Back Pain Forum - Disc problems impacting spinal nerves

Conditions and Diseases > Back Pain Forum > Disc problems impacting spinal nerves

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

Q: Disc problems impacting spinal nerves

asked by: DoctorQuestion on June 16th, 2009

I am hoping I can get a greater understanding of my situation and advice from those with more experience.
The ESI has changed my lumbar pain from a sharp stabbing pain in my hips, to a dull ache in my hips & random pain in my knees, but no affect on my thoracic. The pain in my thoracic is a constant deep aching between my shoulder blades radiating to the right side of my neck, but stops at my shoulder line. At times I have stabbing pain to the right on the back of my rib cage. I do not know if it is related, but I have aching sensation in my right elbow & some times on the right side of my hand & into my pinky.
My concerns have not been addressed, because after the ESI I have loss some sensation on the outer part of my left thigh, calve, foot, & weakness above my left knee.

The pain medication enables me to regulate my pain, what other options are available and do I need to continue the ESI's?

Replies(2)

Dr. Antonio Marotta , D.C.

replied on June 24th, 2009

Back Pain Answer A6855

ESI's are not performed in the cervical or thoracic region due to the risk of injecting the spinal cord. It sounds as though you may have a disc issue that is irritating a spinal nerve. This can not only cause pain, but also digestive troubles, heart issues, lung issues, etc.

The disc pushes on nerves that not only feel pain, but also supply your organs. The pain in the elbow may be related to the neck, or may be something different. A proper evaluation must be performed by a qualified health professional.

You may consider seeking a consultation with a doctor of Chiropractic for spinal decompression. There are also different nutritional supplements you can take to reduce pain and inflammation. Fish oils/omega 3's, anti-oxidants such as OPC and the herb Boswellia help to reduce inflammation in the body. Good Luck.

Antonio Marotta, D.C.
Clifton Park Chiropractor

DISCLAIMER: "Ask a Doctor" questions are answered by certified physicians and other medical professionals who volunteer their time on eHealth Forum. For more information about experts participating in the "Ask a Doctor" Network, please visit our medical experts page. You may also visit our Back Pain , for moderated patient to patient support and information.

The information provided on eHealth Forum is designed to improve, not replace, the relationship between a patient and his/her own physician. Personal consultation(s) with a qualified medical professional is the proper means for diagnosing any medical condition.

Comments (1)

This question has been answered by the doctor. This topic is now open for public discussion, however no comments below this point will be answered by a doctor.

Learn About Us

Get Help

Join In

Do More

We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health
information:
verify here.

The site is not a replacement for professional medical opinion, examination, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your medical doctor or other qualified health professional before starting any new treatment or making any changes to existing treatment. Do not delay seeking or disregard medical advice based on information written by any author on this site. No health questions and information on eHealth Forum is regulated or evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and therefore the information should not be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease without the supervision of a medical doctor. Posts made to these forums express the views and opinions of the author, and not the administrators, moderators, or editorial staff and hence eHealth Forum and its principals will accept no liabilities or responsibilities for the statements made. Schizophrenia health sitemap.
This page was last updated on January 1, 2009.
© 2008 eForums, Inc