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Herniated disc in back
Hello, I've been dealing with lower back pain since April. I was doing yard work ( picking up heavy slates about 20lbs each and over 50 of them). And felt something. Instead of stopping, I kept going. Hoping it would go away, I waited until July to see someone. My general doctor told me to see a chiropractor and sent me for an x ray. Once I saw the chiropractor, he said the x ray didn't show much, but we did therapy for over 8 weeks. My pain was mostly on the right side, and basically anything I did hurt. I had an MRI done and he confirmed that I have a herniated disc. I went to a pain management doctor, and had a epidural done 5 days ago, and still no sign of relief. I actually now have pain on the left side.
My only worry is now I am having new symptoms.... My left leg from my knee to my ankle feels like it is burning, and my left hand is tingling from my finger tips to my elbow. I'm also experiencing a numb tingling sensation on the left side of my shoulder blade down my back.
What does this mean? Is it possible for the pain to now be in the left side as well as the right? And is this tingling and numbness something I need to be worried about? Should I get another epidural done?
Thank you,
Alicia.
My only worry is now I am having new symptoms.... My left leg from my knee to my ankle feels like it is burning, and my left hand is tingling from my finger tips to my elbow. I'm also experiencing a numb tingling sensation on the left side of my shoulder blade down my back.
What does this mean? Is it possible for the pain to now be in the left side as well as the right? And is this tingling and numbness something I need to be worried about? Should I get another epidural done?
Thank you,
Alicia.
If the pressure on the nerves shifted by a change in muscle tension (which, might I think be influenced by the pain relief from the epidural), yes, I think the pain could switch from one side to the other. Muscles tensing or going into spasm are often the worst cause of back pain and nerve pinching, at least up until the point where the cushioning disc has completely gone (yours I gather is merely crushed/flattened, and a portion somewhat pushed out from between the vertebrae).
The burning in your leg from the injection travelling sounds exactly right and likely correct.
Your injured hand's median nerve might be sensitive to some meds (I'd think of the nerve as still being wounded).
The face and shoulder blade numbing seem pretty bizarre. Which disc(s) is herniated? Lower back nerves have nothing to do with your upper body I'd of thought.
Muscle wasting is not good but may be unavoidable. If you're able to walk (avoid overtiring your back muscles, some nerve pinching pain might be expected but don't push it if the pain's especially sharp or starts to increase), that may be the best you can do for now. Laying about is usually not a good thing for back recovery, light activity that's manageable is generally the recommendation.
I certainly agree that a physiotherapist or chiropractor may be able to provide you with some better back stretching routines than the single one you've received. (Mine are based on President Kennedy's chiropractor's recommendations that I studied a videotape.)
You've actual damage though, so should not just tackle any old back exercise without a qualified professional giving the o.k. that that's safe, considering you've a herniated disc and that you're on pain meds to mask pain (along with warning signals that you may be overdoing something).
The burning in your leg from the injection travelling sounds exactly right and likely correct.
Your injured hand's median nerve might be sensitive to some meds (I'd think of the nerve as still being wounded).
The face and shoulder blade numbing seem pretty bizarre. Which disc(s) is herniated? Lower back nerves have nothing to do with your upper body I'd of thought.
Muscle wasting is not good but may be unavoidable. If you're able to walk (avoid overtiring your back muscles, some nerve pinching pain might be expected but don't push it if the pain's especially sharp or starts to increase), that may be the best you can do for now. Laying about is usually not a good thing for back recovery, light activity that's manageable is generally the recommendation.
I certainly agree that a physiotherapist or chiropractor may be able to provide you with some better back stretching routines than the single one you've received. (Mine are based on President Kennedy's chiropractor's recommendations that I studied a videotape.)
You've actual damage though, so should not just tackle any old back exercise without a qualified professional giving the o.k. that that's safe, considering you've a herniated disc and that you're on pain meds to mask pain (along with warning signals that you may be overdoing something).
Is it possible for the pain the move from the right side to the left after having an epidural? I called my doctor about the burning in my leg and the nurse I spoke to said it was the medicine traveling through my body. And that it was normal. She said the tingling and numbness in my left hand is not related, that it might if anything be from the anesthesia? I have had two hand surgeries in my left hand in the last 10 years which involves my median nerve. So I don't know if that's my issue with that. But I have a numbing feeling on the left side of my face and left shoulder blade.
As far as the muscle tone, I can tell that I'm losing muscle. I'm only 29 years old. And I see myself crumbling in front of me. I went from 125 to 112 in the last three months with no dieting and can't afford to lose anymore weight. But since I'm not able to do any activity because it hurts I don't know how to regain muscle tone or even weight at this time.
Thanks for your help!
As far as the muscle tone, I can tell that I'm losing muscle. I'm only 29 years old. And I see myself crumbling in front of me. I went from 125 to 112 in the last three months with no dieting and can't afford to lose anymore weight. But since I'm not able to do any activity because it hurts I don't know how to regain muscle tone or even weight at this time.
Thanks for your help!
Muscle relaxing drugs are often prescribed for your condition by many physicians who should know better. The problem is they cause loss of muscle tone. Muscle tone keeps the spinal segments separated. They are only indicated in the case of a spasm. Not for general pain.
You need to go to a physical therapist who has been referred by your physician to teach you rehab exercises. This is the very best investment you can make. It is not possible to learn the exercises on the internet.
Sleep with a pillow between your legs and get a resilient cushion to sit on when in a car, truck or public bus.
Talk with your physician about obtaining a transdermal lidocaine patch, which should be used on the lumbar area no more than 12 hours a day.
Talk with your doctor about getting a TENS device. It is difficult to place the patches for the electrodes if you live by yourself. They are expensive and may have life extended by keeping them in the refrigerator when not in use.
Avoiding further injury by lifting is, of course excellent advice.
An x-ray is meaningless. They don't show much. You have had an MRI, which is good - that is the modern standard for evaluating this kind of problem.
I would say square one is to get some professional physical rehab from someone familiar with sciatica.
You need to go to a physical therapist who has been referred by your physician to teach you rehab exercises. This is the very best investment you can make. It is not possible to learn the exercises on the internet.
Sleep with a pillow between your legs and get a resilient cushion to sit on when in a car, truck or public bus.
Talk with your physician about obtaining a transdermal lidocaine patch, which should be used on the lumbar area no more than 12 hours a day.
Talk with your doctor about getting a TENS device. It is difficult to place the patches for the electrodes if you live by yourself. They are expensive and may have life extended by keeping them in the refrigerator when not in use.
Avoiding further injury by lifting is, of course excellent advice.
An x-ray is meaningless. They don't show much. You have had an MRI, which is good - that is the modern standard for evaluating this kind of problem.
I would say square one is to get some professional physical rehab from someone familiar with sciatica.
Ooh, a Disney vacation (long lineups, tons of standing, walking). I'd look into a sidewalk scooter rental (check that your homeowner insurance covers theft etc.) or a least think in terms of a light, easy to carry (perhaps with straps so you could heft it around like a backpack) comfy chair to sit in (I still say a rolled up towel at the small of your back while sitting will likely help).
If your Doctor thinks it will heal, that's Very Encouraging and a year sounds about right. I'd assumed surgery might be in your near future, but hoped not.
A key point is to avoid re-injuring the recovering back. The worst possible thing to do in my estimation might be: twisting with your back (not your legs) while holding something weighing even just a couple of pounds. The second worst, might be misstepping (stepping off a curve without realizing you're not walking on a flat surface). The third worst might be: getting the back muscles very tired which may create major muscle tenseness that could pinch nerves much more than you're experiencing just now.
You might ask your doctor about your carrying some prescription muscle relaxant for emergency use only, in case your back muscles go into spasm. (I'd be lost without mine, though I use it very infrequently and only very light doses these past ten years, I still see it as absolutely essential to have at hand.)
If your Doctor thinks it will heal, that's Very Encouraging and a year sounds about right. I'd assumed surgery might be in your near future, but hoped not.
A key point is to avoid re-injuring the recovering back. The worst possible thing to do in my estimation might be: twisting with your back (not your legs) while holding something weighing even just a couple of pounds. The second worst, might be misstepping (stepping off a curve without realizing you're not walking on a flat surface). The third worst might be: getting the back muscles very tired which may create major muscle tenseness that could pinch nerves much more than you're experiencing just now.
You might ask your doctor about your carrying some prescription muscle relaxant for emergency use only, in case your back muscles go into spasm. (I'd be lost without mine, though I use it very infrequently and only very light doses these past ten years, I still see it as absolutely essential to have at hand.)
Ok, thank you so much. How long do you think something like this would take to heal on it's own? My doctor seems to think a year.
I'm going on vacation to Disney in two weeks and was hoping for some relief before then. But nothing I've done has worked!
Thanks again
I'm going on vacation to Disney in two weeks and was hoping for some relief before then. But nothing I've done has worked!
Thanks again
For sure, experiencing notable pain burns energy so yes, I'd expect some weight loss. But also, your muscle tone may be diminishing with reduced activity (muscle wasting may be occuring).
You might try one of my favourite back restorative routines: Find a box about one foot high, add a pillow on top, place on your bed. Now, lie on your back with your calves resting on the box. Listen to some music (I listen to an audiobook) for perhaps an hour. I find this incredibly refreshing, I'd hope you find some relief from the process.
Classic back tension reduction recommendations would seem harmless enough to try; such as: when sleeping, have a pillow between your knees while on your side, and under your knees while on your back. You might experiment with hot packs and cold packs (cold packs work very well for my back when it's acting up).
It's not so much the lifting (though we should lift with our legs) that bothers backs, but the twisting and turning with our back while under load or carrying a heavy weight that is apt to cause damage, or aggravate existing damage.
And yes, chairs are notoriously hard on backs (a pillow may be too widespread, a small rolled up towel at the small of your back may be much more effective). An Obus Forme might prove invaluable back support, something to prop a foot on under your desk might give you a valuable alternate posture. Taking care to move carefully when getting up and returning to your chair may help. General tension levels that are high are not helpful, aim to reduce your tension whenever you can figure out a way to do so.
I suppose walking in moderation may be helpful (but, take care not to overtire the back muscles, as that might aggravate the general tenseness and worsen the nerve pinching).
You might try one of my favourite back restorative routines: Find a box about one foot high, add a pillow on top, place on your bed. Now, lie on your back with your calves resting on the box. Listen to some music (I listen to an audiobook) for perhaps an hour. I find this incredibly refreshing, I'd hope you find some relief from the process.
Classic back tension reduction recommendations would seem harmless enough to try; such as: when sleeping, have a pillow between your knees while on your side, and under your knees while on your back. You might experiment with hot packs and cold packs (cold packs work very well for my back when it's acting up).
It's not so much the lifting (though we should lift with our legs) that bothers backs, but the twisting and turning with our back while under load or carrying a heavy weight that is apt to cause damage, or aggravate existing damage.
And yes, chairs are notoriously hard on backs (a pillow may be too widespread, a small rolled up towel at the small of your back may be much more effective). An Obus Forme might prove invaluable back support, something to prop a foot on under your desk might give you a valuable alternate posture. Taking care to move carefully when getting up and returning to your chair may help. General tension levels that are high are not helpful, aim to reduce your tension whenever you can figure out a way to do so.
I suppose walking in moderation may be helpful (but, take care not to overtire the back muscles, as that might aggravate the general tenseness and worsen the nerve pinching).
The only thing the chiropractor said was to lay on my back and bring my knees to my chest.
Sitting is actually when I have the most discomfort. I work in a dental office and do a lot of up and down from my chair. And it's a struggle. I've tried sitting with a pillow and tried using a heating pad.
I can't take pain meds. They make me sick. My pain management doctor said that the epidural doesn't always work the first time.
I've also lost about 13 lbs in the last three months without dieting. Could this be because I'm in pain?
Sitting is actually when I have the most discomfort. I work in a dental office and do a lot of up and down from my chair. And it's a struggle. I've tried sitting with a pillow and tried using a heating pad.
I can't take pain meds. They make me sick. My pain management doctor said that the epidural doesn't always work the first time.
I've also lost about 13 lbs in the last three months without dieting. Could this be because I'm in pain?
Tingling and numbness are classic symptoms of nerves being pinched. If nerves were pinched hard enough I suppose there's risk of nerve damage. Change is worrisome, it suggests to me your body is tensing up.
Has a chiropractor or physiotherapist given you some home stretching routines to follow? (to help loosen up a tense back)
Do you find much greater comfort with improved back support while sitting (eg. a rolled up towel at your lower back)?
While pain meds may be necessary, they can hinder self-treatment as your body awareness becomes handicapped (avoiding self-injury, and discovering what helps may become more challenging).
Has a chiropractor or physiotherapist given you some home stretching routines to follow? (to help loosen up a tense back)
Do you find much greater comfort with improved back support while sitting (eg. a rolled up towel at your lower back)?
While pain meds may be necessary, they can hinder self-treatment as your body awareness becomes handicapped (avoiding self-injury, and discovering what helps may become more challenging).
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