lumbar radiculopathy: dr says i don't have disk problems, i've not had an injury to my back, so what else could cause that? is it permenant?

Question

What is the difference between 'herniated disk' and 'lumbar radiculopathy'?

Answer 1

Multiple causes: Degenerative disc disease can cause symptoms. Mri could reveal pinched nerves if pain and weakness become severe. If steroids are used for asthma could have osteoporosis and compression fractures. Lab work could determine inflammatory causes. Emg could define type of nerve involvement. Recent birth could result in si joint or pubic pain. Conservative therapy with nsaids, rest or epidurals help.

Answer 2

See spine specialist: Must have an MRI to determine disk health. Other causes of pain down the leg: 1) piriformis syndrome with sciatica 2) lumbar facet joints (referred pain) 3) sacroiliac joint (referred) 4) myofascial trigger points 5) spinal stenosis with neurogenic claudication 6) vascular claudication may need emg/ncs.

Answer 3

Sciatica: Pain in the distribution as you suggested describes the pattern of the nerve that travels in the leg called the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve is not the cause of the pain source, it is the result of an irritated nerve typically in the lumbar spine (low back) which are caused by herniated disks, spinal stenosis or degenerative disc disease requiring further evaluation by a spine specialist.

Answer 4

Probably not: In younger women congestive dysmenorrhea can be very severe just before and the first 1-2 days of the cycle. If the symptoms are so severe consider using oral contraceptives which will relieve the symptoms. Talk to your gynecologist about it.

Answer 5

Yes: Have you had sex in ethe last month? If so do a pregnancy test and find out good luck.

Answer 6

Get off it: Dilantin should be relegated to history. It is an old drug of high toxicity and major problems with use. Talk to your doctor about getting off or at least changing to a newer and safer seizure medication.

Answer 7

Yes, hypnosis: Hypnosis would be safe for you to try. You have been posting multiple questions concerning your worries about seizure many years ago, about drug use now causing seizures, etc. So most of all i hope you do see a psychiatrist and therapist to help you with your anxiety. Hypnosis may help also, and it is safe. Please stay away from recreational drugs, though.

Answer 8

Carpal tunnel: Your symptoms could indicate carpal tunnel. If you do alot of typing, writing or anything that entails alot of wrist/ elbow movement then it is a possibility. You can try to use wrist brace and see if that helps. These days xbox, ps3, txt msging on small phone screens can all cause it..

Answer 9

See below: Do you type? One possibility is carpal tunnel syndrome or other nerve impingement syndrome affecting the nerves that lead to you hand. These are usually due to overuse where the nerve area is inflamed and this pain results. See you doctor.

Answer 10

Call or go back VA: If the medication is not working, i'm sure the prescribing doctor wants to know. Call the doctor or go back to the va to get re-evaluated for possibly another treatment regimen. Depending on what was given, sometimes it takes more than 1 day to feel better but if you are concerned, definitely go back.

Answer 11

Give it time or: If it is a "pulled muscle" it will get better over time with some local heat applications and rest by restriction of activity. If the pain is severe, an x-ray should be done to rule out a compression fracture as even men as they age can get fragile or osteoporotic bones. Then the treatment would be the same with some additional options as directed by a spine specialist.

lumbar radiculopathy: dr says i don't have disk problems, i've not had an injury to my back, so what else could cause that? is it permenant?

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