Zaps in my legs

[runitskat]

Since getting the injections my pain has gotten worse and is now in my mid back. I was in the grocery store this weekend and I guess I turned around wrong or something because my back just "locked up" as they say. I was able to walk but if I tried to straighten up or bend over I got this shooting pain. Now I just have a sharp pain in my mid back.

I never had leg pain before, but I sure do now. My knee is killing me. I've always had radiating pain from my lower back to half way down my thighs but never below the knee. Now I'm getting foot cramps and these weird zapping pains in my right let mostly but the left leg gets them too. At my last PM appointment I told her that my toes were going number when I was driving and sitting at my desk but she didn't seem too concerned. Should I bring this up at my appointment tomorrow? She seemed surprised that I didn't have leg pain so maybe it's just been delayed or what I did on Saturday is causing it. I'm not sure if this is sciatic or not. The leg pain is not worse than my back pain. Only when the zapping pains happen is it worse than the back pain. If anyone has ever had "brain zaps" from anti depressants you know what I'm talking about. It's basically the brain snaps but in my legs and feet.

I'm still waiting until I can afford to buy the TENS unit which is about a month away. Which is frustrating but it is what it is. I've decided that there is no way I could ever afford the SCS so I'm going to discuss that with her tomorrow as well. I'm also going to see if I can get my records so I can send them to the Rheumatologist (which still has not called me back to make an appointment, probably waiting on all my records)

Anyway leg zaps, normal or not normal?

[Tuckamore]

I think you are correct to request an MRI of your spine. It sure sounds like there have been changes.

These "zaps" that you talk about are not normal. They could be nerve related. I get them in several locations and have been told they are from nerve compression or irritation. For some ppl when they move a certain way it compresses or irritates the area. In my case, in spite of medications and proper treatment nothing completely stops or even greatly reduces the sharp sporadic stab from the nerve envolvement. However the overall pain is controlled. I hope that is true for you.

If the injections initially relieved your pain I doubt that they are causing these current symptoms. It sounds more like your condition may be deteriorating and/or the structure has changed.

Please let us know how you are doing. We will look forward to your updates. Be cautious and don't subject yourself to injury.

Take Care,
~Tuck

[Lagomar]

Well, I'm glad that means that you don't have what I have (Tarlov Cyst Syndrome caused by an injection accidently hitting a benign cyst).  I agree you should push for a total MRI.  I had everything from my brain to my legs MRI'd, to rule everything else out before I could get the doctors to confirm what I knew had happened all along.  Anyway, please accept my deepest sympathy for what you're going through.  I'm uninsured now because I can't work because I still have a lot of pain sitting up, so I understand the $ issue with the TENS unit.  My PM doctor recommended that to me as a last resort before I had surgery so that may be a good way to go to help the pain while you keep pushing to find out what's going on.  Good luck and best wishes!

[runitskat]

No my MRI just showed a herniated disk, DDD and stenosis. My xrays showed arthritis. I had 3 injections at L5/S1. I'm going to ask for an MRI on my whole spine because something is not right.

[Lagomar]

Have any of your MRIs shown a Tarlov Cyst?  If you have any of your MRI radiologist reports, it's usually listed.  If so, did you get your injection in that area (usually S1, S2, S3 levels)?  The radiating pain down the back of both legs and the tingling/zapping/numbness in the feet sound similiar (but less severe) than what happened to me.  

[runitskat]

The only position that doesn't cause me pain is not a position it's moving around. Well that used to be the only one. When I'm moving my back does not hurt, but my knee does. And when I'm resting my back hurts and my knee doesn't. I'm not sure which is worse!

[Sarajmt]

Yikes!  That does sound painful!  Hopefully your doctor will be able to figure this one out and get you some pain relief.   That must be just awful.  Is there any position that is comfortable?  

I've had increased pain after injections in my neck but never anything like what you're describing.  It doesn't sound normal to me but then again, I am definitely not a doctor.  I sure hope you get some answers.

[runitskat]

It's been more than two months since my last injection. So I don't think it's going to get better. The injections took away pretty much all my pain for the 3 weeks I was getting them and then for about 2 weeks after that. Then it just came right back. It's not really a shooting pain it's more of a stabbing pain in one spot. The only part of my leg that aches is my knee. Since the knee pain is constant now (I've had knee pain for a few years but it usually only stayed around for a few days) I can't work out anymore and I can't walk for a long time. I wear a brace when I have to go to the grocery store or anything like that. I'll bring it up and see what she says.

[JadedSweetheart]

It sounds like it is not normal for you.  That is the big thing, is that it sounds like a worsening pain thing.  I get "arm zaps" I suppose, but I know it's from my neck.  I have to be careful about not getting into a bad position.  I have always called it shooting pain, as it shoots down the arm.  At other times I have a constant pain down the arm, although not as strong as the shooting pains.  For me, though, it's a normal thing.
I think it sounds like you may have a worsening in your condition or have wrenched your back the wrong way.  When I had injections the pain became worse for about a month, then got back to normal.  Hopefully yours will get better after a while, but I would definetly tell the doctor about it.