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Anyone the same? lower back pain (bulges) where 'episodes' come and go?

I have responded to another threat, but would REALLY appreciate some help....

I have had bulged discs at L4/5 and S1 since 2001/2 and I got it through a heavy lifting incident. Thing is, ever since I have had the injury, I have also had 'episodes' where I am completely normal day-to-day and then bang, out of no-where, and for reasons I cannot understand, my back will all of a sudden go into spasm. In my 'episodes' that occur sometimes a few times a year, sometimes once a year, the symptoms are almost always the same, unable to stand up, legs buckle and I fall if I move to quickly. Pain is one one side, down my back, glute and my leg. When my back is about to go, I can't sit still and move and move and then pain gets worse and worse. I have been told this is all due to 'minor disc bulges with minimal impact on the nerve structures' but find this difficult to relate to when, being normally able to tough out a lot of things, I simply have no control here.
Worse thing is, yesterday (or the night before really) my back got really bad, and for the first time, I couldn't stand at all, the pain through my back, glute, leg etc was all so bad that I ended up on the floor crawling, but even then, every movement was agony. I called my mum to help, but all she could do was help pull up my pyjama pants when I couldn't after leaving the bathroom.
The pain is dissipating now, and I am returning to normal, but I really have no idea WHY my 'episodes' happen. Does anyone else have 'episodes' rather than ongoing issues? Do you know what sets it off? Do you know what the actual cause is? How was it diagnosed?

Thank you so much all in advance, and help at the moment is VERY much appreciated.

BTW: I am off to the Doc tomorrow and will ask for a new MRI (last one was done in 2008) and this increase in symptoms makes me think it is just getting worse... but if anyone has some info I can take to the doc.. it would be GREAT!!!

Thank you again!!!!
Best Answer
1545374 tn?1311495182
Everything you are describing sounds like you go through hell with this. You said they say there is minimal impact on the nerve but to me it sounds the exact opposite.

Does it act up worse on the days that you may be more active? Inflammation could cause the "episodes" from pinching and squeezing the nerve. Muscle spasms in your back could probably do the same exact thing though.

I feel really bad because I don't know what exactly to tell you but I think if they haven't put you on meds especially for inflammation it may be time to do so. The MRI should definitely give you some answers. If it doesn't I would be a pain in the butt to your Dr. because the things going on don't sound good at all.

I'm sorry I can't be of more help but I hope everything works out for you and I wish you the best of luck!  
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Avatar universal
Thank you for the response! Your right, I do go through hell with it and I have just been given the referal for an MRI to see if the CT Scan missed anything. Shame the scan will cost $400 even with private health!

I really appreciate your concern and thoughts, they have only put me on the usual basic meds of panadine forte, panadol, Ibuprofen and I really don't want valium again (had a bad incident on it).

So, fingers crossed for the MRI clearing up the issue, though they can't get me in for two weeks and by then, the pain should have subsided to a dull roar again and it worries me that what is causing the pain during the full on episodes won't show up!!!
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