Back Pain Forum - Abnormal collagen variant

Conditions and Diseases > Back Pain Forum > Abnormal collagen variant

What structures make up the spine? We review basic spine anatomy here...before identifying potential causes of back pain....

Q: Abnormal collagen variant

asked by: DoctorQuestion on November 5th, 2008

Dear Drs

I have had pain in my Lumbar spine and pains/sensations of hot/cold/numbness/tingling down my legs/feet and buttocks which started after I had a virus that made me very ill - vomiting, hallucinations, high temparature, etc - and I have read that some forms of autoimmune diseases can be activated by viruses, like arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis and have been advised by my Neurosurgeon and Neurologist to see a Rheumatologist and get some tests.

I have had MRI, X-Rays of the Lumbar spine - showing degenerated discs at L2/L3 and some lower down.

I also had X-Ray of left foot due to not being able to walk on it. Painful and couldn't flatten my foot out - this X-Ray showed degeneration of the first MTPJ (big toe joint) and radiologist suggested I may have signs of arthritis or related condition or/and abnormal collagen variant. The Neurosurgeon also suggested I get tested for the abnormal collagen variant.

What sort of tests would I need to check for these?

Replies(1)

DoctorAnswer Doctor Answer

replied on January 9th, 2009

Back Pain Answer A5289

YOU WROTE:

"Current medical status: Intermittent lower Lumbar pain with pain/tingling/hot/cold feelings down legs and feet going into toes on occasions. Had MRI, X-Rays of the Lumbar spine - showing degenerated discs at L2/L3 and some lower down. Also had X-Ray of left foot due to not being able to walk on it - too painful and couldn't flatten my foot out - this X-Ray showed degeneration of the first MTPJ (big toe joint) and radiologist suggested I may have signs of arthritis or related condition or/and abnormal collagen variant.

Current medical treatment: Physiotherapy - including daily exercises at home."

In order to learn more about the specific tests you need to confirm or exclude abnormal collagen, you'll need to follow up with your neurosurgeon.

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