S1 radiculopathy on EMG L3,L4,L5 herniated disc

[backwards911]

I want to know exactly what all this means? I also have 3 movable small knots internally in lower back, you can feel them & they move around somewhat. I dont know what these are? What is my problem? currently i am on meds for this and have been for 5 years , I am a funtioning person, work everyday, productive with the meds, however, I am really worried about about my future, I know the problem isn't going to disappear. No insurance, so surgerys out, I guess. Can you help answer these questions?

Thank You,
Kelly G.

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hi
Welcome to the MedHelp forum!
Small moveable lumps are in all probability neurofibromas (localized collection of nerve and fibrous tissue). Watch the lumps. Do not touch everyday but once in 10-15 days. If the lumps increases in size, becomes painful, changes color, bleeds, changes shape or consistency or more similar lumps appear then consult a doctor.
Regarding the EMG and herniated discs, you do have a problem there and it could be causing low back aches with pain down the legs.
If you cannot afford surgery and other treatments now, then you can go to a physiotherapist or a chiropractor and learn some exercises for the back and legs that will help take off the pressure on the nerves. You can wear a lumbar belt and maintain good posture while sitting and lying down. Also you can use a hot water bottle at night and local muscle relaxants. In the long run you will need to go for traction or surgical repair.
Hope this helps. Please let me know if there is any thing else and do keep me posted. Take care!

[LivingInHope]

Radiculopathy is caused by disc herniation and is the inflammation and irritation of a nerve.  S 1 means your first sacral vertebrae and the sacral vertebrae come just before your tailbone.  L stands for your lumbar spine and the lower three vertabrae, including L 5 that comes just befor your sacral vertabrae evidently have disc herniations.  The discs are going outside of their natural boundaries.  I am not a doctor, but I've been told I had knots in my back before and that they were muscles knotted up.  

They had a video on medhelp awhile back about an amazing robotic surgery for backs with quick recovery that looked very interesting.  I have an immediate relative who had other kinds of back surgery and is still suffering a lot of pain, having permanent nerve damage involved.  

Since surgery may be out for you and you are functioning with meds, you might consider physical therapy to strengthen the muscles that support your back.  Massage or ultrasound might help with the knots, if they are indeed muscle kinks.  Some do cortisone shots, but you don't want to do these long term as they can have side effects.  And you don't want to take muscle relaxants chronically, because I've heard they can actually wind up weakening muscles.

Chiropractors claim some success with  disc reduction (see PM), but you would want to be very careful to select one of excellent reputation if you go that route.  Have you heard of spinal decompression?  (See PM)

[Lozkian]

http://www.chirogeek.com/000_sciatica_general_infor.htm that will provide you with the information you need to know what they mean, to be honest if you can get NHS treatment (surgery) i suggest do it beause it will help you for your future, as i know you dont want to hear this but the problem is only going to get worse if not treated, i hope you manage to sort this best of luck to you x