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Back problem symptoms-burning in lower back, buttocks, burning behind legs while sitting...

I have gone to literally over 14 doctors- orthos,neurolgists, neurosurgeons, general practioners, and none of them has acknowledged my symptoms, but will only look at my MRIs and say, "everything's fine".

I have stopped going because I am so sick of paying them for not doing anything for me.  

My problem is related to my lower back and on one MRI a radiologist actually called it what it was- a slight? herniation of L5-S1 and a central disk "protrusion" in L4-L5.  But the neurologist failed to do his job and find out why when I sit, my perineum burns and I have a burning sensation that goes through my urethra also.  Also, while sitting, the back of my legs start to burn very badly, and sometimes my perianal region also.

Now, why can't a neurologist tell me what is being affected, given that it seems the nerves of my perineum and my bladder nerves are being compressed/irritated?  I am on Lyrica and Cymbalta, but other than weird dreams, the Cymbalta hasn't done much, and the Lyrica might be helping with the burning that I was having in my toes.

I have basically given up hope on doctors and have all my hope in God.  Anyway, just wanted to write to see if someone has any experience with the symptoms, or have seen anyone with what I am describing.  I have to lie down to get relief, but I have lied down with my neck on a pillow for so long that I strained my neck and my fingers and left arm started to tingle.  

Any suggestions anybody?
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Avatar universal
Check out the pudendial nerve on the net... there are only several doctors in the United States the treat it… I live in Virginia and have to travel to New Jersey to see Dr. awkward. I have gone through hell and almost suicide but I’m still trying to hang in there as my life as dwindled away to just pain and suffering .  However Dr. Oakwood has given me some help and is running test ever there in New Jersey instead of the idiot doctors here in Virginia.
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Avatar universal
I am having the same issues with my back, buttocks, and the back of my legs. It seems to hurt a lot worse when I'm  at work because I sit down all the time in front of the computer and answer phone calls. I don't know what to do because the only time that I feel any type of relief was when I laid down on my stomach and get a massage but even than, my back would start hurting again after about 20 minutes. I would like to find out what is going on and what I can do to get my body to stop hurting all the time. It's not helping my family much because I have to take care of three kids but it hurts so bad to do a lot of things around the house due to my body hurting all the time, can someone please help me and give me some suggestions as to what to do because I can't lay down all the time with three kids in the house.
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Avatar universal
i am also suffering the same problem please help me when i am sitting i have burning  sensation my buttocks and my feet  please reach me ***@****
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Any prognosis or relief?
Avatar universal
Hi I have been researching this like mad as my father in law was left with INSENSE searing burning pain across his buttocks and down his legs fizzles out as it hits his knees, has been left like this for 6 months after his knee replacement surgery...no doc appears to know what is going on, so far my research has found out that it sounds like posterior femoral cutaneous nerve entrapment, which is quite uncommon and therefore most docs dont treat it, there was talk of Prudendal nerve entrapment but that affects the genitals and he doesn't have that pain.  He cannot sit or lie down, only on his side, cant sleep either and hence very depressed.  Maybe you can ask your medical team to investigate POSTERIOR FEMORAL NERVE ENTRAPMENT..good luck
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Avatar universal
I went to dozens of Drs and test after test for back pain. First was told it was a bad disk then told bone spurs. Had injections and epidurals. Tried dozens of medications and found no relief from the pain. finally one dr did a simple blood test and said my inflammation levels were thru the roof. Finally diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. As yet been unable to lower the inflammation and has spread to most other joints including ribs and both shoulders. Drs will do MRIs and x-rays and tell u nothing is wrong when all it may take is a simple blood test. Hope this helps
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Avatar universal
I can trace like my therapist from my lower back across to my R.buttocks too my thigh.  The sciatic nerve turns into a cable of fire, especially a few hours after I eat.  My right hip which is a hip replacement will be fired up for real.  My thigh will burn until the boiler of ice water with cloths will turn it lukewarm in a little.  I have to sleep in a recliner and because the air is on low the rest of my body becomes chilled.  I pull a thin sheet over me and take anti anxiety meds to sleep.  I will wake a couple hours later and my whole body will be on fire.  I'll have to throw the sheet off and try to cool down by stripping.  No doctor can help.  I was in a car accident years ago, so I was already on Morphine sulfate. gab, anxiety med.  Still no help from Doctors.
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Avatar universal
I'm in pain management for the same things she has stated burning pain in lower back. I've been through Epidural shots in spine, epidural shot through the joints, put on a narcotic drug for pain called Tramadol, and Lidocaine patches for back along with an inflamation drug Meloxicam and Tizandine. I now lost feeling in my right pinky and my left pinky is the same way. The MRI showed bulging discs and a cyst inside back. All they have done for me is cover up the pain not finding what is causing it and correcting the issue. I am fed up like she is because nothing is working.
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7721494 tn?1431627964
I am surprised that you were told that your images were "fine," as most human beings have some degree of disc degeneration by age 50.

Here's an easy test that won't cost a dime -- have someone measure your height carefully by marking off inches on a wall, and standing with your feet together, heels against the wall, and measuring the top of your skull using a ruler perpendicular to the wall. Chances are you've lost a 1/2 inch or more, which indicates some loss of intervertebral space and corresponding disc narrowing.

This little test means nothing other than the MRIs showed "nothing" is wrong. They must have shown disc narrowing, and that's an important sign of degenerative disease.

You need to see a pain specialist. Chronic pain is a disease of the nervous system. It is a relatively new field of medicine and not given much attention in a 4-year medical program.  Pain physicians are trained in the physiology and treatment of chronic pain, and in specifically in interventional procedures that help reduce pain.

Burning feet suggests foot neuropathy, and the symptoms you describe that change with posture are sometimes found in cases of spinal stenosis, although they are poorly understood.

A pain specialist holds an MD or DO degree and is a licensed physician, but also has advanced trained in anesthesia and pain management. They are board certified by the American Board of Pain Management, and their credentials read: MD, DABPM or DO, DABPM.

You can find these doctors in university teaching hospitals, in private practice, and in pain clinics. Search the internet in your area, or consult with your state pain society if you are having trouble locating one.

Best wishes.
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Avatar universal
good luck Dr"s do not care ( do no harm) legislation they want you to kill yourself, so they aren't to blame.




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Avatar universal
I am so grateful to have found this forum as I have been suffering for a year with a similar issue and thought that I was crazy and that no one understood what I was going through. Last June I started having redness swelling and burning in my feet ,one day I put my feet up in an elevated position and suddenly the extreme heat sensation moved to my pelvic and abdominal area and back. But as soon as I stand up it goes away.  It began to spread until it takes over from my breast all the way down my thighs. I get so hot that I have to put ice packs on my back just to sit at my computer. Also after a few months of this, I was changing the sheets and noticed that my mattress had turned black only under where I sleep, from the heat I assume, because my white shirts have also turned black under my arms and on the back, as well as miSmatch watch band has turned black. I have had MRI of head, spine, Full body CT, ultrasounds of all body parts, and numerous blood and other expensive tests. So far about 16, 000 dollars spent and nothing. Nothing but feeling crazy and depressed every time the Dr. Calls and tells you the tests look fine, because you want to say it is not fine to suffer with something that no one understands and have Dr.s make you feel like it is all in your head. I can sleep well, can,t sit through movies, and can,t cuddle with my husband of 20 years anymore because it is just too hot to tolerate. Any thoughts or advice would be great. Thanks in advance...
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Avatar universal
Hi, Thanks for posting the information. I have been suffering from Dipresssion and Anxiety disorder. But recently i have experiencing severe burning sensation in lower back and waist, and also on different parts of body. Now i got answer for this problem from you.

I have not taken any medication yet for the Depresssion and anxiety. I have been trying to control it throught exercise and meditation. But it is very difficult. and i am trying to ignore it.
I also have the problem of numbness of leg and hands some time. This also due to depression and anxiety.
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Avatar universal
I've had the identical ailment for most of my life (I'm 80).  It occurs anywhere a part of my presses on a firm surface (so, mainly my butt, backs of my legs, bottoms of my feet).  Over the years it's become much worse.  About six months ago I got an MRI of my lower back but the doctors could not tell me what was causing the severe burning.  

A local "Healer" I see. . .said she's sure it's a form of shingles.  However, my family doctor poo-pooed the idea, even tho she had no other explanation.  I, too, decided to stop trying to find out what's causing the burning, to learn to live with it.

I've tried sitting on icepacks; however, it's just as uncomfortable as the burning.      
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Avatar universal
pelvic pain can also cause bladder issues, urgency , etc.

http://www.pelvicpainrehab.com/pelvic-floor-physical-therapy/492/pelvic-pain-trigger-points-explained/
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Avatar universal
hello everyone. this post is pretty old but i used to come onto these forums in search for help. i didnt find any answers through these forums but i went on my own search for help and now i am having the RIGHT drs and RIGHT therapists help me.

I HAD THE SAME BURNING FEELING IN MY BUTTOCKS AND THIGHS WHEN SITTING.

I FOUND A DIAGNOSIS AND PROPER HELP. YOU MIGHT HAVE PELVIC PAIN. GO SEE A UROLOGIST THAT SPECIALIZES IN PELVIC PAIN. AND ALSO FIND A PHYSICAL THERAPIST THAT SPECIALIZES IN PELVIC THERAPY.

http://www.pudendalhope.info/node/63

THAT WEBSITE ABOVE CAN HELP YOU FIND A DR AND PHYSICAL THERAPIST IN THE US/CANADA/AUSTRALIA AND EUROPE.

MEN AND WOMEN BOTH SUFFER FROM THIS PAIN. & ITS STRANGE BUT MANY DRS, INCLUDING MY NEUROLOGIST, PCP, ORTHO AND GYNECOLOGIST AND PHYSIATRIST KEPT TELLING ME ITS NOTHING, ITS ALL IN YOUR HEAD, WE DO NOT KNOW, ITLL GO AWAY IF YOU JUST STOP THINKING ABOUT IT.

DONT LISTEN TO DRS WHO TELL YOU THAT. IF THEY WERE IN OUR SHOES FOR JUST 1 WEEK, THEY PROBABLY COULDNT SURVIVE.

I WAS LIVING IN NY WHEN THIS HAPPENED TO ME AND THERE ARE PLENTY OF GOOD PELVIC DRS AND THERAPISTS IN NYC THAT I COULD HAVE BEEN REFERRED TO BUT NONE OF MY DRS EVEN KNEW ABOUT PELVIC PAIN.. I MENTIONED PIRIFORMIS SYNDROME AND PUDENDAL NEURALGIA EARLY INTO MY PAIN STARTING AND THEY ALL SAID ITS A VERY RARE DIAGNOSIS AND I AM NOT A RUNNER SO ITS NOT POSSIBLE. BUT DONT BELIEVE ANYONE UNTIL YOU GET YOUR ANSWERS. IM NOT SAYING DRS ARE STUPID. WHAT I AM SAYING IS THEY DO NOT KNOW EVERYTHING AND ITS SAD BUT MANY PCPS AND NEUROLOGIST AND EVEN GYNECOLOGISTS ARE NOT AWARE OF PELVIC FLOOR DYSFUNCTION/PAIN.

I SUFFERED FOR 3 YEARS BEFORE GETTING THE RIGHT HELP. I ACTUALLY FOUND MY PHYSICAL THERAPIST ON YELP. I GO TO SARTON PHYSICAL THERAPY IN TUSTIN CA. I LIVE IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA. AND FROM THERE, THEY REFERRED A FEMALE UROLOGIST, DR PATRICIA WALLACE IN MISSION VIEJO, CA.

I HAVE BEEN RECEIVING INTERNAL/EXTERNAL MANUAL THERAPY IN MY VAGINAL AREA AS WELL AS MASSAGE AND LASER THERAPY ON MY BACK, BUTTOCKS, ABDOMEN ETC.


IF YOU HAVE A DYSFUNCTION IN YOUR PELVIS, YOU CAN HAVE PAIN IN YOUR ABDOMEN, LEGS, BACK ETC.


I only came back to these forums so someone else can receive the proper care because i was so desperate and depressed and in so much pain and my quality of life was ruined starting from the age of 29. So i came back to let others know to at least see a urologist/pelvic specialist and physical therapist that specializes in pelvic pain and rule out any of these issues:

I have PUDENDAL NERVE PAIN AND PIRIFORMIS SYNDROME.
APPARENTLY THESE SYMPTOMS CAN GO HAND IN HAND WHEN YOU HAVE TIGHT PELVIC FLOOR MUSCLES.

ANYWAYS, I DO SINCERELY PRAY AND HOPE YOU ALL FIND GOOD DRS AND COMPASSIONATE PPL ALONG YOUR JOURNEY.

ANY QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE, YOU CAN EMAIL ME @ ***@****; please put pelvic pain on the title so i do not think this is spam.

ONCE AGAIN, IF YOU DONT HAVE TIME TO READ THIS LONG COMMENT :

DIAGNOSIS: PUDENDAL NEURALGIA AND PIRIFORMIS SYNDROME

WHERE TO FIND HELP : http://www.pudendalhope.info/node/63#CA

(PHYSICAL THERAPISTS SPECIALIZING IN PELVIC PAIN)

DRS SPECIALIZING IN PELVIC PAIN: http://www.pudendalhope.info/node/54




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1137259 tn?1260702350
Could you tell me please why they thought it was a urinary problem? And what was the actual diagnosis? Actual problem? Maybe inbox me on ***@****
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Avatar universal
My chiropractor who does a touch release method has alleviated most of the burning in my feet. However still gave burning in back of thighs & through pelvic area. Hope you find some relief soon.
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Avatar universal
i am in the same boat as you i have fought them for several years and now i now have burning in my lower back my email is horses_112188***@**** if you want to chat
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Avatar universal

This could be a cervical issue causing this. I am a physician and also have the same issues. Have mild cervical stenosis. my neurologist did not think it is coming from my neck. labs nl Emg nl. Going to speak to 2nd neuro as well as neurosurg
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Avatar universal
Thank you Paul. I'm sorry to hear that you're still suffering after all these years and three surgeries.  And, that you just turned 50 years old and you're considering a nursing home. Ouch!

Everyday you're swallowing pills in the form of Oxycontin, Lyrica, Baclofen, Valium, Methadone and Nabalone and still there is no relief from your pain suffering and anxiety.

I think you should treat yourself and spend the winter in the tropics.  Celebrate your 50th birthday in style and focus on healing your body.  Bask in the warm sun, swim in the sea and take long walks along the waters edge.  Swimming is an excellent form of exercise that takes the pressure off your joints.

My philosophy on aging is that every year we should have more fun than the last.  

Please Paul, make it happen. You're only half way through your life.
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Avatar universal
You my friend are so right.I  sustained a back injury 20 yrs ago.I was a body builder,many doctors seing the hyper musculature thought I was just trying to collect money from the workers compensation,at 25 an orthopedic surgeon stated I had the spine of a 70 yr old.Why? I had so much O.A and all my disks were so far degenerated.to make a long story short I live in Canada,we dont pay to see the physicians,or for CTs Mris, and most is all covered I have had 3 back surguries now all paid for and I find myself unable to walk now.Because I am having the same plus severe muscle tone in my butt Quads and hamstrings it is unbearable at times I am on 7x80mg Oxycontin,2 times a day am pm 1200 mg lyrica 80mg baclofen 3 x 10 mg valium 150mg methadone 2mg Nabalone I have permision to smoke medical Marijuana you would think I get pain relief NOT oh ya all meds are paid for to they come to over 4000Dollars a month I am going crazy I just turned 50 and I am considering a nursing home.I am in the proccess of tests maybe its another laminectomy plus my knees sound like a 200 yr old wood floor the creeking because of the arthritis I nee both replaced. I am a man with faith in my GOD as now he is the only hope I have I mfeel for you all back and its related aches and pains are terrible Keep praying people I hope your GOD brings you the relief you all deserve
I will pray for you to we will get threw this keep the faith and bless you all
Paul the hurtin unit
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Avatar universal
I have the same type of burning in my buttocks and thighs when I sit for lengthy periods, for years, so I feel for you as I DO know how uncomfortable it is! It must be hard having to sit so long every day! ... I can tell you what helps me after years of having daily, burning symptoms (and going to doctors who do not know what is causing it which is very frustrating! ) When I know I have to sit for a long time, such as on a trip, I bring a soft pad made of a cut up 'memory foam' topper placed in a pillow case. I switch with sitting on that, and on a book for a while, so the bones at the top of my legs support my weight.  Then after an hour or so I replace it w/ the memory foam and prop my legs up.  We stop often so I can walk around. ALSO the best prescription cream I've ever used is one that has Lidocaine in it. It numbs the pain very well. My neurologist called it into a local apothecary (a pharmacist that mixes meds). The cream also has an anti inflammatory, muscle relaxant and a neuro agent, I think , called Gabapentin. The most effective ingredient, though is the Lidocaine. That's what you need , I believe, and an understanding boss who will let you take frequent walking breaks. Also what helps me is to massage the sore areas. It could be that pressure is decreasing your circulation which results in pain. I have located sore muscles near my rectum. Putting cream there and massaging these muscles have helped (muscles ANYWHERE can cramp  lol ! ) Good luck.
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Avatar universal
My neighbor was diagnosed with MS and SSI turned him down several times.   I have heard thru several people that this is common but however if you hire an attorney, they will fight for you and win.  They take their earnings from your back SSI.  SSI will pay you bake pay from the time you applied.  You should not be out any money.  I wish you Good. Luck.  
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Avatar universal
read up on dural ecstasia
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Avatar universal
hi, i have the same syptoms, i had an accident 14 months ago, and since than i have problem with my low back that shoots down to my left leg with burning sensation and numbness in my foot and toes, and many times my foot and toes got too cold and they turned blue. when i went to see the doctor they did an MRI, and they told me that my luber spine is fine but i have another thing, it is dislocation in the sacrum and the coccyx, but i told them there is something else going on, and the time is going, then my doctor told me that i am imagining the pain and nothing is going on with me, i got mad then i went to another doctor and they found slight disc in L5-S1, and they told me that does cause the symptoms i have, and my left leg locks and i can not bend it. i do not trust doctors they all need money. hopefully you will feel better.
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