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

[versute1]

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?

[Prtyeyes]

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.

[philnoir]

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.

[tjlecker]

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

[phoebe27021]

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...

[narkod1234]

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.

[Bodacious_13k]

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.