Is cervical herniation the only possible cause for arm/leg pain?

[robert westhead]

I'm a British patient who has been suffered intermittent tingling arm & leg pain from more than four years. MRI reveals some lumbar disc dengeration and a slight bulge at C5/6. A neurologist tells me that this cervical degeneration is the only possible explanation for these sensations, which come on after hours sitting and only fade when I avoid sitting - the pain makes holding down an office job impossible. However, I've noticed that the leg pain always creeps up hours before the arm pain. Also, the condition began after a history of backpain culminating in an acute episode five years ago. I was treated for "neural tension" and fear that carrying out the neural stretches too vigorously damaged nerves - producing the same sensations that I now get in the legs. I have have periods of normality as long as a year without symptoms but the last year I have had symptons on and off. Waiting for days for the tingling (from tips of toes, throught legs, buttocks and up arms to hands and fingers) to pass seems to be the only remedy, but even that is temporary. Slump tests can aggravate or precipitate episodes.
Any ideas?

[Hash]

Post anterior cervical fusion w/orion plate fixation patient (1996)C5-6-7;  I have also had a biceps tendon repair on my left shoulder(1998) and now needs second surgery for additional ligament repair that was missed the first time.  I have severe pain into my arms, shoulders, chest and fingers.  I had some numbness, but mostly pain and loss of grip, etc. My life has changed forever.  This is mostly due to a large chain that fell on me in 1996, I now also have ongoing cervical pain and the surgeons now want to perform a five level fusion (C4-5-6-7-C8/T1).  I have a subluxation at C4-5 and have developed  carpal tunnel symptoms as well. Previously, I was involved in 2 MVA's that left me with some neck pain that I was managing with the help of some hydrocodone and muscle relaxers.  I also went to a pain management clinic for some relief with injections.  If anyone is interested, I would love to discuss your plight and explain my test results,etc. that have led to my current state.  I would also be interested im going over meds for pain-like Oxycontin.  I also receive acupuncture 2 to 3 times a week to generate my own endorphins or natural pain fighters. I use ice and heat, but mostly ice all day(intermittent of course).  I also wear a TENS unit.    Email me at ***@****.  I hope to have a ministry to others in chronic pain someday._

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

It is possible that the C5/6 disc bulge could be causing some of your symptoms, but does not explain the leg and buttock pain as well, especially if it is just slight. Something in the lower back like a disc herniation there sounds more plausible as the cause of the leg and lower back problems. A helpful test to evaluate the integrity of your muscles and nerves would be an EMG or electromyogram where they send little shocks up your nerves and then put needles into the muscles. This will help to see if there is any nerve damage and localize the problem to the spinal cord, nerve roots, actual nerves, etc...

A second opinion may also be helpful for a fresh look. Finally, depending on when you had the MRI, a repeat may be necessary if significant time has passed. Good luck.