Questions posted in the Neurology and Neurosurgery Forum have been answered by doctors from The Cleveland Clinic Foundation.

Question Title: lymph nodes not draining as result of back problems?

Forum: Neurology Forum
Topic: Fibromyalgia

Re: lymph nodes not draining as result of back problems?

Re: lymph nodes not draining as result of back problems?

Posted by CCF Neuro MD *!* on January 11, 1998 at 17:46:53:

In Reply to: lymph nodes not draining as result of back problems? posted by Paula Pike on January 09, 1998 at 16:01:09:

: I have had inflamed ligaments in my spine for 2 years now. They just started hurting one day, and I have been told it is a result of my fibromyalgia which I was diagnosed as having 5 years ago. Last summer, I was diagnosed with 7 pinched nerves in my spine as well. There were 4 severely pinched ones in my neck, and three more in my lower back. As a result of chiropractic treatments, the nerves are no longer pinched, but the ligaments are still inflamed. We are also having problems keeping my spine straight. A rheumatologist told me the inflamed ligaments are a result of the fibromyalgia, though, I have had 2 other doctor's tell me it has nothing to do with it. Three or four months ago, I noticed a build-up of fluid over my ribs, just under my breast. My doctor told me the lymph nodes are not draining properly because of the problems with my back. Is this something I should be concerned about? Is it also normal for somebody with my back problems and fibro to develop dents in the muscles along the outside of the thigh? The x-ray is normal and the doctor tells me either there is a soft tissue injury or the muscles in my thigh are shifting due to the fibro.

=
It is very difficult to say what is going on from the story you have given,
I have not heard of lymph node drainage being compromised by back problems
as you describe and I cannot visualise an anatomical mechanism to explain it.
If this really is a build-up of fluid, and even that is a strange
place to get a fluid bulid -up, you need to have this checked out further.
I would strongly advise you to have this swelling / fluid build -up examined
and explore alternative explanations, via a second opinion.
As regards "dents" in the thigh muscles, this again is a strange symptom,
I am not sure if you are describing muscle wasting which can be a result
of nerve damage in the spine, but this should involve the entire muscle,
not the patchy involvement suggested by the word "dents".
Overall I feel that your case is sufficiently complex that you need the
benefit of a full history and examination,I doubt if a simple answer will be
forthcoming through the internet, a full evaluation is my suggestion.
If you wish to have that evaluation or second opinion through
the Cleveland Clinic Neurology Department the number for
appointments is (216 ) 444 5559.
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