Lower back or hip pain that generates to the thigh area

[Debbie St. Ange]

For about two years now I began having pain in my hip area, and around the end of my spine.  It is not a sharp pain, rather dull and strange.  There are time when it feels as if my spine is separating at the hips if I stand too long. This pain also generates to the pelvic area.  Making a bowel movement is sometime a chore, because the pain is there.  Walking accessively brings on the pain in the hips and thighs.  Xrays have revealed inflamation in the lower spine area, which my doctor diagnosed as arthritis.  I have been put on anti inflamatory pain medication, This is a chronic conditions that never goes away.  I have notice that this discomfort lessens around the time for my period.  I will be 49 years old this year, and I am wondering does hormones have anything to do with this condition.  Please help.

[CCF Neuro[P] MD, RPS]

Dear Ms. St. Ange:

I think I would see a neurologist.  X-rays are fairly good at looking at gross boney abnormalities but the use of neuroimaging of MRI will give a much better evaluation of your spine.  There maybe other problems with your lower spine occurring and your physician will need to know this so he/she can give you better care.  Yes, hormones can effect your spine.  Osteophoresis will make your spine weaker and more prone to fracture and/or degenertion.  You will need to talk to your physician to see if hormone replacement is correct for you when the time arises.

Sincerely,

CCF Neuro MD

[Vince Calder ([email protected])]

I too have been aflicted with a similar syndrome since early July.Onset was rapid (2 days)and and coincided with a bout of "flu"-like symptoms. Total incapacity ensued within a week. Having had L4

[Vince Calder ([email protected])]

I too have been aflicted with a similar syndrome since early July.Onset was rapid (2 days)and and coincided with a bout of "flu"-like symptoms. Total incapacity ensued within a week. Having had L4

[Vince Calder ([email protected])]

I too have been aflicted with a similar syndrome since early July.Onset was rapid (2 days)and and coincided with a bout of "flu"-like symptoms. Total incapacity ensued within a week. Having had L4

[CCF Neuro[P] MD, RPS]

Thanks for your comments.

CCF Neuro MD

[teri]

Hi,

I would like to ask you a question, and I feel kind of bad asking it as some people seem a lot worse off than me.  My doctor was looking for reasons on why I had numbness in my right lower leg/feet, which spread to left lower leg/feet, now in hands, muscle cramps mainly in lower legs/feet, numbness in central buttocks radiating to outer left buttocks and some area in the frontal left thigh, some weakness as slow muscle action in urinary output. Complete loss of lower reflexes. Occasional genital/anal parasthesia. I am in my middle 30's/female. The neuro radiologist called me about my mri as they changed it from a pelvic mri and there was some confusion with what my doctor wanted, and I didnt know.  He told me that I had DDD, and that it was not bad enough to cause the numbness.  I had a case of sciatica years ago with my right leg, but at this point, I do not have pain radiating down any leg, and have occasional low back aches.  Here is my mri, and I would like any additional input that you may have to offer.
There is a mild diffuse disc bulge at T12-L1 which is apparent within to the right of the midline than to the left.  This does not appear to exert significant mass effect on the thecal sac or nerve roots.  The L1-2 level is unremarkable.  There is minimal diffuse L2-3 disc bulge without focal herniation or significant spinal stenosis.  There is bilateral facet joint DJD without neural foramen or lateral recess stenosis.  There is a minimal L3-4 disc bulge without focal herniation or significant stenosis.  Again there is bilateral facet joint DJD.  There is no evidence that this is associated with significat neural foramen or lateral recess stenosis.  At L4-5 there is a diffuse disc bulge which in conjunction with bilateral facet joint hypertrophy is associated with mild spinal stenosis.  There is also stenosis of the lateral recesses on both sides at this level.  At L5-S1 there is diffuse disc bulges accompanied by marginal osteophytes and there is also bilateral facet joint DJD.  There is no evidence of significant spinal stenosis at this level but there appears to be left sided lateral recess stenosis with possible compression of the left S1 root.  Images obtained through the sacrum demonstrate no lesions along the course of the iliolumbar trunks or involving the sacral plexus on either side.

Sorry this has been so long, thank you for any input you may have to offer.

[wes]

Debbie,
Like yourseif I now have pain in my left hip and thigh very similar to what you discribe. Do to a fall I had in aug. of 98. I had back surgery in dec. (laminectomy/discectomy L2/L4) to releave presure on a nerve. My doctor has suggested a spinal cord stimulator implant to block the pain signals. In my case it's nerve damage in my back we think. I'm going to have a trial test at the end of sep. to see if the SCS work's for me. Here is there web site www.medtronic.com  Good Luck!

[CCF Neuro[P] MD, RPS]

Dear Teri:

Sorry about the paraesthesias that your experiencing.  It is so difficult to answer your questions.  We have seen patients with problems in paraesthesias with MRI that sound like what your describing and also people who have MRIs but with no symptoms.  Sometimes there does not seem to be a rational explaination.  The facet joint hypertrophy is alittle worrisome.  The sensory neuron ganglion sits there and if there are changes going on then this might be the problem.  Talk to your neurologist and also to a rehab person.  Through PT, medications you might be able to work through your problems and get rid of these sensory changes.  But, I need to tell you that without doing a neurological exam and seeing the films, I am not absolutely positive about the etiology.  But it does seem that the facet is the problem.

Sincerely,

CCF Neuro MD

[CCF Neuro[P] MD, RPS]

Thanks for the comment.

CCF Neuro MD

[Bertha Gordillo]

I have been haveing lower Back pain for that past 2 1/2 year, going to DR., specialist, neorsugeons,chiropractor,etc. you name it, I have had every test done. All they come up with is artheritis.My back pain has worsen going down to my thigh and legs. I can't sit long or stand long with out my back feeling like it is going to crack. I hear poping my arm achs and I get very bad head achs. I can't even carry my grandbaby I am 46 yrs. old and I don't know what else to do. I have taken evety inflamatory drug you can think of,cortisone shots,and therapy. These thing only help me to rest well at night. Can someone please lead me to the right direction.They have never checked me for any thing like, MS or other disease. I would appreciate any feed back. Thanks,

[teri]

Thank you for your response.  I do not know if the neurologist knows the etiology either.  I spoke with him yesterday afternoon and he as the neuro-radiologist said this shouldnt be causing the numbness.  I dont know if you need to have pain with this for it to associate with the numbness for this joint thing to be considered the actual etiology.  I am at a loss.   I have heard of neurography being done at some places.  Does that type of imaging show just the images of damaged nerves cause by injury or compression?  Will it show injury of a nerve if it is of a disease component as ms or some other demeyelating disease?  My neuro thinks I have a demeyelating process, but my mri's are all clear of that stuff.  I do not know how neurologists can handle such a job.  So many factors to deal with on so many disorders.  I must commend you, it is a very hard field to be in.

Thank you

[CCF Neuro[P] MD, RPS]

Dear Bertha:

Sorry about your problems.  It may be that you have changes associated with arthritis as your doctors have told you.  I would assume that you saw a good neurologist and MS was ruled out.  You symptoms do not have the flavor of episodic waxing and waning that MS has.  Maybe a second opinion might be valuable.

Sincerely,

CCF Neuro MD

[CCF Neuro[P] MD, RPS]

Dear Terri:

No you do not need to feel pain for facet joint hypertrophy to cause numbness.  The only nerves that exit the neural foramen are the ventral column sensory nerves.  Best of luck finding a cause to your problem.  Sorry we couldn't be more helpful.

Sincerely,

CCF Neuro MD

[Margene]

My 48 year old husband just had an MRI that revealed a herniated disk (L4/L5) and narrowing of the spine (whatever that may be) His symptoms were severe deep pain in the left thigh.  Until he gets to a specialist can you comment on what or what not he should be doing?  He has been on Vicodin for 4 days which helps dull the pain but is able to do little outside of sitting back in a recliner.  Our waterbed, I am sure, will be the first thing to go.  What about a slant board with the feet up and head down?  Would this create more problems?

[CCF Neuro[P] MD, RPS]

Dear Margene:

As you know we are not suppose to answer questions from the comment section.  So, please don't tell anyone.  Actually, there is nothing you really can't do for your husband.  His pain is dictating what physical things he can do.  At first, pain meds and decrease in activity will help.  Then once the pain becomes tolerable then vigorous rehab.  He needs to do things to take stress off his back, ie. loose weight if overweight, become more active with not stressing his back, proper sleeping position (not head down), proper lifting technique etc.  Once you see your physician he/she will outline a plan.  

Sincerely,

CCF Neuro MD

[kell m]

i have also had severe pain in the tailbone area also lower back.  i get pins and needles going down my left leg .i had an emg which showed nerve damage. i start a series of 3 steriod epidurals in a week . i will let you know if there is any relief.

[CCF Neuro[P] MD, RPS]

thanks for the comments.

CCF Neuro MD

[shirley weatherbee]

i had L2-L5 laminectomy on 9/9/99.  after my discharge from hospital and heaing of incision i acquired a swelling of fluid of the lower back.  have been to my neurosurgeon two times and he says it will be absorbed.  appears to be increasing in size.
causing much discomfort.  can this be cerebro-spinal fluid?
physician wants a wait and see, says it will go away.

[shirley weatherbee]

i had L2-L5 laminectomy on 9/9/99.  after my discharge from hospital and heaing of incision i acquired a swelling of fluid of the lower back.  have been to my neurosurgeon two times and he says it will be absorbed.  appears to be increasing in size.
causing much discomfort.  can this be cerebro-spinal fluid?
physician wants a wait and see, says it will go away.

[shirley weatherbee]

i had L2-L5 laminectomy on 9/9/99.  after my discharge from hospital and heaing of incision i acquired a swelling of fluid of the lower back.  have been to my neurosurgeon two times and he says it will be absorbed.  appears to be increasing in size.
causing much discomfort.  can this be cerebro-spinal fluid?
physician wants a wait and see, says it will go away.

[shirley weatherbee]

i had L2-L5 laminectomy on 9/9/99.  after my discharge from hospital and heaing of incision i acquired a swelling of fluid of the lower back.  have been to my neurosurgeon two times and he says it will be absorbed.  appears to be increasing in size.
causing much discomfort.  can this be cerebro-spinal fluid?
physician wants a wait and see, says it will go away.

[CCF Neuro[P] MD, RPS]

Dear Ms. Weatherbee:

I don't think that your fluid-filled area is CSF.  If it were, you would have headaches that would be progressive as you went from lying down to sitting up to standing up.  I would follow what your neurosurgeon is telling you.  Without seeing the area I can't really comment about it getting better or worse.  If you are really worried, see another neurosurgeon for a second opinion.

Sincerely,

CCF Neuro MD

[patti huffman]

I HAVE HAD 2 LAMENECOMIES.  LAST WITH HORIZONTAL SPINAL FUSION AT 4 &5 WHERE THEY FOUND LOTS OF NERVE DAMAGE AND ARTHRITIS.   1ST OPERATION WAS NOT DONE PROPERLY.I CONTINUE TO HAVE SEVERE PAIN BUT NOT NEARLY TO THE DEGREE I HAD WHERE I WAS TOTALLY BED-RIDDEN. CRUSHED DISCS & INSTABILITY.  WHAT BOTHERS ME MOST NOW IS THE NUMBNESS THAT OCCURS SOMETIMES AT BUTTOCKS OR SOMETIMES EVEN VAGINAL. I MANY TIMES HAVE NO CONTROL OVER BOWEL MOVEMENTS. IT IS LIKE THAT AREA BECOMES NUMB ALSO. I AM CONSTANTLY WORRIED ABOUT IT AND I AM CONSTANTLY HAVING TO CHANGE UNDERCLOTHING. NO DOCTORS HAVE HAD A CLUE AS TO WHY..OR WHAT I CAN DO.  THIS IS AFFECTING MY LIFE CONSIDERABLY. PLEASE ADVISE ME AS TO WHAT COULD BE OCCURING. WHEN I SIT FOR LONG PERIODS THAT IS WHEN BUTTOCKS/VAGINA BECOME NUMB. HOWEVER...ALTHOUGH  BOWEL PROBLEMS HAPPEN AT ANYTIME, I NOTICE THEY ARE MORE LIKELY AFTER STANDING/WALKING ANY LENGTH OF TIME AND AFTER LIFTING GROCERIES ETC. THANKS

[CCF Neuro[P] MD, RPS]

Dear Patti Huffman:

It is so difficult for us to diagnosis problems without the benefit of seeing the MRI films and doing the physical exam.  I think what you need is to sit down with your neurologist and go over these questions with him/her.  Although it does seem that there is a nerve problem, without knowing the spinal level, cervical, thoracic, or lumbar it is difficult to tell you if the area where you had your surgery is the culprit.  I would have a talk with your neurologist and see what he/she has to say.

Sincerely,

CCF Neuro MD