back injury

History long,complicated,like most. 51,5'9",150lb. Fractured L3 1984-accident like headon car wreck. Felt only slight "stiffness" in area-did not realize L3 fractured-would find out 7 weeks later-bone scan. Foolishly continued training course that stressed lower back. I'm certain this 19 day period between the fracture and when I ceased putting heavy demands on the area is the source of my present discomfort. During this period that involved twisting, turning, and putting g-forces on my lower back, a bruise appeared on my lower back, got larger with each stress event, and was about the size of a dinner plate and very swollen when I finally ceased training. Could certainly feel-stiff,tight-but not painful-perhaps the area(and myself) were in shock. Need I say I was single at time. 6 months of debilitating pain/searing inflammation, but within 2-3 years was only minor discomfort. Exercise a staple-swimming, sta bike, back and stomach exercises-continue to this day. Running, basketball, etc. would cause flareup, so avoided. To sum up, normal lifestyle last 16 years. This past June experienced increased "burning" in same area and leg pain. Naproxen and Celebrex-slight improvement, leg pain subsided, some numb/stiff-not bad, but no reflex left knee. Discomfort/burning continues in lower back, esp.evenings, though swimming, lying down, shifting, standing all provide temp relief. July MRI "normal". Orthopod, Neurosurgeon can only offer pills, PT, and encouragement. Am confounded so undetectable. Can MRI see inflammation? Scar tissue? What else could be? Thank you.

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

Based on the description you have provided it sounds as though your pain is musculoskeletal in nature. An MRI will show structural problems with your spine, but will not show inflammation. What I would recommend is for you to see a Neurologist. Neurologist's approach back pain from a different perspective then surgeons. A neurologist will examine your legs to look for dysfunction. They may even perform an EMG test which tests the muscle and nerve function within the leg. Lastly, they can review the MRI to ensure that there is no explanation for your symptoms. If the neurologist comes up with nothing then an appointment with a pain specialist would be reasonable. They can sometimes perform injections to control and treat the pain. Good luck.

[rrp]

Just wanted to add I'm now married, 2 children, thank God financially secure, but want to be a contributor. Also, July MRI was w/o dye.