I hurt my several months ago. It was tight and hurt and I couldn’t go real well. I could run forward but no real lateral movement. That was in March. It’s now July and I’m doing much better BUT I can’t figure out what it incorrect. My MRI showed a slight bulge in the L-5 but nothing showing nerve bloackage. I had an XRAY by my chiro that said I have to do ‘decompression’ to restore fluid to that sac in my spine. That, too has seemed to help. I had an EMG done that showed:
Evidence of moderate, bilateral superficial peroneal and right saphenous sensory neuropathy, as well as EMG evidence of moderate chronic right S1 radiculopathy.
If I take 1-2 ibuprofen – I’m ok until it wears off. I’m also taking Neurontin (100 X 3-4 a day) and it seems to be helping as well.
HERE’S THE WEIRD PART— I take Adderall for ADHD. When I stop taking it, the pain is not NEARLY as terrible. When I DO take it, it hurts TERRIBLE in my knee and butt.
The original pain went away in my back. The pain I feel now is lower but still in my ‘piriformis’ (Exercise has helped this, as has intense stretching) and in my outside knee and in my foot. My huge toe and top of my foot still tingle when I stand too long if not on ibuprofen. When I take ONE SINGLE DOSE of Adderall now it BURNS all up through my leg. I believe this to be dehydration, to which I am prone and what ADDerall does cause.
Has anyone heard of anything like this? Dehydration? Lower back pain disappears but the butt and knee and foot still sting.
I can tell ya this – I sit on an exercise ball at my computer and it has DONE WONDERS! My Lord, has it done wonders. Anyway, I’m wondering if anyone knows a time frame for an injury like this (Lifting weights ((Squats)) caused this) and if anyone has similar symptoms. Tha pain is manageable but it sometimes it stings all up my leg. But, it is nowhere near where it was a few months ago.
Any input to a newbie to these injuries would be fantastic! Thanks so much.
Is This A Back Problem Or A Sciatic/nerve Problem?
Is This A Back Problem Or A Sciatic/nerve Problem?
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I am not up on all the latest with these things – I’ve not been to my chiro for a number of months now, but I know exactly the pain you speak of!
For years I have battled issues with L5, and yes, it’s a pain you don’t quickly forget! I had the whole pain-in-the-butt thing happening after the initial injury, and when I am going to have problems, that tends to be how they present. A deep pain, in the butt, usually to the left, and it can take my legs out from under me in seconds!
One time my sister had to drag me through the grocery store, the cart between us, because I wasn’t able to stand up or walk properly. Embarrassing? You bet. Painful? My gawd, yes! That’s what I get for crouching down to check out the cheese bunker!
At that time I was under medical care for it, which did nothing. Most drugs didn’t touch it, but I did find that the anti-inflammatory effects of Ibuprofen helped. Cold packs helped a bit too. Right relief didn’t arrive until I started seeing my first chiropractor, three times a week at first – for maybe two weeks, then once a week. With her help, I got my life back.
My most recent iffy thing has been with my piriformis muscle too! I was given exercises to do, which have helped out sooo much! Having a problem with it is hard to clarify to someone who hasn’t experienced it.
Have you thought about asking your chiropractor and MD about the Adderall? Chiro’s usually have all sorts of resource materials – many will have a CPS manual where they can look up drugs and interactions so they know what their patients are taking and how their overall health is being affected. They could be a really helpful resource for you!
Excellent Luck!
It makes sense that taking adderall would make it worse for two reasons.
First of all, adderall does the opposite of neurontin. Neurontin is a central nervous system depressant, and adderall is a central nervous system stimulant.
Secondly, adderall can cause muscle tension, which may activate trigger points.
Have you had a therapeutic massage since the nerve pain started? If not, I’d certainly recommend it. It may not help, but it could make a HUGE difference. It’s also possible that trigger points are causing or contributing to the misalignment of your spine.
Here’s a fun site to check out if you’re wondering about trigger point referral patterns. http://myofascialtherapy.org/symptomchec…
Also check out http://www.triggerpointbook.com/sciatica… for information specific to sciatic pain and trigger points. (I have this book btw, and it’s really excellent.)
Sounds like a herniated disc with pressure and irritation of the nerves to the legs…what’s called sciatica. You don’t give your age…you might have some arthritis and spinal stenosis to boot. Keep up the exercises, especially for back and abdominal muscles.
Statistically, with and without treatment, disc problems resolve in about two years, but you’ll feel better if you exercise. If you’re concerned, see a Physiatrist, a medical doctor trained in these problems.
Have you had any physical therapy? That may be helpful along with a scheduled pt plot. Pain and budging discs can sometimes last for years. A excellent orthopedic doctor can help get you on track.
I reckon I can help you:
My mom recently had pretty much the same symptoms as you.All except the “stinging”. Hers was much more of a just flat out pain. She was in agony and it only went away with asprin and laying down flat.
She went to several doctors and chiropractors and they all said the same thing…”physical therepy or surgery”
She chose surgery and is now recovering from a surgery on her siatic nerve..
I really encourage you to question your doctor if it is a siatic nerve problem because I’ve seen first-hand how painful it can be!
You have had lots of excellent advice sofar.
I just wanted to say that I too have the same problems with my Lumbar spine and have found Hydrotherapy/aquatherapy to be quite excellent at strengthening the core muscles and keeping the back mobile. The extra warm pool really made a difference too. Look for a physiotherapy place that offers these classes. You get a personalised program specific to your injury and a physio will overlook your rehab.
PIlls have done small to help. I rely heavily on my hotpack.
What you have sounds like a sciatic nerve problem. In the ancient days they called it sciatica or lumbago. If the intervertebral disc above or below the L5 vertebrae has been pinched (crushed, herniated) it would push against its capsule and and the spinal nerves. The sciatic nerve is usually involved when one of the lower lumbar discs has been crushed. You will have pain in your buttock (usually one side), radiating down your leg as far as your foot. This dpends on the exact nature of the of the pressure against the sciatic nerve by the disc. There are specific back exercises that a therapist (in consultation with your doctor) can give you. See http://www.adderall.net/ It might clarify why you have pain while you are taking the medication and why it stops after you have stopped taking it. Excellent luck