Hey all adding more from last discussion I've just had a ct scan done only had MRI scan last time original diagnosis disc bulges from L4 through to S1 severe pain numbing etc today's results talk about moderate disc degeneration of L4,5 and S1 with narrowing of the spinal canal going for a nuclear bone scan anyone shed any light what this diagnosis means symptoms are severe pain from around bottom of buttocks to mid back weak legs with right leg falling away every now and than pins needles in feet lately pain to shoulder blades and right arm
Hi Wayne, I have DDD, and have had fusion years ago, still have back pain which affects legs.
Google micro motion. There is a really interesting item on spine health, about inflammatory proteins that leak from damaged discs. It's worth a read.
Basically I'm no doctor so don't take this as advice or true expertise but basically you have a lot of issues along your spine it seems. The fact that you have degeneration at s1 makes me wonder if a spondylitis diagnosis was ever mentioned? Narrowing of the spinal canal can definitely be the reason for many of your symptoms. The fact that you are getting a nuclear scan tells me that your doctor is being thorough which is always a good thing. A nuclear scan can evaluate "hot spots" of activity going on in your body which would indicate such things like inflammation, possible malignancy, bone turnover, etc. I would encourage you to always get a second opinion once a diagnosis is made and treatment plan established. It's always a good thing. Have you had blood labs done yet?
A nuclear bone scan sounds interesting. Sounds like you have a good DR.
It does sounds similar to my spine problems. I can't walk far but keep active.
I get pain and week in arms and legs it's not much fun.
But hope they can help you. There are Lots of modern treatments available nowadays.
Rest and light exercises on, days you feel ok.
Physio may help but see what they say after the scan. Good luck. X
Oh I'll look it up to thanks. X
What is wrong with your back if you don't mind me asking and what have you had done
No bloods well not for about 10 months when I was seeing a different doctor this doctor seems very thorough which is good hopefully get some news soon thanks for your advice much appreciated
I've got... Scoliosis and Kyphosis ie won My spine and neck. Now older my discs are gradually dissolving. Plus chemotherapy worse. Numbness in legs and arms. Etc etc...... c o p d and Asthma too so a bit we disabled lol.
As your disc collapses your pain will get less, as a flattened disc is more stable, at least that's the theory!
Yes the bone grows over the disc area. It does get stiffer but less pain. Can take a year or two.....
No it doesn't fuse, unless you already have a bony fusion, it just becomes stable when all the inside has leaked out. That's if you have prolapsed discs.
What's kyphosis, haven't heard of that before.
Ah yes your right thou I've been fused since age 17 so slightly different I'm guessing. Kyposis is the similar to scoliosis which is basically curvature of the spine. Scoliosis the spine and biopsy curves like an s shape.
Kyphosis is a curve forwards mainly older people get this as they age. But I'm youngish to have it.
to me it sounds like spinal stenosis and nerve impingment. the ususal course of treatment in my personal experience is Physical therapy, steroid shots, then sx if conservative measures fail. I have had 4 lumbar sx, the last being a multilevel fusion. Ive had similar symptoms at different times, You certainly should see a neurosurgeon for an opinion and a physiatrist for pain management. Good luck! I know it is very discouraging with back pain.
Hi Wayne ,
I had all tests you have had.. and showed similar conditions! However I would like to share with you that it wasn't until I ended up in my neurosurgeons office that he reviewed all of my tests but one IMPORTANT thing of all was missing!! Simple ok'd fashioned X-ray of my spine.. One with me leaning forward and one backward as far as possible! WELL oh my word!!! There lies the root of most of my issues! My L4-5 vertebrae slipped out of alignment with spine ! Causing major leg and back pain as nerves were being crushed... may be congenital defect but? I'm 52 did many sports and gymnastics for years so? But all the MRI's n CT's couldn't show what was going on! Only what was and that was bulging pinching stenosis etc! So end of march I had laminectomy -decompression and spinal fusion with rods and bone graph for fusion from iliac crest of pelvic bone.. I'm still in recovery it is a long process however 💯% of my pre op pain is GONE! So FYI to all! Best of wishes to you! Keep us informed 😍LJE
I had the same condition as you! My l4-l5 was out of alignment too, am 4 1/2 weeks post op ( fusion and removal of facet joint) and other than tired and annoyed with the brace all my pain appears to be gone. Yay! There is hope and help after all!
Wishing you best results! 🙏
Hey yeah I agree I've seen surgeon I was ment to have surgery in January I've put it off to try conservative treatment it hasn't worked I've had physio and the epidural all have failed the bone scan is next step on Friday
Thanks I've got a nuclear bone scan Friday hope that has some results
Surgery may be the best option. try not to have fear about that. I am so glad I had the surgeries. after the first 3 which were laminectomies for hernaited disc and nerve impingment, then spinal stenosis, I just had the multi level fusion with the removal of my right facet joints at L5-S1 level. My fusion was just 4 1/2 weeks agao and I am feeling really good without pain. I initially had some leg pain and made a visit to the ER but the steroid pack to care of it and I am feeling really good. I am wearing a brace (told it would be 3 months and then have physical therapy). I am very happy I did it.
Do you know roughly the recovery time is after surgery ie: how long in hospital how long until you can walk freely and back to normal duties etc