Sciatica?

[Chuckz]

I am a 59 yr old male. In 1998, I went to my doctor complaining about a sensation in my right groin that travels through my right buttock, down my right leg and into my right testicle.  After MRI examination, it was noted some degeneration at the L1-2 and L2-3 levels with actual herniation of the disc at L2-3.  I also had disc bulging at the L4-5 and L5-S1 levels. The discomfort contines today.  There is a tingling sensation in my right side, into my right buttocks and down my right leg.  The right leg feels somewhat weaker than the left and I can relieve some discomfort when standing if I turn my right foot on its outer side. If I sit too long and then stand, the discomfort lessens.  I sleep on my left side as lying on my right side for a few minutes, the tingling begins.  If I stretch my right leg (Hamstring?), it also appears to lesson the feeling for awhile.  I do not take any medications. Also, when I feel I have to urinate or have a bowel movement, after the act it seems to lesson the discomfort feeling.  What can you tell me?  Thank you.

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

Your symptoms of buttock and leg pain/weakness sound consistent with the disc bulging at L4-5-S1. This certainly could be sciatica, or a problem along the nerves from the L4-5-S1 roots. The groin pain is more consistent with the problems at L1-2. Consider seeing a neurologist for a formal neruological exam. ALso, an EMG would be helpful in looking at the extent of nerve injury. We usually recommmend light physical therapy (some recommend rest), anti-inflammatory agents such as ibuprofen or tylenol, and no heavy lifting. If the symptoms progress with bowel and bladder involvement, or the degree of disc herniation is severe on MRI and EMG, then surgery may be the option for you. Start with the neurologist who can help point you int he right direction. good luck

[JSK]

Welcome to my world.   I

[JSK]

OOPS..I clicked the Post Reply button too soon.  Anyway,I had a herniated disc (L-5,S-1) with the same symptoms along with SEVERE pain for 1 1/2 years before I finally had a Laminectomy operation to remove the bulge.   I tried physical therapy of all kinds, chiropractors, pain management doctors who shot cortizone into my spine, everything.  The operation worked to get rid of most the pain, but I still have strange sensations & numbness down my leg & in my foot (I can live with that, just couldn't with that constant pain).

Also, maybe when your bladder or colon is full, it puts more pressure on the nerve & disc.

I heard they now have some pretty non-evasive surgery techniques to repair herniated discs.  The Laminectomy operation felt like someone beat me on the back with a baseball bat for a couple weeks afterward.

Good luck to you.

[jjsam]

I'm a 60-year-old female, who was very active all my life - doing aerobics, etc.  In 1997 I had an emergency laminectomy which left me with neuropathy in both feet and legs.  I'll never be the same.  I still have a lot of discomfort in both feet and legs and  no stamina to speak of. Shopping 'til I drop occurs in about one hour now!  I have been prescribed Neurontin, which helps considerably, but I continually gain weight because of it.  Does anyone else have this problem, and have any help for the weight gain?

[darter10]

I have had Sciatica for over 30 years now, I'm 62. I had two back surgeries, the latest just t  two years ago March. Unfortunately, a fixed back is not a new back. I lost the pain in my right leg but then 6 weeks after the last surgery developed very annoying numbness and tingling in both feet. I can live with foot problem but I still suffer greatly from L4/5 back , bi-lateral glut pain and spasms. I also have Fibomyalgia. Four years ago I was put on Neuronton for my very painful T.MJ. and the Neuronton complely relieved all the pain. It also helps a great deal withe the Sciatica and Spinal Stenosis. However, my first Pain Mgt. Dr. put me on Methedone and that has been a God send. After three years at a total of 30mg. a day I now have needed to up my dosage to 60 mg dailey. Thank God for Methedone, otherwise I would be a total wreck physically and emotionally. All the medical info states Methedone is especially recommended for Nerve pain as other pain meds do not have the properties to work as well on this specific problem. For more info., check Pain.com Iwas a very slim size9 and the Neutontin was caused 35 lbs weight gain.

[mickyfinn]

Try exercises before surgery, a must read for people suffering back pain is treat your own back by Robin McKenzie, made a huge difference to me after 6 years of horrible pain, i was able to achieve a massive improvement within 6 months. DO THE EXERCISES RELIGIOUSLY even when you are experiencing no pain, IT DOES WORK.