Back Pain Support Group
Back pain is one of the most common reasons people seek medical care. In fact, about 3 in 4 adults will experience back pain during their lifetime! The term back pain includes pain affecting the neck, midback and low back. Acute back pain may begin suddenly with intense pain but typically lasts fewer than three months. Usually, chronic back pain is persistent, steady, and...
hi everyone,
I wanted to introduce myself before I get to my question. I'm new to this board but not to back problems. I had cauda equina syndrome 8 years ago, at 22. I had never even had a backache at that point, just a couple of months of increasing thigh pain. I had emergency laminectomy on three levels (no fusion), which did restore my bladder function but left me unable to move or feel my legs. Another exploratory surgery the next day didn't find anything. I spent a year recovering, and did get to the point where I could walk with just a mild limp. I take a high dose of Lyrica (started out on Neurontin first), and that does help with the excruciating nerve pain in my feet. I still can't feel my feet well, and ended up having to have one foot reconstructed because I didn't notice a broken bone. Two years ago I was diagnosed with RA, and most of my joints are now involved, so that's another layer of pain to deal with. I take hydrocodone 10/325s, usually 2-5 per day. Last February I had new pain in one calf, and an MRI showed a huge herniation at L3. I chose to have surgery, which did alleviate that pain. It also re-injured my nerves and worsened my foot drop, so now I can't walk without a brace on my leg. During the surgery, scar tissue tore and I had to spend three days flat on my back to prevent a spinal headache. My surgeon (not the same one who did the first two surgeries) told me she had never seen so much scar tissue, and implied that the first surgeon had made a mess (duh!). To give you a sense of who I am, through all this drama, I got a graduate degree, got married, and have worked full time since the first few months after the first surgery.
So that bring us up to now. A week ago, I started having pain in my left calf, only when I walk or stand. It gets more intense the longer I'm up. I am able to get up and take a shower, but that's my limit. If I sit or lie down, the pain quiets down within a few minutes. It gets worse as the day goes on, to where I can't bear to get up at all. I am used to nerve pain, but this goes beond the brief flashes I usually deal with. I'm considering renting a wheelchair if if keeps up. I'm trying to get in with a pain specialist, but it will probably be awhile with the holiday. So, finally, here's my question- anybody had this kind of pain, only with standing? If so, did anything help you? I'd really appreciate any ideas.
Caren
I wanted to introduce myself before I get to my question. I'm new to this board but not to back problems. I had cauda equina syndrome 8 years ago, at 22. I had never even had a backache at that point, just a couple of months of increasing thigh pain. I had emergency laminectomy on three levels (no fusion), which did restore my bladder function but left me unable to move or feel my legs. Another exploratory surgery the next day didn't find anything. I spent a year recovering, and did get to the point where I could walk with just a mild limp. I take a high dose of Lyrica (started out on Neurontin first), and that does help with the excruciating nerve pain in my feet. I still can't feel my feet well, and ended up having to have one foot reconstructed because I didn't notice a broken bone. Two years ago I was diagnosed with RA, and most of my joints are now involved, so that's another layer of pain to deal with. I take hydrocodone 10/325s, usually 2-5 per day. Last February I had new pain in one calf, and an MRI showed a huge herniation at L3. I chose to have surgery, which did alleviate that pain. It also re-injured my nerves and worsened my foot drop, so now I can't walk without a brace on my leg. During the surgery, scar tissue tore and I had to spend three days flat on my back to prevent a spinal headache. My surgeon (not the same one who did the first two surgeries) told me she had never seen so much scar tissue, and implied that the first surgeon had made a mess (duh!). To give you a sense of who I am, through all this drama, I got a graduate degree, got married, and have worked full time since the first few months after the first surgery.
So that bring us up to now. A week ago, I started having pain in my left calf, only when I walk or stand. It gets more intense the longer I'm up. I am able to get up and take a shower, but that's my limit. If I sit or lie down, the pain quiets down within a few minutes. It gets worse as the day goes on, to where I can't bear to get up at all. I am used to nerve pain, but this goes beond the brief flashes I usually deal with. I'm considering renting a wheelchair if if keeps up. I'm trying to get in with a pain specialist, but it will probably be awhile with the holiday. So, finally, here's my question- anybody had this kind of pain, only with standing? If so, did anything help you? I'd really appreciate any ideas.
Caren
Anyway, the neurosurgeon attiributes the sciatica to the re-herniation of L5 S1 so he's recommending two laminectomies and cleaning up the pieces of reherniated disc floating around. I asked him Why not a fusion? He seemed to think my spine was stable enough not to do one. I also have a naturally occurring small spinal canal, so I think he's afraid to do a fusion for that reason as well.
I'm guessing that the weight on your spine while standing is compressing a nerve and that's why it's relieved when you lie down, although I'm quick to add I'm no MD. Are any of the discs herniated where you had the laminectomies done? Or just the one at L3? (I'm assuming it's the L3/L4 disc?)
You've accomplished a lot in spite of your condition. Good for you! I'm guessing you're going to be faced with a decision about another surgery or pain management. So far, pain management is where I'm at, but I'm not working either, so...I might opt for surgery to see if I can get back to working again. I've got some other health issues, so I'm truly undecided whether risking surgery will benefit me enough to be able to go back to work. Good luck to you with whatever you decide to do!
What you describe sounds like Claudication
there are two types: claudication is related to appropriate blood flow through your veins
Psuedoclaudication is usually the result of spinal stenosis or other impingements of the spinal canal. It is usally relieved by sitting and the pain occurs in the same distance/time on feet.
Here is a link:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/pseudoclaudication/HQ01278
I have severe spinal stenosis of my L3-4; L4-5 and just recently diagnosed with some in my cervical area. I can walk about 30 feet before the pain is pretty horrid and I can stand about 10-15 minutes. Sitting helps relieve the "horrid" part of the pain...but for me, laying down is the greatest relief.
I would recommend a quick follow up with your primary or your neuro...might be that another MRI is in order as you could have some impingements due to disc or bone or hardware or arthritis etc
Good Luck, let us know how you are. HUGS
that way, I can sit anytime I get this and rest....that might be easier to use in a variety of places instead of a wheelchair.
HUGS
But this combo of med might just help YOU. It has helped a lot of hard to treat people, from what another doctor has told me. Perhaps your doc will let you try it.
Best of luck and God bless. Hugs, Lee
Superduck and Jasp, I think you're right, it's most likely pseudoclaudication, from what I have read. Like Jasp, I have a naturally small canal, so I guess it makes sense. I think I am looking at pain management now, not surgery. The neurosurgeon who did my last surgery told me she would not do another on me unless it was absolutely urgent, due to the extent of my scar tissue. That made me trust her more, actually- I know she's not a cowboy who's going to take unnecessary risks with my spine. I am interested in exploring a spinal cord stimulator, and have been reading what everyone here has had to say about them.
Thanks again, everyone.
-Caren
I'm Steve & I have allot of back & leg pains. I popped my disc in 1997 at the L5 S1 level. I have gone through three back surgeries. 70% of my disc is gone & my two vertebraes are in the process of fusing together. Yes I do suffer from leg pain on my right side. From my butt all the way down to my toes. They are pins & needles 24/7.
Drugs do not help at all but one thing that has given me some temporary relief over the years is Acupuncture. it may sound a bit scary but it relaxes me to the point of falling asleep. It's not a permanent cure but it could help your problem.
I have allot of scar tissue around the surgical area & it puts allot of pressure on my Sciatic nerve. Do you hurt when you are lying down? Because when I stand, gravity takes over & the pressure on my nerve is greater but when I lay on the bed, gravity is no longer an issue & the pain eases a bit. You could do some research & try to find a qualified Acupuncturists in your area.
Please do not consider a Chiropractor because the only thing he or she will do is adjust your Bank account. I have never seen one & I never will. Things are bad enough back there. I don't someone cracking my spine.
I hope this helped. If you want to see how I deal with my situation,
have a look at my profile & have a look at the photos I added.
Doing those artworks helps me stay positive & they make me happy.
Good luck,
Steve