back and leg pain

[joyluck]

Aprox 9 weeks ago I fell forward and damaged knee, bone contusion and very small PCL tear,also developement of cyst behind left knee. Back pain initially not as severe as knee and no mri done of back. PT started for knee. Back pain increasing and about three weeks after accident numbness in left foot and toes and sciatic pain started. Orthopedic doctor for knee referred me to back doctor who ordered MRI, all the while symptoms getting worse now with occassional debilitating pain and constant back pain and leg pain. Right hip starts to make popping (quite loud) noise and hips hurt. MRI shows annular bulge L4-5, acquired spinal canal stenosis, no foraminal stenosis. Facet arthopathy L5-S1. Mild dextroscoliosis. Doctor has ordered EMG but it is not approved yet by insurance. I am 53, RN, overweight by 25lbs, diabetic no problems of this type before, exercise moderately, swim 2-3 x a week, bike, walk prior to this. now swimming is only tolerable exercise and that is uncomfortable requiring rest afterwards. What do you think is going on?MRI doesnt look all that bad to me but pain is getting worse and worse. Some days I am barely able to walk.Taking hydrocodone 5/500 rarely less than once a day when absolutely have to.

[mike1105]

i would tend to blame the pain on muscle compensation from the hip and lower back muscles due to the knee injury. i would not blame it on any MRI findings. Going down this road could end up with you laying on the table for an unnecessary back surgery so be careful. PT is great but i liken it to a schoolteacher--145 minue sessions with a PT once or twice a week wont do squat. you need to do the exercises and stretches 2-3 times per day on your own at home. Paul D'Arezzo ha a great book on posture/pelivs alignment (sounds like this may be your problem) and Clair Davies has a great book on trigger point therapy. you may also need to stretch your hip flexors like 99% of the rest of us.

[mike1105]

PS-- those 25lbs aint helping matters any....

[joyluck]

thanks for your input. I have been doing the exercises at home as tolerated 3 to 4 x day. also since i have been off work have lost about 9 lbs which is amazing as i have been pretty sedentary but do eat very healthy food. I willl check out the books you recc
omended  and have been thinking of yoga or pilates but didnt want to do more harm, still waiting for ok on emg but do not want back surgery... Thanks again