IS IT ALL RELATED TO INJURY?

[dood2453]

I experienced a work related  back  injury last year, and have had MRI's, EMG/NCS done. Emg/Ncs of lumbar shows Right L5-S1 lumbrosacral radiculopathy with evedence of acute denervation, diffuse sensorimotor polyneuropathy affecting both lower extremities.  I had blood tests for b12, thyroid, diabetes and arthritis and was told they were all fine. My questiion is: is there any possibility that the neuropathy is related to my herniated discs? I was also told I had mod to severe CTS in both arms/hands. MRI's showed bulging discs with radial/annual tears in cervical/lumbar.  If it is a possibility where can I find additional info?

[dood2453]

Thank you for your time and advice.  I  will continue to try to educate myself on my symptoms and will also consider a 2nd neuro opinion. Again, thanks.

[Godofredo MD]

Hi.

Although disc herniations and the associated nerve compressions can possibly cause some of your symptoms, I am not in any position to doubt your neurologist's assessment, especially since she is the one who has done a complete neurological examination on you and is currently in the best position to assess your condition. However, if you strongly believe that there is indeed a connection between the herniations and neuropathy, you could opt to get a second opinion from another neurologist.

With regards to your medication, as long as you can tolerate the pain, it would be okay to lessen the intake of the pain medications. Some of those you mentioned, however, may need to be taken more than the others, such as flexeril (which is a muscle relaxant).

Hope this helps.

[dood2453]

Just another note, I have never been one to take meds on a daily basis and have never been on any. Now they want me to take daypro, neurontin, celebrex, flexeril, lortab 7.5 for pain. I have always had a high pain tolerance and have dealth with my pain as best I could. I will take 1/2 lortab when needed, flexeril 1/2 (they make me loopy) if needed. I am leary of these other meds, I would like to know what the problem is and then attempt to correct it before taking on potential side effects from diff meds? Am I wrong in my thinking? I mean if I can deal with the pain on my own why should I take the risk of all the side effects these meds might hold?  IIf it is indeed due to a disc will these meds help anyways?

[dood2453]

When I had the emg/ncs done I questioned the neurologist as to whether or not the herniations and neuropathy are linked. She stated "no" it is two diff problems. I responded that, then it is only a coincidence that those problems  were made evident after the injury? She said yes. I have always felt  they were related because as time passed  my pain and etc worsened. For ex: when my lower back and right buttock/right leg is in pain and burning bad the burning and pain in my feet and legs get worse and seem to "spread"upwards. The inside of my left leg is discolored a deep red and is hard and completely numb. Sometimes it feels like ice water running down my leg, bee stings, sharp knifelike pains and fasciculations and muscle cramps. Even in the abdominals. Ican't bare to wear  shoes (only wear slip on's) because my feet begin to feel like they are in a vise and cramp and become so painful I have to take my shoes off. I can hardly walk on them.  Is  a herniated disc likely to be the culprit ? Also I feel as though the cevical herniations are contributing to my neck/head pain, <rom, and CTS. As I stated all these symptoms began after the injury. Thanks for you reply and any additional info you can add.

[Godofredo MD]

Hi.

There is a significant possibility that the neuropathy is associated with disc herniation. The bulging discs would exert undue pressure on the nerve roots resulting in nerve compression and producing symptoms.

There are a lot of information available now online regarding disc herniation and neuropathies.  However, it would be advisable for you to consult a neurologist to have your symptoms completely assessed and a treatment plan formulated.

Good luck.