Lower back, hip and leg pain and weakness...mild foot drop.

CMarie,

It depends upon what is pinching the nerve.

If it is from the herniation of a disc, and the nucleus pulposus is in contact with the nerve root. In this case, some surgeons feel that treatment with a steroid dose pack, to decrease the inflammation around the nerve root. Then let the herniated nucleus pulposus resolve on its own.

Other surgeons feel that surgery should be done to remove the herniated disc material that is pressing on the nerve root.


If it is some other structure that is compressing the nerve, then it is up to the surgeon to determine if the problem will be persistent or if it will resolve. Usually, though, if it is due to an osteophyte (bone spur), facet joint hypertrophy, hypertrophy of the ligaments around the lateral recess and neural foramen (where the nerves exit the spine), these structures have to be removed surgically.


However, it is very important for you to go over the MRI, in correlation with your history, symptoms, and physical exam.

Then to come up with a treatment plan, based on that evaluation.

Good luck.

The MRI is the best test to really see what is going on, but your symptoms sound exactly like mine. I also fell, twisted mynbodynfalling down stairs & was diagnosed with a herniated disc at L5-S1' and also had pain by hip, down back of thigh to the heel of my foot, also burning zaps down my leg if I moved wrong, plus pain & numbness in the heel of my foot.

Have had 3steroid shots in back & only after the third one did I feel some relief. I am also in phys therapy & started IDD therapy, which has given me the best results after only 5 treatments.

For last one month I was suffering from left hip and leg electrifying pain, it becomes worse when I tried to sit or stand from sitting position. I have shown three different doctors in Bangalore, India. one of them told it's because of muscle stiffness. Another one is saying me it's because of disc problem which is pinching my sciatica nerve. I have done MRI, still report yet to come. I have taken lots a pain killer and gone through physiotherapy for 7 days but of no use. Finally I came across one oil called SANDHI SUDHA OIL made from rare plantation and herbals of HIMALAYA and I used it three times from last 2 days. Believe me now I am quite ok, there is no more pain. I am able to do my work though I am very cautious trying avoid bending and walking fast. One can google about SANDHI SUDHA OIL, who knows it can also make you laugh just the way it works for me. Cost will be around 50USD for three bottles. Very little amount I would say for this irritating pain.

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I feel you. I feel on the ice on January 31, 2012. I landed on my butt. After not getting better I visited my acupuncturist. Then a spine Physiatrists, I have had x rays and hav had an MRI. I have used up all my physical therapy for the year. I have gone from working 6 shifts at work to 2. I have been on steroids, anti inflammatory, ambien, and Percocet. I had to go off those meds due to an ulcer I developed from my meds. I have had 2 facuet joint injections, I received minimal relief. I had another proceedure before my radio frequency neurotomy to pin point the proper nerve. And then the proceedure where they burn the nerve to kill it for up to 2 years. I had it 19 days ago. They say it can take up to a month to feel better. Now I'm on gabapentin for the nerve pain. It feels like I have frost bite on my left buttocks and down my left leg. My hip is so week., and painful, actually it's more my groin area. . I can't say I have neuropathy on my rightside as well as I had an injury from years ago that resulted in neuropathy and I had therapy relearned to walk. I've been weaker on my right side for years. Since my fall I have been told I have arthritis, lumbar spinal stenosis and degenerative disc disease. None of which are caused by my fall. I visit a back surgeon later this week. My friends don't understand my pain. I've lost my smile and my sparkle in my eye. I cannot walk more than 50 feet without crying. I use a cane. I try to stay at home unless I have a dr appt. I just cannot cope with all the pain. I know everyone is different but if you fing something that works for you please share. Good Luck