem. Your story certainly sounds like a radiculopathy. The good news is that most of these problems do get better. I was wondering when you had the EMG if you had nerve conductions as well as needle examination. The needle examination is very helpful becase it can show evidence of active onging nerve injury if present which could help determine if othyer tests are required. You may consider having the EMG repeated to see if there has been any change. Are you involved with physical therapy? There are several medications that can be helpful including more recent use of neurontin for pain control. If you wish a referral to CCF call 216 444 5559. Good luck
This information is provided for general medical education purposes. Please consult your doctor regarding diagnostic and treatment options.

---