Burning down legs/testicle pain

[Greg]

Hello,

One year ago I had varicocele repair to alleviate pain in my right testicle. The repair was successful but pain has persisted in the testicle and now I've gotten a burning pain down both legs, front and back. It was suggested by my urologist to check my back. I had an MRI which revealed a central herniation at L4/5 and a bulge at L5/S1. Neurologist doesn't think pain is related but I had 2 ESI's done anyway after trying all conservative treatment: anti-inflammatories, PT, elavil, neurontin  etc. Pain is still bad. I am at the end of my rope. What else could be causing this leg burning and testicle pain?
On doctor suggested a herpes test?! Neither I nor my wife have ever showed signs of herpes.

[CCF Neuro[P] MD, RPS]

Dear Greg:

From what I am gathering, the MRI doesn't show any compromise of the cord sac or foramenal changes.  Most of the time, when we see this picture the pain is not caused by the spinal column.  However, that doesn't mean it can't happen.  Does the pain worsen with coughing?  All the blood work, B12, folate level all normal?  From a neurological stand point, the pain down your legs should be L2-S1, and since it is bilateral, it should involve the roots in the cord.  The testicle pain is likely from the sacral plexus or the testicle itself.  So, it is from two distinct areas.  I am assuming that your urologist has rule out anything going on in the testicle? It is unusual for pain to run down both sides of the legs bilaterally.  Herpes is a thought, but remote.  It wouldn't be a bad idea just to rule it out.

I am really sorry, but the generalized symptoms do not really trigger anything that I know of.

Sincerely,

CCF Neuro MD

[Greg C.]

Hello, I'm glad you brought this subject to the forum. I have suffered from right testicle pain for three years. A tumor has been ruled out, through testing. I have what my doctors are calling a "small varicocele", but they don't think removing it will stop my pain. I have tried antibiotics, no help. I have tried nerve blocks (genitofemoral), but that only gave me superficial numbness, not relieveing the "deeper" pain I feel in my lower right groin and testicle. I don't feel the pain down my leg as you do. I would think that because you feel the pain down your leg that it has to be nerve related, and from what information I have found on the internet, pinched or irritated nerves can refer pain to the groin. I am currently seeing a pain clinic, and I would advise you to do the same. Maybe a nerve block can help you. I know how this pain can wear on you emotionally. It affects you at work, at home and socially. I was going to push for removal of the varicocele, but after reading that it did not help you, I am going to reconsider that. I did get some relief from Ultram, but I seemed to develop a tolerance and after a few weeks it did not work as well. Continue to seek help. There is a post below on this subject also.   Good luck.

[Greg]

All blood work is normal.  As for the herpes test, I thought that wouldn't show where the infection was in the absence of symptoms. Could the varicocele surgery have caused this?

[CCF Neuro[P] MD, RPS]

Dear Greg:

The herpes test would indicate that you have been infected and once infected you have herpes for life.  Unless your surgury involved a long time with your legs spread, the answer would be no to your surgery causing the problems you describe.

Sincerely,

CCF Neuro MD

[Greg]

Sorry to be a pain,

Would a TYPE I herpes infection cause burnig down the buttocks and down the back AND front of both legs?

[CCF Neuro[P] MD, RPS]

Dear John:

Either type I or type II.  

CCF Neuro MD

[arrr]

My doctor is reluctant to run the test because "everyone" shows positive for type I due to oral infection. And with the absence of lesions on my genitals, he doesn't think the leg burning is herpes related. Could it be with this constant burning for over 1 year?!

[tom c.]

All these dead end roads and you are still experiencing pain.  Have you tried Chiropractic care?  Chiropractors deal with nerve problems everyday.  They are very familiar with symptoms just like yours. Please give a Chiropractor a try.

[kari]

To Greg C.,

I know that you have been diagnosed with a problem that could be causing your pain, but have just a suggestion.  My husband was experiencing similar pain about 7 yrs ago.  No tumors or varicocle was found.  He was, however, advised to stop drinking alcohol and caffeine for one month.  Then to try each, in moderation, on separate occasions.  The results??  Caffeine seems to cause severe pain in his testicles and groin area.  Could be worth a try.

[Greg C.]

Thanks Kari- I'm alcohol and caffeine free for the next month. I'm ready to try anything. Has anyone heard of a "sports hernia?"
What is it?

[maddock]

A related discussion, masturbation was started.