Bone Spur

[angelforever]

I have degenerative disk disease on L4 & L5 of my spine. Had an x-ray done on my stomach and noticed an abormal growth coming out from L5 of the degenerative area of my spine (as large as a size of a quarter) which was not on my MRI I had done years ago. It is in part of the degenerative area and where those things that come down each side of the body of your spine, I'm not sure what that is called, is that bone also? My doctor said that the abnormalty  looked like extra bone growth. Could it be a bone spur or are bone spurs not that large on your spine? I have been having numbness in my sides and lower back and alot of pain the past couple of months, worsening with exercises now, it used to help my back pain but only makes it worse now. And I'm sure there's a good reason for that.

[CCF-Neuro-M.D.-CS]

Without seeing the films I cannot make an accurate diagnosis, but they could be bone spurs from the degenerative disease. A spine X-ray could clarify this. The symptoms you are describing are not explained by your L4/L5 degeneration. What I would recommend is for you to see a neurologist. The doctor can investigate the questionable bone spur and your additional symptoms all together. Good luck.

[angelforever]

I have noticed that leaning over to my left side causes numbness there and in my back. Also have noticed that laying in bed with my back curved is causing extreme pain and some numbness but when I straighten my back, the pain eases up. I believe the growth on L5 of my spine is causing my nerve to be pinched. My concern is are there any good treatments for this? Have been in physical therapy doing strengthening exercises for my back pain but it is making the pain worse and they are gonna have me quit going because of it. If it is a pinched nerve, is that a normal reaction to the therapy? Feeling kinda hopeless that anything is gonna help. Please please please give me some advice. Thanks.

[painhurts]

For two months I've had extreme pain that shoots down the back of my legs and butt (mostly on the rightside) with deep right shoulder pain that keeps me from raising my arms. My right side of my neck hurts bad. If I turn my head I get pain in the right back of my neck.
When I wake up in the mornings I cry in pain to get out of bed. This is the worst time...mornings. It's like I'm glued to the bed. After several hours of moving around and taking aspirins I can cope with the pain. But if I sit for more than 5 minutes I can't get up without terrible pain in my legs. By the time I start to get moving around pretty good, it's 3 in the morning and time for me to get in bed and start all of this over again.
I'm in my fifties, I am a small woman 5 foot about 110 pounds.
I've had seven healthy children. I have always taken good care of my health, exercise and the proper nutrition. I've never been in an accident. This came on me 8 weeks ago.
I am a sculptor, I think about the many hours I sit sculpting and I wonder if this pressure on my back and neck has caused this. I can't take this pain. I haven't been to a doctor because I don't have a doctor or medical insurance. I don't know what to do. Or where to start.
I decided to look on the internet for answers and I found this forum.
My children are grown and they say, go to the emergency room.
What do I do? Why is this worst in the morning? I have wet myself in the mornings because I can't get up fast enough to get to the bathroom.
If someone has an idea what this is please let me know. I feel like I'm falling apart. Thanks

[angelforever]

If pain is shooting from your back and down into your legs, you could have a pinched nerve in your back. My doctor told me that a pinched nerve will do that. Do you think you could at least afford a doctor visit? They may be able to evaluate you without doing an expensive test you can't afford to have done. I believe that is what my problem is. It is so painful. But exercise doesn't help me, it only makes me worse. My urolgist told me yesterday that exercise would make it hurt worse. I also have extremely bad pain in my neck, shoulders and face. Do not know why. But I know how your feeling. This has gotten me to the point that I don't feel like doing anything anymore. It's so frustrating. My ex-husband takes care of our kids and I can't even get out to see them much now. I don't have the answer on how to deal with severe pain. That is so hard to do. If there is an answer for that, I hope somebody will tell us. You need to see a doctor and find out what is wrong. I don't know how your going to feel better if you don't. I really wish you luck. Sorry your in such pain.