sounds to me like you need to get a couple of opinions from neurosurgeons. not sure where you live, but there are a lot of great neurosurgeons out there...check them out thoroughly and make an appointment. two opinions are helpful.

I'm sorry to hear you are having issues and pain! It's never fun! I'm curious what type of Dr you are going to? It sounds to me like that bulging disc is certainly impinging or compresing on your nerve(s). Since you have had an injection I assume you are seeing Pain Mgmt? If the injections don't work for you let them know before they keep wanting to do more. I'd suggest seeing a Neurosurgeon or a Neurologist. The Neurosurgeon should sit down and go over your MRI report and help decide if surgery may be an option (but always get a 2nd opinion!) - if your disc is not herniated or seriously impinging then surgery is probably not the best way. I personally am working my way to see a Neurologist because injections aren't working for me either. Hang in there! if you'd like to share more details or talk further am here!

Thanks for the replies. My dr. called this morning and said it is a very slight bulging, and the specialist he sent me to (he is a back surgeon) did not think surgery was warranted. I have a neurosurgeon...I had brain surgery last July...but since he is a distance away I have not asked him about this. He did mention that the MRI showed an arachnoid cyst...not sure if that is causing the pain or not? Any ideas?

I'm sorry to hear you have been through so much - and when you don't have answers to new problems, symptoms or pain it can become frustrating. I am not familiar with arachnoid cysts but I did take the time to wikipedia what they are. It sounds like it could certainly be causing pain and symptoms. I'm glad you heard from the Dr and surgery is not warranted. Please keep in mind that even the slighest bulge can cause nerve compression and pain. Everyone is different. Some people (very brave and strong people that I admire!) are able to live with a total herniation. Surgery is always elective and you're right, you probably shouldn't be looking into surgery for this, but please do not let that dismiss the pain. Whether the pain is caused by this "slightly" bulging disc, or even the cyst that was found - there is a reason for pain. Your body is telling you something. I would suggest talking with your Dr further about the possibility of either the disc or cyst causing your pain, or a little bit of both and then work toward a treatment plan that will help give you some relief! Best of luck!

What I'm really curious about is why my thighs ache so bad. My legs hurt, but it is really my thighs that are killing me. Would a pinched nerve in my back or hip cause this pain? Could it be something else....fibromyalgia or something>

Thigh pain can be caused by sciatica, which can be caused by the disc problem. That said, the arachnoid cyst needs also needs to be evaluated by a neurosurgeon and/or neurologist as they can sometimes cause pain syndromes, depending on where they are located in the body. Get yourself to a good academic medical center where they have neurologists that understand the implications of arachnoid cysts, and get at least two opinions. Being that you have two different problems, and either one might be causing the pain, you will need more doctors to weigh in on the treatment. Good Luck.

Hi, sorry about the pain, hope it gets better soon. Sounds to me as if the bulging disk is pinching on your nerve, it is deadening your nerve, and it could cause long term damage. That's just what I think. I would get a second opinion just to be safe.

Megsmom, I'm sorry you are so much pain. I have many of the same symptoms. I have a few bulging discs in my lumbar spine with L5-S1 being the worst.

I have problems with my hips, groin area, thighs and if I walk too much at a time I end up dragging my foot when I walk to try and get back to my vehicle.

I do see a chiropractor & can't imagine life without what he does for me. I feel relief before I leave his office. The only problem is it is only a temporary fix for me.

I do agree that you need a second opinion no matter what is going on.

Please feel free to email me if you want to talk at greater detail.

Im in the same boat you are and Im trying real hard to find answers if I come up with anything that is helpful I will let you know. I will pray for you. I do hope you feel better soon.God Bless.

Yes, it would be good to get another opinion. Regarding the different pain...there is referred pain which I have where another area hurts besides the injury which is not injured. This is one of the things that might be going on as well as what others suggested. Hang in there.