Re: Nerve compression

Posted By Charleen on April 22, 1999 at 09:18:26
I posted back around the beginning of the month regarding continued symptoms following 3 spinal operations.  Back in Sept. of 98 I had a posterior L4/L5 fusion with a bone graft..no other instrumentation was used.
Around the 3rd month of my recovery and while I was still in my brace (tlso) I started having the all too familiar nerve pain in my legs and pain in my lower back.  Since that time, I have not been able to continue on my walking regimen and my life has become rather slowed.  I have quit my job, stopped driving and have filed for disability with SS.
I have had an ENG that clearly demonstrated L5 and possibly S1 nerve compression and demylination at the L5 location.  Yesterday I saw another orthospinal surgeon who did flexion and extension x-rays.  He said my fusion is solid, however he thinks I have nerve irritation.  I asked how he could substantiate that with just x-rays.  A MRI has been ordered.  However, this doctor yesterday felt my leg and back weakness are the culprits of my nerve pain.  I am not fully buying that.  I just don't see how just weakness could cause all my nerve pain.  I walk with a limp which had fully gone away until 3 months postop...I have a hard time standing up straight and my lordosis is so exagerated now it is not funny..again that was gone until 3 months postop.  Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.  Thank you...charleen

[CCF Neuro[P] MD RPS]

Posted By CCF Neuro[P] MD, RPs on May 08, 1999 at 15:27:26
Dear Charleen:
Sometimes the postings and answers get out of sequence.  I will just try and elaborate on what the other CCF physician has told you.  My first impression is that plain film x-rays will only find more gross (e.g. large) spinal abnormalities.  An MRI will give better resolution of the area in question and will also help in seeing if inflammation is occuring.  I would say that your weakness and pain are the result of nerve problems not the generation of problems.  They maybe involved in worsening a problem, or causing a problem in another nerve distribution but this would be secondary to what was initiating the weakness and pain (e.g. nerve root compression at one area, then pain developing in another area.).  
I hope that you get a good neurologist to go over your exam and problem.
Sincerely,
CCF Neuro[P] MD










Follow Ups: